Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5026-EVALZ-240

Overview

ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 from Analog Devices is a 4-layer RF evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5026 ultrawideband nonreflective SPDT switch (100 MHz–44 GHz) using 2.4 mm coaxial launchers. It features coplanar waveguide (CPWG) 50 Ω transmission lines, Rogers RO4003 dielectric, and thru-calibration capability for de-embedding board loss. The board supports hot-switching validation and thermal performance testing at up to +105°C.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 datasheet, ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 pinout, ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 application, or ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 equivalent, key selection considerations include 2.4 mm connector compatibility, embedded vs. de-embedded measurement support, CPWG trace geometry (14 mil width / 7 mil gap), thermal via placement under the LGA exposed pad, and provision for RC filtering on CTRL/EN control lines.

Technical Context

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 implements a calibrated test platform for the ADRF5026 IC, with RF paths routed on the top copper layer and solid ground planes on inner/bottom layers. Its 62 mil total thickness and 8 mil RO4003 top dielectric optimize high-frequency signal integrity up to 44 GHz.

It integrates three 2.4 mm end-launch connectors (J1–J3) for RFC, RF1, and RF2 ports, plus dedicated VDD, VSS, CTRL, EN, and GND test points with 100 pF bypass capacitors. The THRU_CAL line enables S-parameter de-embedding to isolate device-level insertion loss, return loss, and isolation performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G mmWave infrastructure validation, military radar front-end characterization, and high-frequency test instrumentation development requiring stable component supply and repeatable RF measurement accuracy.

Supply support for ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies for precision signal processing applications.

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of their ultrawideband silicon RF switches in demanding millimeter-wave systems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240?

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADRF5026 ultrawideband SPDT RF switch. It enables accurate RF characterization-including insertion loss, isolation, return loss, and switching speed-using 2.4 mm connectors and de-embedding calibration. It is not a functional subsystem but a measurement interface optimized for lab validation of the ADRF5026 IC under real-world bias and thermal conditions.

How does the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 differ from the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292?

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 uses 2.4 mm RF connectors, supporting operation up to 50 GHz, while the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 uses 2.92 mm connectors rated to 40 GHz. Both share identical PCB stack-up, CPWG layout, and calibration structure, but the connector type determines maximum usable frequency and mechanical mating compatibility with test equipment.

Can the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 be used to evaluate hot-switching behavior of the ADRF5026?

Yes. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 supports hot-switching evaluation: its 2.4 mm launchers allow simultaneous RF input and digital control stimulus, and its thermal via design maintains junction temperature stability during 24 dBm RF signal switching. The board's layout preserves the ADRF5026's specified 40 ns 0.1 dB RF settling time under live RF conditions.

Does the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 require external power supplies or logic controllers?

Yes. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 requires external +3.3 V and −3.3 V DC supplies connected to its VDD_A and VSS_A test points, and CMOS/LVTTL-compatible logic signals applied to CTRL_A and EN_A. It includes no onboard regulation or microcontroller - all bias and control must be provided externally per the ADRF5026 truth table.

Is the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 compatible with probe-based measurements?

No. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 is designed exclusively for 2.4 mm coaxial connector use. For probe-based characterization (e.g., GSG probes), Analog Devices provides a separate probe matrix board referenced in the ADRF5026 datasheet. Using probes directly on the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 would damage the 2.4 mm launchers and invalidate impedance matching.