Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5026-EVALZ-292

Overview

ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5026 ultrawideband nonreflective SPDT RF switch, supporting 100 MHz to 44 GHz operation with 2.4 mm RF launchers (J1–J3), 4-layer Rogers RO4003 substrate, and coplanar waveguide (CPWG) 50 Ω transmission lines. It enables de-embedded device-level measurements including insertion loss, return loss, and isolation.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 datasheet, ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 pinout, ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 application, or ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 equivalent, this board provides calibrated RF performance validation for 5G mmWave infrastructure, test instrumentation, and military radar front-end design where high-frequency switching integrity and thermal stability are critical.

Technical Context

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 implements a 4-layer PCB stack-up with 1.5 oz top/bottom copper layers, 8 mil Rogers RO4003 dielectric, and 62 mil total thickness optimized for 2.4 mm connector mounting. RF paths use CPWG geometry (14 mil trace width, 7 mil ground spacing) to maintain 50 Ω impedance across DC–44 GHz.

It integrates thru-calibration (THRU CAL) for de-embedding board loss, on-board 100 pF bypass capacitors at VDD/VSS, and unpopulated RC filter positions for CTRL/EN noise suppression. The board supports both hot-switching and all-off state validation of the ADRF5026 IC under −40°C to +105°C case temperature conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G mmWave infrastructure validation, microwave radio development, and electronic warfare system testing requiring stable component supply and repeatable high-frequency characterization.

Supply support for ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 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 leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF integrated circuits, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving precision signal processing applications across industrial, communications, and defense markets.

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to validate ultrawideband silicon RF switches in real-world mmWave system environments with calibrated measurement fidelity.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292?

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 is an evaluation board designed exclusively to characterize the ADRF5026 nonreflective SPDT RF switch. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF paths via 2.4 mm connectors, de-embedding capability through its THRU CAL line, and thermal/mechanical stability for accurate measurement of insertion loss, isolation, and return loss from 100 MHz to 44 GHz. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 does not function as a standalone product but serves as a reference platform for validating ADRF5026 performance in system-level designs.

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

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 uses 2.4 mm RF connectors, while the ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 uses 2.40 mm (i.e., identical 2.4 mm) connectors - the naming reflects Analog Devices' internal revision coding, not physical distinction. Both boards share identical PCB stack-up, CPWG layout, calibration structure, and electrical specifications. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 and ADRF5026-EVALZ-240 are functionally interchangeable for ADRF5026 evaluation; no performance or interface differences exist between them.

Can the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 be used to evaluate other RF switches?

No - the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 is mechanically and electrically optimized for the ADRF5026's 20-terminal 3 mm × 3 mm LGA package (CC-20-3) and its specific pinout, biasing, and RF port arrangement. Its RF launchers, ground vias, and CPWG geometry are tuned to match the ADRF5026's 50 Ω ports and dual ±3.3 V supply requirements. Using it with other devices would require redesign of the footprint, matching network, and power delivery - the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 is not a generic RF switch evaluation platform.

What calibration method is supported by the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292?

The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 supports thru-reflect-line (TRL) calibration using its dedicated THRU CAL trace, enabling vector network analyzer (VNA) de-embedding to remove board-level losses and extract true ADRF5026 device parameters. This allows accurate measurement of insertion loss, return loss, and isolation at the IC pins rather than at the connector interface. The ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 does not include reflect or line standards beyond the thru path, so full TRL requires supplemental calibration substrates.

Does the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 support hot switching validation?

Yes - the ADRF5026-EVALZ-292 supports hot switching validation of the ADRF5026 under RF signal presence during state transitions. Its 50 Ω matched RF paths, low-inductance grounding via dense via arrays under the exposed pad, and controlled CPWG geometry preserve signal integrity during fast 40 ns RF settling time events. The board's layout and component selection (e.g., 100 pF bypass caps) ensure stable ±3.3 V supply delivery during dynamic switching, enabling reliable characterization of ADRF5026 hot-switching behavior up to 24 dBm input power.