Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5040-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5040-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5040 9 kHz–12.0 GHz nonreflective SP4T RF switch in a 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package. It supports full RF performance validation including 0.8 dB insertion loss at 8.0 GHz, 34 dB isolation at 8.0 GHz, and 9 µs RF settling time, enabling rapid prototyping for microwave radio and test instrumentation applications.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5040-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5040-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5040-EVALZ application, or ADRF5040-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides calibrated 50 Ω SMA interfaces (J1–J5), on-board ADRF5040BCPZ IC, and Rogers 4350 PCB material optimized for broadband RF measurement up to 12 GHz.

Technical Context

The ADRF5040-EVALZ implements proper RF layout practices: all signal traces are impedance-controlled at 50 Ω, the ADRF5040's exposed pad is directly soldered to the ground plane, and dc-blocking capacitors (C1, C6) are placed at each RF port per datasheet requirements. The board supports dual-supply operation (VDD = +3.3 V, VSS = −3.3 V) and positive-only control logic (V1/V2 = 0 V or 3.3 V).

It enables functional verification of all four switch paths (RFC→RF1 through RFC→RF4) using the truth table defined in the ADRF5040 datasheet Rev. B, with test points (TP1–TP5) allowing direct probing of supply rails, control lines, and RF ports without degrading RF integrity.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5040-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, VSAT system validation, military ECM testing, and fiber-optic transceiver characterization requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADRF5040-EVALZ 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 ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADRF5040-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of broadband, high-isolation silicon SPnT switches for test & measurement and aerospace/defense systems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the ADRF5040-EVALZ evaluation board?

The ADRF5040-EVALZ evaluation board is a fully assembled, RF-optimized platform for evaluating the ADRF5040 9 kHz–12.0 GHz nonreflective SP4T switch. It provides calibrated SMA interfaces, proper grounding per JEDEC MO-220-VGGD-8, and dc-blocking capacitors to validate insertion loss, isolation, and switching speed across the full frequency range - enabling immediate lab characterization without custom PCB design.

Does the ADRF5040-EVALZ support hot-switching validation?

Yes, the ADRF5040-EVALZ supports hot-switching validation under recommended operating conditions: it accommodates 27 dBm hot-switch power level at 2 GHz per ADRF5040 datasheet Rev. B, with proper thermal management via the Rogers 4350B PCB and direct-exposed-pad grounding to dissipate heat during high-power RF transitions.

Can the ADRF5040-EVALZ be used with both single-ended and differential control signals?

No - the ADRF5040-EVALZ is configured for positive-only digital control as specified for the ADRF5040: V1 and V2 inputs accept 0 V / 3.3 V logic levels only. The board includes no level-shifting or differential receiver circuitry; control must be applied as two single-ended CMOS-compatible signals referenced to the board's local ground.

What calibration references does the ADRF5040-EVALZ provide?

The ADRF5040-EVALZ includes a dedicated THRU CAL path (J4–J5) that provides a direct 50 Ω transmission line between two SMA connectors, enabling SOLT calibration of vector network analyzers before measuring switch performance. This path bypasses the ADRF5040 device entirely and is routed with identical impedance control as active RF paths.

Is the ADRF5040-EVALZ compatible with the ADRF5042 or ADRF5043 switches?

No - the ADRF5040-EVALZ is mechanically and electrically tailored to the ADRF5040BCPZ (24-lead LFCSP, CP-24-16). The ADRF5042 and ADRF5043 use different pinouts, supply configurations, and package footprints; mounting either on the ADRF5040-EVALZ would result in incorrect connections and potential damage.