Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5048-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5048-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to accelerate development and characterization of the ADRF5048 ultrawideband nonreflective SP4T RF switch, supporting 100 MHz to 45 GHz operation with <4.0 dB insertion loss at 45 GHz, >35 dB isolation, and ±1000 V HBM ESD rating on RF pins. It enables rapid validation in mmWave 5G infrastructure, test instrumentation, and military radar front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5048-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5048-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5048-EVALZ application, or ADRF5048-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides full access to the ADRF5048's RFC/RF1–RF4 ports, dual-supply (±3.3 V) power delivery, CMOS/LVTTL-compatible control interface (EN, LS, V1, V2), and optimized coplanar waveguide routing for 50 Ω impedance integrity up to 45 GHz.

Technical Context

The ADRF5048-EVALZ implements a fully populated, impedance-matched reference design for the ADRF5048 silicon SP4T switch, featuring 24-terminal LGA (CC-24-14) mounting, exposed thermal pad grounding, and decoupling capacitors placed per Analog Devices' recommended layout. It supports hot-switching at 30 dBm and operates across −40°C to +105°C.

All four RF throw paths (RF1–RF4) are DC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω, eliminating need for external DC blocking or matching networks when RF line bias is 0 V. The board includes dedicated test points for EN, LS, V1, V2, VDD, and VSS to facilitate timing, logic, and supply margin verification.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5048-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mmWave 5G base station development, automated test equipment (ATE) calibration, and electronic warfare subsystem prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated RF performance up to 45 GHz.

Supply support for ADRF5048-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, industrial, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADRF5048-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to de-risk high-frequency switch integration in 5G, radar, and test instrumentation by delivering production-grade layout, thermal, and signal integrity validation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADRF5048-EVALZ?

The ADRF5048-EVALZ is an evaluation board that provides a complete, ready-to-use platform for characterizing and prototyping with the ADRF5048 ultrawideband SP4T RF switch. It enables engineers to validate insertion loss, isolation, switching speed, and linearity across 100 MHz to 45 GHz without designing custom PCBs. The ADRF5048-EVALZ includes SMA connectors, proper decoupling, thermal vias, and test points aligned to the ADRF5048's pinout and recommended layout guidelines.

Does the ADRF5048-EVALZ support hot switching at full rated power?

Yes, the ADRF5048-EVALZ supports hot switching at 30 dBm on the RFC port while toggling between RF1–RF4, as specified for the ADRF5048 device. Its layout maintains controlled impedance and low-inductance grounding to preserve the ADRF5048's 30 dBm hot-switching capability up to 40 GHz. The board's RF trace routing and ground via density are optimized per Analog Devices' recommendations to minimize transient reflections during state transitions.

Can the ADRF5048-EVALZ be used with other switches in the ADRF504x family?

The ADRF5048-EVALZ is specifically designed for the ADRF5048 and is not mechanically or electrically compatible with ADRF5049, ADRF5042, or ADRF5043 evaluation boards. Although the ADRF5048 shares pin compatibility with those devices at the IC level, the ADRF5048-EVALZ's layout-including RF trace lengths, grounding scheme, and decoupling placement-is tuned to the ADRF5048's electrical behavior and thermal profile. Substituting another ADRF504x IC on this board may yield non-compliant RF performance.

What power supply requirements does the ADRF5048-EVALZ have?

The ADRF5048-EVALZ requires two independent, low-noise DC supplies: +3.3 V applied to the VDD net and −3.3 V applied to the VSS net, both compliant with ADRF5048's recommended operating conditions (±3.15 V to ±3.45 V). Each rail is decoupled with 100 pF multilayer ceramic capacitors placed adjacent to the ADRF5048's supply pins. The ADRF5048-EVALZ does not include onboard voltage regulation - external bench supplies or DC-DC modules must provide stable, well-filtered ±3.3 V rails.

How is thermal performance managed on the ADRF5048-EVALZ?

The ADRF5048-EVALZ manages thermal performance via a 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm exposed paddle soldered directly to a solid internal ground plane, connected to external ground layers using ≥12 filled thermal vias. This structure achieves θJC ≈ 100 °C/W for through-path operation, enabling continuous 30 dBm RF power handling at TCASE ≤ 85°C. The board's Rogers RO4003 substrate further enhances thermal conductivity compared to standard FR-4, ensuring reliable operation across the full −40°C to +105°C junction temperature range of the ADRF5048.