Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5160-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5160-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5160 high-power silicon SPDT reflective RF switch (0.7–4.0 GHz) under real-world thermal and RF load conditions. It supports 49 dBm peak power, delivers 0.7 dB typical insertion loss to 2.0 GHz, and enables validation of LTE infrastructure signal routing with 70 dBm IP3 linearity and 47 dBm P0.1dB compression.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5160-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5160-EVALZ layout, ADRF5160-EVALZ thermal performance, or ADRF5160-EVALZ RF calibration setup, this board provides full access to RFC/RF1/RF2 ports via SMA connectors, on-board test points (TP1–TP3), and a thermally optimized 8-layer PCB with Rogers RO4350 top dielectric and copper support plate for high-power testing up to +105°C case temperature.

Technical Context

The ADRF5160-EVALZ implements a coplanar waveguide RF transmission line (18 mil width, 13 mil ground spacing) matched to 50 Ω across all ports, with dc-blocking capacitors (C1–C3: 24 pF, C4: 0.3 pF) integrated per port. Its 8-layer stack-up includes six internal 1 oz FR4 layers and outer 1.5 oz copper plated to 2 oz, enabling robust thermal conduction from the ADRF5160's exposed pad through vias to internal ground planes.

Thermal management is engineered for sustained high-power operation: the board mounts to a copper support plate (included), which in turn attaches to an external heatsink with thermal grease. Under these conditions, board temperature rise remains below 8°C at 48 dBm RF input - validating stable operation at the ADRF5160's rated 43 dBm long-term CW and 44 dBm LTE single-event average power limits.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5160-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure development, military-grade RF subsystem validation, and high-reliability test equipment design requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADRF5160-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 industrial markets since 1965.

The ADRF5160-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate qualification of high-power silicon SPDT switches in base station transceivers, active antenna systems, and broadband test instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5160-EVALZ?

The ADRF5160-EVALZ is an evaluation board built to fully characterize the ADRF5160 high-power SPDT RF switch under realistic operating conditions. It provides direct access to all RF ports (RFC, RF1, RF2) via SMA connectors, on-board test points for control and supply monitoring, and a thermally optimized 8-layer PCB that supports sustained 49 dBm peak and 43 dBm long-term CW power testing when mounted to its included copper support plate and external heatsink.

Does the ADRF5160-EVALZ include the ADRF5160 IC?

Yes, the ADRF5160-EVALZ includes one populated ADRF5160BCPZ RF switch (32-lead LFCSP, 5 mm × 5 mm) mounted on the board. The IC is soldered in place and fully integrated with the RF matching network, dc-blocking capacitors (C1–C4), and control interface components as specified in the official Analog Devices evaluation board bill of materials.

Can the ADRF5160-EVALZ be used for LTE and 5G NR signal testing?

Yes, the ADRF5160-EVALZ supports full-band operation from 0.7 GHz to 4.0 GHz, covering key LTE bands (e.g., Band 13, 25, 41) and 5G NR frequency ranges (e.g., n77, n78). Its validated 0.7 dB insertion loss to 2.0 GHz, 45–53 dB isolation, and 70 dBm IP3 performance enable accurate measurement of linearity, switching speed, and thermal stability in multi-carrier LTE and wideband 5G signal environments.

What thermal management features does the ADRF5160-EVALZ include?

The ADRF5160-EVALZ incorporates a dedicated copper support plate (shipped with the board), eight-layer PCB construction with thermal vias under the ADRF5160's exposed pad, and a 10 mil Rogers RO4350 top dielectric layer. When attached to an external heatsink with thermal grease, it achieves <8°C temperature rise at 48 dBm RF input - directly supporting validation of the ADRF5160's 43 dBm long-term CW and 44 dBm LTE single-event average power ratings.

Are RF calibration and de-embedding supported on the ADRF5160-EVALZ?

Yes, the ADRF5160-EVALZ includes a THRU CAL reference path (J1–J2) explicitly designated for vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration. This allows users to perform S-parameter measurements with de-embedded fixture effects, ensuring accurate characterization of the ADRF5160's intrinsic RF performance - including insertion loss, isolation, and return loss - independent of board parasitics.