Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5300-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5300-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a 4-layer evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the ADRF5300 reflective SPDT RF switch operating from 24 GHz to 32 GHz. It supports full RF performance measurement-including insertion loss (1.1 dB), isolation (38 dB), P0.1dB (37 dBm), and IP3 (65 dBm)-using 2.4 mm RF launchers and coplanar waveguide routing on Rogers RO4003 dielectric.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5300-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5300-EVALZ layout, ADRF5300-EVALZ application circuit, or ADRF5300-EVALZ stack-up, this board provides traceable RF calibration (TRL kit), GSG-probe-ready test points, thermal-optimized grounding, and verified bias sequencing for millimeter-wave 5G infrastructure, radar, and test instrumentation development.

Technical Context

The ADRF5300-EVALZ implements a validated reference layout for the ADRF5300 LGA package (CC-20-9, 3 mm × 3 mm), featuring 0.5 oz top/bottom copper plated to 1.5 oz, 8 mil RO4003 dielectric, and 62 mil total thickness to support 2.4 mm connector mechanical compatibility. All RF traces use CPWG geometry (14 mil width, 7 mil ground clearance) for precise 50 Ω impedance control.

It integrates dedicated bypassing (100 pF on VDD), exposed pad grounding via dense via arrays, and separate digital/RF ground planes-enabling accurate high-frequency characterization while enforcing proper power-up sequencing (tPOWERUP = 50 µs, tHOLD = 40 µs) per the ADRF5300 data sheet.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5300-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G millimeter-wave base station prototyping, military radar front-end validation, and high-frequency test instrumentation development requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADRF5300-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 signal processing, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The ADRF5300-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of their millimeter-wave silicon switches-supporting rapid verification of RF performance, thermal behavior, and layout best practices in 24–32 GHz systems.

FAQ

What is the ADRF5300-EVALZ used for?

The ADRF5300-EVALZ is an evaluation board designed exclusively to characterize the ADRF5300 reflective SPDT RF switch. It enables accurate measurement of insertion loss, isolation, return loss, P0.1dB, and IP3 across 24–32 GHz using calibrated 2.4 mm RF ports and TRL-based de-embedding. Engineers use the ADRF5300-EVALZ to validate RF layout, verify bias sequencing, and assess thermal performance before integrating the ADRF5300 into final 5G or radar designs.

Does the ADRF5300-EVALZ include the ADRF5300 IC?

Yes, the ADRF5300-EVALZ includes one mounted ADRF5300 RF switch in its 20-terminal LGA package (CC-20-9). The board is pre-assembled with the device, matching network components, bypass capacitors, and RF launchers-ready for immediate connection to vector network analyzers or signal sources without additional assembly or soldering required for basic evaluation of the ADRF5300.

Can the ADRF5300-EVALZ be used for hot-switching validation?

Yes, the ADRF5300-EVALZ supports hot-switching validation of the ADRF5300 under real-world RF conditions. Its layout maintains strict 50 Ω CPWG routing, low-inductance grounding, and proper VDD bypassing-enabling reliable testing of RF settling time (70 ns to 0.1 dB), switching transients, and power handling (28 dBm average, 36 dBm peak) at 24–32 GHz while respecting the ADRF5300's tHOLD (40 µs) and tPOWERUP (50 µs) timing requirements.

What calibration method does the ADRF5300-EVALZ support?

The ADRF5300-EVALZ incorporates a full through-reflect-line (TRL) calibration kit directly on the PCB, allowing users to de-embed fixture losses and accurately isolate the intrinsic S-parameters of the ADRF5300. This eliminates measurement uncertainty from launchers, traces, and discontinuities-ensuring that insertion loss, isolation, and return loss data reflect only the ADRF5300's true RF behavior-not board parasitics.

Is the ADRF5300-EVALZ compatible with probe-based measurements?

No-the ADRF5300-EVALZ is optimized for connectorized 2.4 mm RF measurements, not direct probing. For GSG probe-based characterization, Analog Devices provides a separate probe matrix board (described in the ADRF5300 data sheet), which shares identical stack-up and CPWG geometry but features open pads near RFC/RF1/RF2 pins. The ADRF5300-EVALZ prioritizes rugged, repeatable connector interfacing over probe access.