Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5717-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5717-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the ADRF5717 silicon digital attenuator - a 2-bit, ultrawideband RF component supporting 1 MHz to 30 GHz operation with 48 dB attenuation range in 16 dB steps, ±0.8 dB typical step error up to 8 GHz, and 50 Ω matched RF ports. It enables rapid prototyping for millimeter-wave 5G infrastructure and test instrumentation signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5717-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5717-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5717-EVALZ application, or ADRF5717-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides full access to the ADRF5717's parallel-mode control interface (LE, D5, D6), dual- or single-supply operation, RF input/output (ATTIN/ATTOUT), and thermal grounding via exposed pad - all implemented on a CPWG-based PCB optimized for 50 Ω impedance integrity and minimal RF loss.

Technical Context

The ADRF5717-EVALZ implements the ADRF5717 IC in a controlled RF environment using coplanar waveguide (CPWG) transmission lines (16 mil trace width, 6 mil ground clearance) on Rogers RO4003 substrate. It supports both dual-supply (±3.3 V) and single-supply (3.3 V/VSS = GND) configurations, with bypassing (100 pF) on VDD/VSS and direct/latched parallel mode control via LE, D5, and D6 pins.

Board-level design includes dense via arrays under the LGA package's exposed pad and around RF traces to ensure optimal RF grounding and thermal dissipation. The ATTIN and ATTOUT ports are DC-coupled, require no external blocking capacitors at 0 V DC bias, and maintain <2.8 dB insertion loss up to 30 GHz when used with the ADRF5717BCCZN device.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5717-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G millimeter-wave base station development, microwave radio transceivers, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply, repeatable RF characterization, and fast time-to-test validation of digital attenuator performance.

Supply support for ADRF5717-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 integrated circuits, serving precision instrumentation, communications, industrial, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADRF5717-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of broadband silicon RF components - especially digital attenuators, switches, and gain blocks targeting 5G, radar, and test instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5717-EVALZ?

The ADRF5717-EVALZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADRF5717 2-bit silicon digital attenuator. It provides a fully laid-out, impedance-controlled platform to measure insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, switching speed, and linearity across 1 MHz–30 GHz - enabling engineers to validate system-level integration before committing to custom PCB designs.

Does the ADRF5717-EVALZ support both dual-supply and single-supply operation of the ADRF5717?

Yes, the ADRF5717-EVALZ supports both configurations. Jumper options allow selection between dual-supply (±3.3 V) and single-supply (3.3 V/VSS = GND) modes, matching the ADRF5717's documented operating conditions. Performance trade-offs - such as reduced P0.1dB (21 dBm) and IP3 (34–36 dBm) in single-supply mode - are preserved as specified in the ADRF5717 datasheet Rev. B.

Can the ADRF5717-EVALZ be used to evaluate latched versus direct parallel mode control?

Yes. The ADRF5717-EVALZ exposes the LE, D5, and D6 control pins with test points and optional pull-up/down resistors, enabling full validation of both latched parallel mode (LE toggled to capture D5/D6 states) and direct parallel mode (LE held high). Timing parameters like 6.6 μs RF amplitude settling (0.1 dB) are measurable per ADRF5717 specification.

What RF connector types are used on the ADRF5717-EVALZ?

The ADRF5717-EVALZ uses SMA female connectors for both ATTIN and ATTOUT ports, mounted directly on 50 Ω CPWG traces. These connectors are rated for DC–40 GHz operation and maintain return loss >20 dB up to 18 GHz, consistent with the ADRF5717's RF port performance under matched conditions.

Is thermal management implemented on the ADRF5717-EVALZ, and how does it relate to ADRF5717 power handling?

Yes - the ADRF5717-EVALZ features a 3 mm × 3 mm exposed pad soldered to a solid internal ground plane with ≥20 thermal vias, replicating the recommended thermal path from the ADRF5717 datasheet. This implementation supports the ADRF5717's rated 30 dBm steady-state average RF power handling at TCASE = 85°C, with derating applied above that temperature per Figure 2 and Figure 3.