Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5740-EVALZ-292

Overview

ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5740 4-bit silicon digital attenuator (2 dB LSB, 10 MHz–60 GHz) using 2.92 mm RF connectors. It supports parallel-mode control, operates across −40°C to +105°C, and enables verification of insertion loss (≤3.3 dB up to 55 GHz), attenuation accuracy (±0.2 + 7.0% at 55 GHz), and RF amplitude settling time (175 ns). The board is used for millimeter-wave 5G infrastructure and test instrumentation validation.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 datasheet, ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 layout, ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 stack-up, or ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 RF performance in 5G mmWave systems, this page provides verified mechanical, electrical, and application-specific implementation details-including 4-layer RO4003 construction, 1.85 mm vs. 2.92 mm connector variants, coplanar waveguide routing, and thermal via placement under the LGA package.

Technical Context

The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 implements a 4-layer PCB stack-up with 1.5 oz top/bottom copper and 0.5 oz inner layers, total thickness 62 mil, using Rogers RO4003 (12 mil top dielectric) for optimal 60 GHz signal integrity. RF paths use coplanar waveguide geometry (16 mil trace width, 6 mil ground clearance) to maintain 50 Ω impedance from ATTIN/ATTOUT pins to 2.92 mm launchers.

It provides direct access to all 16 terminals of the ADRF5740's 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm LGA package (CC-16-6), including VDD (+3.3 V), VSS (−3.3 V), D2–D5 control lines, LE latch enable, ATTIN/ATTOUT RF ports, and eight GND terminals. Bypassing uses 100 pF capacitors on VDD/VSS, and the exposed pad is solidly connected to internal ground planes via dense thermal vias.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G millimeter-wave infrastructure development, military radar calibration, microwave radio design, and high-frequency test instrumentation requiring stable component supply and validated reference layouts.

Supply support for ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies for precision signal processing applications.

The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate prototyping and characterization of ultrawideband RF components-specifically targeting 5G, defense, and test equipment developers needing validated mmWave PCB layouts and calibrated measurement interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADRF5740-EVALZ-292?

The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 is an evaluation board purpose-built to validate the performance of the ADRF5740 4-bit silicon digital attenuator. It provides a fully laid-out, impedance-controlled platform with 2.92 mm RF connectors, enabling accurate measurement of attenuation accuracy, insertion loss, return loss, and settling time across 10 MHz to 60 GHz. The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 does not perform signal processing itself-it hosts and interfaces the ADRF5740 IC for lab and design-stage characterization.

How does ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 differ from ADRF5740-EVALZ-185?

The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 and ADRF5740-EVALZ-185 share identical PCB stack-up, layer count, material (RO4003), and circuit topology-but differ exclusively in RF connector type: ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 uses 2.92 mm connectors rated to 40 GHz (with usable extension to 60 GHz), while ADRF5740-EVALZ-185 uses 1.85 mm connectors rated to 67 GHz. Both boards implement the same coplanar waveguide routing, thermal via pattern, and decoupling scheme for the ADRF5740 IC.

Does ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 include the ADRF5740 IC pre-mounted?

Yes, the ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 ships with the ADRF5740BCCZN IC (16-terminal, 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm LGA package) soldered in place. The board is fully assembled and tested, including populated bypass capacitors, pull-up resistors on control lines, and calibrated RF launchers-enabling immediate connection to vector network analyzers or signal sources without additional assembly.

What power supplies are required to operate ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 with the ADRF5740 IC?

The ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 requires dual DC supplies: +3.3 V applied to the VDD pin and −3.3 V applied to the VSS pin of the mounted ADRF5740 IC. Digital control inputs (D2–D5, LE) accept CMOS/LVTTL-compatible logic levels (0 V / 3.3 V). The board includes dedicated test points (TP1, etc.) and onboard 100 pF decoupling for both rails-no external regulators or filtering are needed for basic operation.

Can ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 be used for hot-switching RF signals up to 24 dBm?

Yes-the ADRF5740-EVALZ-292 supports hot-switching of RF signals up to 24 dBm average and peak at the ATTIN port, as specified for the ADRF5740 IC under TCASE = 85°C. The board's 2.92 mm connectors, 50 Ω CPWG routing, and robust grounding ensure minimal impedance discontinuity during state transitions. However, sustained operation above 85°C case temperature requires derating per Analog Devices' power curves (Figure 2 and Figure 3 in the ADRF5740 datasheet).