Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADG902EBZ

Overview

EVAL-ADG902EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the ADG902 single-pole, single-throw (SPST) wideband absorptive RF switch. It supports 50 Ω impedance-matched RF paths up to 1 GHz, operates from 1.65 V to 2.75 V VDD, and features CMOS/LVTTL-compatible CTRL logic. The board enables rapid characterization of insertion loss, isolation, and switching speed in RF front-end validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADG902EBZ datasheet, EVAL-ADG902EBZ pinout, EVAL-ADG902EBZ application, or EVAL-ADG902EBZ equivalent, this board provides calibrated SMA-connected RF paths (J1–J2), on-board decoupling (10 µF tantalum + dual 10 pF ceramics), and truth-table-driven control for SPST signal routing - critical for wireless infrastructure, test instrumentation, and broadband signal routing prototyping.

Technical Context

This evaluation board implements a four-layer FR4 PCB (ε_r ≈ 4.3, thickness 0.062″) with coplanar waveguide transmission lines (trace width 0.052″, ground clearance 0.030″). It supports both ADG901 and ADG902 SPST switches using identical layout and connector placement (J1 = RF1 input, J2 = RF2 output, J6 = CTRL, J7 = VDD).

The board includes a dedicated RF through path (J4–J5) for system-level loss calibration and unpopulated footprints for user-added components. Power delivery uses separate VDD and CTRL supply inputs, with CTRL compatible across CMOS and LVTTL logic families at the specified VDD range.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADG902EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF switch evaluation, 5G small-cell front-end development, and high-frequency test fixture design requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL-ADG902EBZ 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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving precision signal processing, communications, and industrial markets.

EVAL-ADG902EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate validation of their CMOS-based wideband absorptive switches in real-world RF signal routing applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADG902EBZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-ADG902EBZ evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for characterizing the ADG902 SPST RF switch. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF paths (J1→J2), onboard power conditioning, and logic-controlled switching via J6 (CTRL) and J7 (VDD). Engineers use it with network analyzers to measure insertion loss, isolation, and switching time without custom PCB design - directly supporting ADG902 integration into RF systems.

Which RF switch variants does the EVAL-ADG902EBZ support besides the ADG902?

The EVAL-ADG902EBZ shares mechanical and electrical layout compatibility with the ADG901 (pin-for-pin SPST variant), as confirmed in UG-676 Rev. B. It is not compatible with ADG918/ADG919 SPDT switches - those require different signal routing and are supported on the same physical board only via reconfiguration (e.g., repurposing J1/J2/J3), but EVAL-ADG902EBZ is designated and validated specifically for ADG901/ADG902 SPST operation.

What are the required power supplies for operating the EVAL-ADG902EBZ?

EVAL-ADG902EBZ requires two independent DC supplies: VDD (1.65 V to 2.75 V) applied to J7, and a logic-level CTRL signal (CMOS/LVTTL compatible) applied to J6. No external bias tees or RF chokes are needed - the board integrates 10 µF tantalum and dual 10 pF ceramic decoupling capacitors adjacent to the DUT footprint to ensure stable switching under RF load.

How is RF calibration performed using the EVAL-ADG902EBZ?

Calibration on the EVAL-ADG902EBZ is performed using the dedicated J4–J5 through transmission line, which provides a known 50 Ω reference path with minimal discontinuity. By measuring S21 magnitude/phase across J4–J5, users quantify and subtract PCB trace loss from measurements taken across J1–J2 (DUT path), enabling accurate extraction of ADG902-specific RF performance per its datasheet specifications.

Can the EVAL-ADG902EBZ be used for production-level RF testing?

EVAL-ADG902EBZ is intended for engineering evaluation and design validation, not production test. Its FR4 construction and manual SMA connectors introduce repeatability limits versus metrology-grade fixtures. However, it delivers repeatable, datasheet-correlated RF metrics when used with calibrated VNAs and proper torque-controlled SMA mating - making it suitable for pre-compliance verification, prototype debugging, and supplier qualification prior to final test fixture development.