Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADG918EBZ

Overview

EVAL-ADG918EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed specifically for the ADG918 and ADG919 SPDT wideband CMOS RF switches, supporting RF signal path characterization up to 1 GHz with 50 Ω coplanar waveguide transmission lines, VDD supply range of 1.65 V to 2.75 V, and CMOS/LVTTL-compatible CTRL inputs.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADG918EBZ datasheet, EVAL-ADG918EBZ pinout, EVAL-ADG918EBZ application, or EVAL-ADG918EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of insertion loss, isolation, and switching behavior in RF front-end designs-particularly where calibration traceability, PCB loss estimation via J4–J5 through-line, and dual-switch family interoperability are critical.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADG918EBZ supports the ADG918/ADG919 SPDT switch configuration, where RFC serves as common RF port and RF1/RF2 as selectable paths, controlled by a single digital input (CTRL) with truth table-defined routing (0 → RF2→RFC, 1 → RF1→RFC). It implements a four-layer FR4 PCB (ε_r ≈ 4.3, thickness 0.062″) with grounded coplanar waveguides (trace width 0.052″, ground clearance 0.030″).

Power delivery includes a 10 μF tantalum capacitor on VDD and two 10 pF ceramic capacitors near the DUT pins for decoupling; unpopulated footprints allow user-modified filtering or biasing. Calibration capability is provided via dedicated J4–J5 through-line to de-embed board loss during network analyzer measurements.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADG918EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test bench setup, 5G infrastructure prototyping, and IoT transceiver development requiring stable component supply and documented evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for EVAL-ADG918EBZ 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 digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The EVAL-ADG918EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate validation of broadband switch performance in real-world RF signal chains.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADG918EBZ?

The EVAL-ADG918EBZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to characterize the ADG918 and ADG919 SPDT RF switches. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF paths, proper decoupling, and a documented layout to measure insertion loss, isolation, and switching speed - all without requiring custom PCB design. The EVAL-ADG918EBZ enables immediate lab validation using standard network analyzers and DC power supplies.

Does the EVAL-ADG918EBZ support both ADG918 and ADG919 devices interchangeably?

Yes - the EVAL-ADG918EBZ is explicitly designed for both ADG918 and ADG919 switches, sharing identical pinout, biasing, and RF interface requirements. Its schematic and silkscreen accommodate either device in the U1 footprint, and the CTRL truth table (0 = RF2→RFC, 1 = RF1→RFC) applies identically to both. The EVAL-ADG918EBZ user guide confirms this dual-device compatibility in UG-676 Rev. B.

What RF connectors are used on the EVAL-ADG918EBZ?

The EVAL-ADG918EBZ uses seven SMA end-launch connectors (J1–J7), all rated for 0.062″ board thickness. J1 connects to RFC, J2 to RF1, J3 to RF2, J4/J5 form the calibration through-line, J6 is unused (labeled RFC on silkscreen but not populated), and J7 is the VDD supply input. These connectors maintain 50 Ω impedance continuity and support repeatable RF measurements up to 1 GHz.

How is power supplied to the EVAL-ADG918EBZ?

Power is supplied via J7 (VDD) and a separate CTRL logic input. VDD accepts 1.65 V to 2.75 V DC, matching the ADG918/ADG919's native supply range. A 10 μF tantalum capacitor (C4) and two 10 pF ceramics (C1, C2) provide local decoupling. No onboard voltage regulation is included - users must supply clean, low-noise DC from an external source. The EVAL-ADG918EBZ does not derive power from USB or host interfaces.

Can the EVAL-ADG918EBZ be used to evaluate ADG901/ADG902 SPST switches?

No - while the same physical board revision (EVAL-ADG901EBZ/EVAL-ADG902EBZ/EVAL-ADG918EBZ/EVAL-ADG919EBZ) shares mechanical layout and documentation, the EVAL-ADG918EBZ is configured for SPDT operation (RFC/RF1/RF2 topology). ADG901/ADG902 require different RF routing (RF1/RF2 only, no RFC) and use distinct truth tables. UG-676 explicitly separates setup instructions, schematics, and top-view diagrams per device type - the EVAL-ADG918EBZ is not validated for SPST use.