Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADG936EBZ

Overview

EVAL-ADG936EBZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADG936 and ADG936-R wideband CMOS dual SPDT RF switches, supporting 50 Ω matched paths up to 1 GHz, with on-board SMA connectors (J3–J10), calibrated RF-through path (J9–J10), and dual CMOS-compatible control inputs (INA/INB) for switch state selection.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADG936EBZ datasheet, EVAL-ADG936EBZ pinout, EVAL-ADG936EBZ application, or EVAL-ADG936EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid RF performance validation using only a DC power supply (1.65 V–2.75 V) and network analyzer-no external logic or PCB layout required.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADG936EBZ implements a 4-layer FR4 PCB (ε_r = 4.3, thickness = 0.062") with coplanar waveguide transmission lines (trace width = 0.024", ground clearance = 0.008") to maintain 50 Ω impedance across all RF paths including RFCA/J3, RFCB/J4, RF1A/J5, RF2A/J6, RF1B/J7, RF2B/J8, and CAL-through J9–J10.

It supports both ADG936 (absorptive, 50 Ω-terminated shunt legs) and ADG936-R (reflective) variants via identical board layout; control is implemented via SMB connectors (J1/J2) or solder-jumpers K1/K2 to set INA/INB high/low, directly mapping to SPDT switching states per Table 1 in the reference design note.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADG936EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end prototyping, high-isolation switch characterization, and 50 Ω system-level calibration requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-ADG936EBZ 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-ADG936EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of wideband, high-isolation CMOS RF switches in communications, test equipment, and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADG936EBZ?

The EVAL-ADG936EBZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADG936 and ADG936-R dual SPDT RF switches. It provides fully impedance-matched 50 Ω RF paths, calibrated through-line measurement capability, and flexible CMOS control options-enabling direct RF performance assessment without custom PCB development. The EVAL-ADG936EBZ supports both absorptive and reflective switch variants on the same board layout.

Which RF ports are accessible on the EVAL-ADG936EBZ?

The EVAL-ADG936EBZ provides eight SMA-connected RF ports: J3 (RFCA), J4 (RFCB), J5 (RF1A), J6 (RF2A), J7 (RF1B), J8 (RF2B), J9 (CAL input), and J10 (CAL output). All paths use controlled 50 Ω coplanar waveguides. J9–J10 forms a dedicated through-line for de-embedding PCB insertion loss during network analyzer calibration.

How is the ADG936/ADG936-R controlled on the EVAL-ADG936EBZ?

Control of the ADG936/ADG936-R on the EVAL-ADG936EBZ is achieved via two CMOS-compatible inputs: INA (J1/K1) and INB (J2/K2). Each can be driven by SMB connectors or set statically high/low using onboard jumpers K1 and K2-mapping directly to SPDT switch states as defined in Table 1 of the reference documentation for the EVAL-ADG936EBZ.

What power supply requirements does the EVAL-ADG936EBZ have?

The EVAL-ADG936EBZ requires a single 1.65 V to 2.75 V DC supply applied across J12 (VDD and GND). On-board decoupling consists of two 10 μF tantalum capacitors (C1, C2) and one 100 pF NPO ceramic capacitor (C3) placed near U1-the ADG936 or ADG936-R device mounted on the EVAL-ADG936EBZ.

Can the EVAL-ADG936EBZ be used with both ADG936 and ADG936-R devices?

Yes-the EVAL-ADG936EBZ is explicitly designed to support both the ADG936 (absorptive, 50 Ω-terminated shunt legs) and ADG936-R (reflective) variants. The board layout, RF path design, and control interface are identical for both; no hardware modification is needed when swapping between them. This dual compatibility is confirmed in the official Analog Devices evaluation note for the EVAL-ADG936EBZ.