Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ

Overview

EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADGM1121 - a dual-chip, 2×DPDT MEMS RF switch in a 5.00 mm × 4.00 mm × 1.00 mm LGA package - operating from DC to 16 GHz with 3.3 V single-supply operation and supporting both parallel (LVTTL/CMOS) and SPI control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ datasheet, EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ pinout, EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ application, or EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ equivalent, this board enables full RF performance validation of the ADGM1121 MEMS switch using calibrated 2.92 mm connectors, on-board thru-line calibration, SDP-B controller integration, and ACE software-based register-level control.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ implements a complete test platform for the ADGM1121 MEMS switch, which integrates a DPDT RF switch and dedicated control IC in one co-packaged LGA device. The control IC generates internal high-voltage drive signals and supports dual interface modes: 4-bit parallel (IN1–IN4) and 4-wire SPI via SDP-B connector (P3).

It features on-board 2.92 mm edge-launch RF connectors (RF1A/RF1B/RF2A/RF2B/RFCA/RFCB), a dedicated calibration thru-line (J7/J8) matched to PCB trace lengths, and configurable power routing (USB or external 3.3 V via JP7), with EXTD_EN link enabling/disabling the internal 10 MHz oscillator for VCP voltage generation.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test bench setup, MEMS switch characterization, and high-frequency front-end design validation requiring stable component supply, calibrated measurement infrastructure, and SPI/parallel interface flexibility.

Supply support for EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ 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 EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development and validation of MEMS-based RF switches like the ADGM1121 in microwave and millimeter-wave systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ?

The EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ is an evaluation board for the ADGM1121 MEMS RF switch. It provides full hardware and software infrastructure - including 2.92 mm RF connectors, configurable power and control interfaces, on-board calibration thru-line, and ACE software integration - to measure and validate the ADGM1121's DC–16 GHz switching performance, insertion loss, return loss, and isolation under real-world conditions. The EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ does not function as a standalone IC or discrete component but serves exclusively as a characterization platform for the ADGM1121BCCZ device.

Does the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ require an external power supply?

Yes, the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ requires a 3.3 V DC supply, which can be delivered either through the USB Mini-B port (USB_PWR) or an external 3.3 V source connected to the EXT_3V3 terminal block. JP7 selects the source: position USB_PWR powers the board from USB, while EXT_3V3 routes external 3.3 V. The voltage must be positive with respect to the board's GND silkscreen mark. No onboard voltage conversion or regulation beyond the ADP1720ARMZ-3.3-R7 linear regulator is provided for the main rail.

How is RF calibration performed using the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ?

RF calibration uses the dedicated J7/J8 thru-line, which matches the electrical length of the RF path from any RFx connector to the ADGM1121 pins plus the path from RFCA/RFCB to their pins. This allows de-embedding of PCB trace loss and phase offset during vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements. Users perform SLOT calibration first, then measure the thru-line's S(2,1), store it, and divide the full switch measurement by this reference data - either in real time or post-processing - to isolate true ADGM1121 performance. Port extension with half the thru-line delay corrects phase.

Which control interfaces does the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ support for the ADGM1121?

The EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ supports two mutually exclusive control modes for the ADGM1121: parallel (LVTTL/CMOS) via IN1–IN4 jumpers (JP1–JP4 set to B) or SPI via the SDP-B controller board connected to P3 (JP1–JP4 set to A and PIN_N/SPI set to B). The parallel interface uses four logic inputs to directly configure each of the four DPDT switch paths; SPI enables register-level control, memory mapping, and multi-device daisy-chaining. Both modes are fully supported in ACE software.

Is the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ compatible with other Analog Devices SDP platforms?

The EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ is explicitly designed for use with the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (SDP-B) controller board, as confirmed in UG-2136. It connects via the 120-pin P3 header and relies on SDP-B firmware and ACE software drivers. While SDP-B is the only controller referenced in official documentation, compatibility with newer SDP variants (e.g., SDP-S) is not documented or guaranteed. Users must install ACE software with the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ plugin and use the SDP-B board to access full SPI functionality, register editing, and real-time block diagram control of the EVAL-ADGM1121SDZ.