Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ

Overview

EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADGM1304 - a 0 Hz/DC to 14 GHz, single-pole, four-throw (SP4T) MEMS switch with integrated driver in a 24-lead LFCSP package. It supports RF performance validation via SMA connectors (RF1–RF4, RFC, RF5/RF6), parallel (LVTTL/CMOS) and SPI control interfaces, and on-board calibration transmission line for de-embedding PCB effects up to 16 GHz.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ datasheet, EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ pinout, EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ application, or EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ equivalent, this board enables full functional verification of high-frequency MEMS switching behavior, insertion loss, off-isolation, and timing-controlled RF path selection in lab and design validation environments.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ implements a complete test fixture for the ADGM1304 SP4T MEMS switch, integrating coplanar waveguide (CPWG) RF traces with matched 50 Ω impedance, equal-length routing (A + B = calibration line length), and precise phase offset correction support. Its onboard control IC provides 80 V MEMS actuation voltage generation and dual-mode interface logic (parallel or SPI).

It requires external 3.3 V DC power and interfaces with a PC via the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board using USB, enabling software-driven configuration through Analog Devices' ACE software. Calibration uses RF5/RF6 THRU line measurements to de-embed PCB trace loss and phase shift from raw S-parameter data.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, high-frequency switch characterization, and MEMS-based reconfigurable circuit prototyping requiring stable component supply and calibrated measurement capability.

Supply support for EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ 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 headquartered in Norwood, MA, specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision and high-frequency applications.

The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate development and validation of wideband MEMS switching solutions in 5G infrastructure, test instrumentation, and reconfigurable RF systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ?

The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADGM1304 MEMS switch, enabling full RF performance characterization-including insertion loss, isolation, and switching speed-across 0 Hz to 14 GHz. It provides calibrated SMA interfaces, dual control modes (parallel/SPI), and on-board de-embedding support to isolate device behavior from PCB parasitics. The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ does not operate as a standalone switch but serves exclusively as a test platform for the ADGM1304.

Which software is required to operate the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ via SPI?

The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ requires Analog Devices' ACE (Analysis | Control | Evaluation) software, which provides register-level access, real-time block diagram visualization, and memory map editing for the ADGM1304. ACE installs SDP-B drivers and .NET Framework 4, and communicates with the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ via the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board over USB. No third-party or custom firmware is needed-the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ operates natively within ACE's plug-in architecture.

Can the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ be used without the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z controller board?

No-the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ lacks native USB or serial interface hardware and relies entirely on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (SDP-B) controller board for SPI communication and power regulation. While parallel mode operation can be performed using SMB connectors and external logic signals, full functionality-including register read/write, memory map access, and GUI-driven control-requires the SDP-B board and ACE software. The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ has no independent microcontroller or firmware.

How does the on-board calibration transmission line (RF5/RF6) improve measurement accuracy?

The RF5/RF6 THRU line on the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ is a precisely matched coplanar waveguide identical in electrical length to the sum of any RFx-to-switch and RFC-to-switch trace lengths. By measuring its S(2,1) response, users can mathematically de-embed PCB insertion loss and apply port extension to correct phase offset-enabling true device-level S-parameter extraction up to 16 GHz. This eliminates systematic errors introduced by board layout, making the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ suitable for metrology-grade validation.

What are the power supply requirements for the EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ?

The EVAL-ADGM1304SDZ requires a clean, regulated 3.3 V DC supply delivered via terminal block P5, referenced to the board's GND silkscreen mark. An internal 10 MHz oscillator (enabled by default via EXTD_EN = INT) powers the ADGM1304's charge pump; disabling it (EXT position) requires applying 80 V DC externally to the EXT_VCP SMB connector. Total supply current remains ≤50 μA when the internal oscillator is disabled and no RF load is active.