Analog Devices Inc. 108333-HMC241ALP3

Overview

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 from Analog Devices is a 4-layer evaluation board designed to validate the HMC241ALP3E GaAs SP4T RF switch (100 MHz–4 GHz), featuring coplanar waveguide transmission lines, SMA launchers (J1–J5), and integrated 100 pF dc-blocking capacitors on all five RF ports.

For engineers reviewing the 108333-HMC241ALP3 datasheet, 108333-HMC241ALP3 pinout, 108333-HMC241ALP3 application, or 108333-HMC241ALP3 equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of insertion loss, isolation, P1dB, and IP3 performance under real-world RF layout and thermal grounding conditions.

Technical Context

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 implements a controlled-impedance RF environment with 50 Ω coplanar waveguide traces (16 mil width, 13 mil ground clearance) on a 62 mil-thick stack-up comprising Rogers RO4350 top dielectric and FR4 core layers. All RF paths route exclusively on the top copper layer, while inner and bottom layers serve as solid ground planes.

It integrates five 100 pF C0402 dc-blocking capacitors (C1–C5), a 10 nF VDD bypass capacitor (C6), dedicated test points for VDD (J6), control inputs A (J8) and B (J7), and GND (J9). The board supports thru-calibration via unpopulated SMA launchers J10/J11 to de-embed PCB loss.

Key Specifications

Availability

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, cellular infrastructure prototyping, and wireless test equipment development requiring stable component supply and repeatable measurement reference.

Supply support for 108333-HMC241ALP3 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, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and instrumentation markets with precision signal processing solutions.

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of GaAs and silicon RF switches like the HMC241ALP3E and HMC7992.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the 108333-HMC241ALP3 evaluation board?

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for characterizing the HMC241ALP3E GaAs SP4T RF switch across its full 100 MHz–4 GHz bandwidth. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF paths, dc blocking, thermal grounding vias, and SMA interfaces to measure insertion loss, isolation, linearity (P1dB/IP3), and switching timing without custom PCB development. The 108333-HMC241ALP3 enables immediate lab validation prior to system integration.

Does the 108333-HMC241ALP3 support both 3 V and 5 V operation of the HMC241ALP3E?

Yes, the 108333-HMC241ALP3 supports both 3 V and 5 V supply configurations for the HMC241ALP3E. Its VDD test point (J6) accepts either voltage level, and the onboard 10 nF bypass capacitor (C6) ensures stable decoupling across both operating ranges. Performance data in the HMC241ALP3E datasheet-such as P1dB (29 dBm typical at 5 V) and IP3 (47 dBm typical at 5 V)-can be directly validated using the 108333-HMC241ALP3 under either supply condition.

How are the NIC pins handled on the 108333-HMC241ALP3 board?

On the 108333-HMC241ALP3, all NIC (Not Internally Connected) pins of the HMC241ALP3E-pins 2, 3, 10, 11, and 13-are directly tied to the PCB's RF ground plane through low-inductance connections. This implementation follows the HMC241ALP3E datasheet requirement to maximize isolation, and the board uses dense via fencing around these pins to ensure optimal RF grounding and minimize parasitic coupling.

Can the 108333-HMC241ALP3 be used to evaluate the HMC7992 silicon switch?

No, the 108333-HMC241ALP3 is not compatible with the HMC7992. Although the HMC241ALP3E and HMC7992 are pin-compatible per the datasheet, the 108333-HMC241ALP3 layout is optimized for the GaAs device's thermal and RF characteristics-including specific ground via placement and dielectric stack-and lacks the layout adaptations required for the silicon variant's different power handling and thermal profile. Use the official HMC7992 evaluation board instead.

What calibration method does the 108333-HMC241ALP3 provide for measurement accuracy?

The 108333-HMC241ALP3 includes a dedicated thru-calibration path connecting unpopulated SMA launchers J10 and J11. This 50 Ω transmission line allows vector network analyzer (VNA) users to perform SOLT or TRL calibration, enabling precise de-embedding of PCB trace loss, connector effects, and fixture parasitics from measured HMC241ALP3E RF performance data-critical for isolating true device behavior.