Analog Devices Inc. 115202-HMC546LP2

Overview

115202-HMC546LP2 from Analog Devices is a 2350 MHz-tuned evaluation board for the HMC546LP2E GaAs SPDT RF switch, supporting failsafe LNA protection and T/R switching in narrowband infrastructure systems. It delivers 0.6–0.8 dB Tx-to-RFC insertion loss, 25–30 dB RFC-to-Rx isolation, and supports 10 W RF power handling with external matching components.

For engineers reviewing the 115202-HMC546LP2 datasheet, 115202-HMC546LP2 pinout, 115202-HMC546LP2 application, or 115202-HMC546LP2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of the HMC546LP2E switch in WiMAX, PMR, and automotive telematics front-end designs requiring precise 2350 MHz band alignment and thermal-stable RF performance.

Technical Context

The 115202-HMC546LP2 is a fixed-frequency evaluation platform built around the HMC546LP2E SPDT switch, pre-tuned to 2350 MHz using verified component values: C1/C3/C5 = 330 pF, C2 = 0.6 pF, C7 = 2.0 pF, L1 = 2.0 nH (0402), and L2 = 3.3 nH (0402). It implements the recommended RF layout per Analog Devices' CP-6-10 LFCSP package guidelines, including direct exposed-pad grounding and 50 Ω controlled-impedance traces.

This board operates within −40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, requires no VDD biasing for basic functionality (leverages failsafe topology), and uses SMA connectors (J1–J3) for RFC, Tx, and Rx ports. Its Rogers 4350 substrate ensures stable dielectric performance across temperature and frequency sweeps at 2350 MHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

115202-HMC546LP2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for WiMAX repeater development, private mobile radio (PMR) transceiver validation, and automotive telematics RF front-end prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for 115202-HMC546LP2 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, and automotive markets with precision signal processing solutions.

The 115202-HMC546LP2 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave legacy evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate RF switch integration in narrowband wireless infrastructure applications demanding verified 2350 MHz band performance.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the 115202-HMC546LP2 evaluation board?

The 115202-HMC546LP2 evaluation board is a fully assembled, 2350 MHz–tuned platform for validating the HMC546LP2E GaAs SPDT RF switch in transmit/receive and LNA protection applications. It provides pre-characterized matching networks, SMA interfaces, and Rogers 4350 PCB construction-enabling immediate RF performance measurement without custom layout or component selection. The 115202-HMC546LP2 directly supports design-in of the HMC546LP2E in infrastructure systems operating in the 2300–2480 MHz band.

Does the 115202-HMC546LP2 require external power to operate the HMC546LP2E switch?

No-the 115202-HMC546LP2 leverages the failsafe architecture of the HMC546LP2E, which defaults to RFC→Tx conduction when no VDD or VCTL voltage is applied. External DC power (VDD = 3–8 V, VCTL = 0/3–8 V) is only required to actively control the switch state (RFC→Rx). The 115202-HMC546LP2 includes test points (J4–J6) for applying these voltages, but basic RF path verification can be performed with zero bias, making the 115202-HMC546LP2 ideal for quick functional checks and fail-safe behavior validation.

Can the 115202-HMC546LP2 be used outside the 2350 MHz band?

The 115202-HMC546LP2 is optimized for 2350 MHz and achieves specified performance (e.g., ≤0.8 dB Tx insertion loss, ≥25 dB RFC→Rx isolation) only within the 2300–2480 MHz range. Performance degrades significantly outside this band due to fixed matching components (C2 = 0.6 pF, L1 = 2.0 nH, etc.). For other bands, Analog Devices offers dedicated variants: 115201-HMC546LP2 (2015 MHz), 115203-HMC546LP2 (2600 MHz), and 110782-HMC546LP2 (1843 MHz). The 115202-HMC546LP2 is not reconfigurable for alternate frequencies.

What RF measurements can be performed using the 115202-HMC546LP2?

Using standard VNAs and signal sources, engineers can measure S-parameters (S11, S21, S12, S22), input/output return loss, isolation, insertion loss, and harmonic distortion on the 115202-HMC546LP2. Its SMA connectors (J1 = RFC, J2 = Tx, J3 = Rx) allow full 3-port characterization. With proper biasing, switching speed (tON = 102 ns, tOFF = 36 ns) and IP3 can also be evaluated. All measurements reflect real-world behavior of the HMC546LP2E under its intended 2350 MHz narrowband operating conditions.

Is thermal management addressed on the 115202-HMC546LP2 board?

Yes-the 115202-HMC546LP2 implements the HMC546LP2E's thermal requirements via direct connection of the exposed paddle (EPAD) to the PCB ground plane, as specified in the datasheet. The Rogers 4350 substrate provides superior thermal conductivity versus FR-4, and the layout ensures low-thermal-resistance paths from the die to the board. This enables reliable operation at the HMC546LP2E's rated 10 W RF input power and junction temperature up to 150°C-critical for validating thermal stability in high-power 2350 MHz repeater designs using the 115202-HMC546LP2.