Analog Devices Inc. EKIT01-HMC983/984

Overview

ETKIT01-HMC983/984 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is an evaluation kit containing the HMC984LP4E phase-frequency detector and HMC983LP5E fractional frequency divider, designed to form a high-performance, ultra-low-phase-noise fractional-N PLL synthesizer. It delivers -232 dBc/Hz floor FOM in HiK integer mode, supports 50 MHz PFD operation, and enables sub-60 dBc fractional spurious suppression. The kit targets rapid prototyping of test equipment and military-grade frequency synthesis.

For engineers reviewing the EKIT01-HMC983/984 datasheet, EKIT01-HMC983/984 pinout, EKIT01-HMC983/984 application, or EKIT01-HMC983/984 equivalent, this kit provides validated RF layout, USB-controlled evaluation software, and full schematic documentation for immediate PLL system characterization - including cycle-slip prevention validation, charge pump linearity tuning, and reference input return loss measurement at up to 350 MHz.

Technical Context

The EKIT01-HMC983/984 integrates two complementary SiGe BiCMOS ICs: the HMC984LP4E (24-pin LP4E package) serves as a digitally programmable phase-frequency detector with 14-bit R-divider, lock detect, GPIO test pins, and integrated cycle-slip prevention logic; the HMC983LP5E (32-pin LP5E package) functions as a high-resolution fractional-N divider with DSM capability. Together they support PFD frequencies from DC to 150 MHz and deliver measured phase noise of -232 dBc/Hz (HiK integer) and -227 dBc/Hz (fractional mode B) when operated with 5 V CP supply and 3 V digital/analog rails.

Key inter-chip coordination includes serial register interface (SCLK/SDI/SDO), shared bias references, synchronized power sequencing, and CSP activation via Reg 01h[4] on HMC984LP4E. The evaluation PCB implements 50 Ω RF routing, ground paddle soldering per MSL1 reflow profile, and active loop filter support with bandwidths from 87 kHz to 220 kHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

ETKIT01-HMC983/984 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for test equipment development, portable instrumentation, high-performance fractional-N synthesizer validation, and military communications systems requiring stable component supply and full-characterized reference designs.

Supply support for EKIT01-HMC983/984 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. (acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving aerospace, defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.

The EKIT01-HMC983/984 belongs to Analog Devices' high-frequency PLL evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for ultra-low-phase-noise frequency synthesis in demanding RF systems where spurious emissions and lock-time predictability are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EKIT01-HMC983/984 evaluation kit?

The EKIT01-HMC983/984 evaluation kit provides a fully assembled and tested hardware platform integrating the HMC984LP4E phase-frequency detector and HMC983LP5E fractional-N divider to enable rapid characterization of ultra-low-phase-noise PLL synthesizers. It includes USB interface, evaluation software, schematics, and RF-optimized PCB layout - all pre-configured to validate key metrics such as floor FOM (-232 dBc/Hz), fractional spurs (<-60 dBc), and cycle-slip prevention performance for the EKIT01-HMC983/984 chipset.

Does the EKIT01-HMC983/984 support standalone operation of the HMC984LP4E without the HMC983LP5E?

Yes, the EKIT01-HMC983/984 evaluation PCB allows standalone testing of the HMC984LP4E, including its 14-bit reference divider, lock detect output, GPIO test pins, and charge pump current programming. However, features dependent on inter-chip coordination - such as Cycle Slip Prevention (CSP), which requires Reg 01h[4] activation and register synchronization with HMC983LP5E - are only functional when both ICs are installed and configured together on the EKIT01-HMC983/984 board.

What power supply requirements must be met to operate the EKIT01-HMC983/984 correctly?

The EKIT01-HMC983/984 requires three independent supply domains: 3 V for AVDD, RVDD, DVDD, VDDPD1, and VDDPD2; and 5 V for VCCPD, VPPCP, and VDDCP. These rails must be sequenced per datasheet recommendations - digital supplies powered first, followed by analog and charge pump supplies - to avoid latch-up or initialization failure. The EKIT01-HMC983/984 evaluation PCB includes dedicated LDOs and decoupling networks to meet these requirements without external regulation.

Can the EKIT01-HMC983/984 be used to measure phase noise below 10 Hz offset?

No, the EKIT01-HMC983/984 evaluation platform is optimized for measuring phase noise from 100 Hz to 100 MHz offset using standard spectrum analyzers and PLL analysis tools. Its loop filter design, reference input conditioning, and PCB grounding do not support sub-10 Hz flicker-dominated measurements. For flicker FOM characterization (e.g., -269 dBc/Hz), users must employ low-noise baseband amplifiers and cross-correlation techniques outside the scope of the EKIT01-HMC983/984 hardware capabilities.

Is the EKIT01-HMC983/984 compatible with modern Windows operating systems and USB drivers?

Yes, the EKIT01-HMC983/984 includes evaluation software compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit), with signed USB device drivers included on the supplied CD-ROM and available for download from Analog Devices' official support portal. The USB interface board uses a standard CDC ACM class interface, requiring no third-party driver installation beyond the provided Analog Devices USB stack for register-level control and real-time lock status monitoring of the EKIT01-HMC983/984 system.