Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC1165LP5

Overview

EV1HMC1165LP5 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC1165 monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), supporting dual-output RF synthesis at 11.07–11.62 GHz and 5.535–5.810 GHz, with 8 dBm RFOUT power, −113 dBc/Hz SSB phase noise at 100 kHz offset, and operation across −40°C to +85°C - used for local oscillator validation in point-to-point radios and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC1165LP5 datasheet, EV1HMC1165LP5 application, EV1HMC1165LP5 pinout, or EV1HMC1165LP5 equivalent, this evaluation board enables rapid characterization of the HMC1165 VCO's tuning linearity, output power stability, phase noise performance, and half-frequency output integrity under real-world RF layout and thermal conditions.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC1165LP5 is a dedicated evaluation platform for the HMC1165 VCO IC, implementing controlled 50 Ω RF routing, optimized decoupling (C1–C8), SMA connectors (J1–J4), and dc headers (J5–J6) on Rogers 4350 substrate. It replicates production-level grounding via exposed paddle vias and multi-layer ground planes.

It supports full functional validation of the HMC1165's key behaviors: monotonic VTUNE response (70–310 MHz/V), low pulling (<0.35 MHz p-p into 2.0:1 VSWR), and stable supply current (160–280 mA at 5 V), enabling loop filter design verification and prescaler interface testing using the RFOUT/2 output.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC1165LP5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, RF synthesizer prototyping, and phase-noise-critical test equipment requiring stable component supply and validated reference layouts.

Supply support for EV1HMC1165LP5 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 since 1965.

The EV1HMC1165LP5 belongs to Analog Devices' Microwave & RF Evaluation Platform product line, designed specifically to accelerate time-to-test for high-frequency VCOs and synthesizers in 5G backhaul, radar, and satellite communication systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC1165LP5?

The EV1HMC1165LP5 is an evaluation board for the HMC1165 MMIC VCO, not a standalone IC. Its purpose is to provide a calibrated RF environment - including SMA interfaces, proper grounding, and decoupling - to validate the HMC1165's 11.07–11.62 GHz output, 5.535–5.810 GHz half-frequency output, phase noise, and tuning linearity before integration into final systems. The EV1HMC1165LP5 itself contains no active silicon beyond the mounted HMC1165 device.

Does the EV1HMC1165LP5 include the HMC1165 IC?

Yes, the EV1HMC1165LP5 includes one populated HMC1165LP5E VCO in a 32-lead LFCSP_VQ package (5 mm × 5 mm). The board is shipped fully assembled with U1 = HMC1165, verified per the Bill of Materials in Table 4 of the HMC1165 datasheet Rev. 0. No additional soldering or component placement is required to begin RF characterization of the EV1HMC1165LP5.

What RF substrate and impedance control does the EV1HMC1165LP5 use?

The EV1HMC1165LP5 uses Rogers 4350B high-frequency laminate, specified in the Bill of Materials (Table 4) as "Circuit board material is Rogers 4350." All critical RF traces - including those connecting J1 (RFOUT), J2 (RFOUT/2), and J3 (VTUNE) - are engineered for 50 Ω characteristic impedance, enabling accurate S-parameter measurement and minimizing mismatch-induced phase noise degradation during EV1HMC1165LP5 testing.

Can the EV1HMC1165LP5 be used for production deployment?

No, the EV1HMC1165LP5 is strictly an evaluation and development tool, not qualified for production use. It lacks conformal coating, extended temperature screening, or reliability qualification per MIL-STD or AEC-Q200. For production, designers must integrate the HMC1165LP5E or HMC1165LP5ETR IC into their own PCB with appropriate RF layout, thermal management, and ESD protection - referencing the EV1HMC1165LP5 as a proven layout guide, not a drop-in module.

How is grounding implemented on the EV1HMC1165LP5 to support HMC1165 performance?

The EV1HMC1165LP5 implements RF grounding through direct connection of the HMC1165's exposed metal paddle to the bottom ground plane via multiple thermal vias, plus dedicated GND pins (Pins 5 and 11) tied to the same plane. Top-layer ground pours surround RF traces, and interplane vias ensure low-inductance return paths - all aligned with the HMC1165's requirement for <27.6°C/W thermal resistance and minimal ground bounce during EV1HMC1165LP5 operation.