Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC241AQS16

Overview

EV1HMC241AQS16 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is an evaluation PCB designed to characterize the HMC241AQS16 GaAs MMIC SP4T non-reflective switch, supporting DC–3.5 GHz operation with 0.7 dB insertion loss at 2 GHz, integrated 2:4 TTL decoder, and +5 V single-supply biasing. It enables rapid RF path validation in base station transceivers and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC241AQS16 datasheet, EV1HMC241AQS16 pinout, EV1HMC241AQS16 application, or EV1HMC241AQS16 equivalent, this board provides a production-representative RF layout with SMA connectors, 50 Ω microstrip routing, Rogers 4350 substrate, and verified grounding for isolation and return loss measurement.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC241AQS16 is a dedicated evaluation platform-not an IC-built around the HMC241AQS16 SP4T switch in 16-lead QSOP. It implements full RF port termination with DC-blocking capacitors (330 pF, 0402), five SMA connectors (J1–J5), and discrete DC bias pins (J6–J9) for independent control of Vdd, A, and B logic inputs.

Its Rogers 4350 PCB substrate ensures stable high-frequency performance up to 3.5 GHz, with ground vias directly beneath all package GND leads (pins 2,3,5,7,11,13,15,16) to maximize isolation (>32 dB at 2 GHz) and maintain <0.8 dB insertion loss across the band.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC241AQS16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF switch characterization, 5G small cell transceiver development, wireless test instrumentation prototyping, and GaAs MMIC evaluation requiring stable component supply and traceable RF reference design.

Supply support for EV1HMC241AQS16 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 acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014 and maintains its high-frequency RF portfolio, including GaAs MMIC switches, LNAs, and PLLs for defense, communications, and instrumentation.

The EV1HMC241AQS16 belongs to Hittite's legacy evaluation board family, specifically engineered to accelerate qualification of the HMC241AQS16 SP4T switch in real-world RF front-end designs.

FAQ

What is the EV1HMC241AQS16 used for?

The EV1HMC241AQS16 is an evaluation PCB designed exclusively to test and validate the HMC241AQS16 GaAs SP4T switch under real RF conditions. It provides calibrated 50 Ω paths, proper grounding, DC blocking, and TTL-compatible control interfaces - enabling accurate measurement of insertion loss, isolation, and switching speed without custom layout effort. The EV1HMC241AQS16 does not function as a standalone component.

Does the EV1HMC241AQS16 include the HMC241AQS16 IC?

No, the EV1HMC241AQS16 is a bare evaluation PCB (P/N 102809) and does not include the HMC241AQS16 IC. The bill of materials specifies U1 as "HMC241AQS16 / 241AQS16E SP4T Switch", meaning the user must source and solder the HMC241AQS16 separately. This allows flexibility for evaluating both standard and RoHS-compliant variants.

What RF connectors are used on the EV1HMC241AQS16?

The EV1HMC241AQS16 uses five PCB-mount SMA connectors: J1 serves as the common RFC port, while J2–J5 correspond to RF1–RF4 switch outputs. All are 50 Ω impedance-matched and mounted with ground vias to minimize discontinuity - critical for maintaining >32 dB isolation and <1.0 dB insertion loss up to 3.5 GHz.

What power supply requirements does the EV1HMC241AQS16 have?

The EV1HMC241AQS16 requires a +5 Vdc ±10% supply delivered via J6 (Vdd), with current draw ≤6 mA typical. Control logic inputs A and B accept TTL/CMOS levels (0–0.8 V low, 2–5 V high) applied through J7–J8. J9 is ground. No onboard regulation or level-shifting is provided - external logic drivers must meet HMC241AQS16's voltage and timing specs.

Is the EV1HMC241AQS16 compatible with other Hittite evaluation boards?

The EV1HMC241AQS16 follows Hittite's standardized evaluation board architecture - same 2.54 mm header pitch, SMA footprint, and grounding scheme as other EV1-series boards (e.g., EV1HMC547). However, it is electrically and mechanically specific to the HMC241AQS16's 16-lead QSOP layout and 5-port RF topology; no direct mechanical or signal interconnect compatibility exists with unrelated boards.