Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC291SE

Overview

EV1HMC291SE from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC291SE 2-bit silicon digital attenuator, operating from 0.7–4.0 GHz with 4 dB LSB steps (0/4/8/12 dB), ±0.4 dB typical state error, and SOT-26 package. It supports +3 V to +5 V single-supply biasing and features DC-coupled RF paths with SMA connectors for lab validation of RF front-end attenuation control in wireless infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC291SE datasheet, EV1HMC291SE pinout, EV1HMC291SE application, or EV1HMC291SE equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of insertion loss, return loss, IIP3, and switching speed across temperature and supply voltage conditions-critical for cellular, WLL, and ISM band transceiver design.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC291SE is a dedicated evaluation PCB designed exclusively for the HMC291SE attenuator IC. It implements proper RF layout practices: 50 Ω microstrip traces, direct ground-plane connection via multiple vias, and Rogers 4350 substrate for stable high-frequency performance up to 4 GHz.

It integrates essential support components: two 0402 DC-blocking capacitors (C1/C2, selectable 100–300 pF), one 4.7 kΩ bias resistor (R1), and one 1 nF decoupling capacitor (C3). SMA connectors (J1–J2) provide calibrated RF access to RF1 and RF2 ports, while DC pins (J5–J8) allow independent control voltage and VDD injection.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC291SE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF design validation, production test fixture development, and wireless base station prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC291SE 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 aerospace markets with precision signal chain solutions.

The EV1HMC291SE belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for broadband RF attenuators used in cellular infrastructure, point-to-point radios, and spectrum analyzers.

FAQ

What is the EV1HMC291SE used for?

The EV1HMC291SE is an evaluation PCB designed specifically to characterize the HMC291SE 2-bit digital attenuator IC. It enables measurement of key RF parameters-including insertion loss, return loss, state error, IIP3, and switching speed-under real-world bias and thermal conditions. Engineers use the EV1HMC291SE to validate system-level integration before committing to custom PCB designs.

Does the EV1HMC291SE include the HMC291SE IC?

Yes, the EV1HMC291SE evaluation board includes one mounted HMC291SE digital attenuator IC in its SOT-26 package. The board is shipped fully assembled with all required passive components (R1, C1–C3), SMA connectors, and DC pins pre-installed per Analog Devices' reference design.

What RF substrate is used on the EV1HMC291SE?

The EV1HMC291SE uses Rogers 4350 laminate-a low-loss, high-frequency PCB material with stable dielectric constant (ε_r ≈ 3.48) and low dispersion. This ensures accurate 50 Ω impedance control and minimal phase distortion across the 0.7–4.0 GHz operating band of the HMC291SE.

Can the EV1HMC291SE be used with both +3 V and +5 V supplies?

Yes, the EV1HMC291SE supports the full specified VDD range of the HMC291SE IC: +3 V to +5 V. The onboard 4.7 kΩ resistor (R1) and DC pin headers (J5–J8) allow safe, isolated application of either supply voltage while maintaining proper bias sequencing and current limiting per datasheet requirements.

Is the EV1HMC291SE RoHS compliant?

Yes, the EV1HMC291SE is RoHS compliant. All components-including the HMC291SE IC (marked "291S"), SMA connectors, resistors, capacitors, and Rogers 4350 substrate-are manufactured and assembled in accordance with EU Directive 2015/863. Full compliance documentation is available upon request from Analog Devices.