Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC292ALC3B

Overview

EV1HMC292ALC3B from Analog Devices is an evaluation PCB assembly for the HMC292ALC3B GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer, operating from 14 GHz to 30 GHz RF and dc to 8 GHz IF. It integrates SRI 2.92 mm (J1, J2) and Johnson SMA (J3) connectors, supports surface-mount mounting of the 3 mm × 3 mm LCC device, and enables characterization of conversion loss (9 dB typ), input IP3 (19 dBm typ), LO–RF isolation (48 dB typ), and wide-IF performance without external biasing.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC292ALC3B datasheet, EV1HMC292ALC3B pinout, EV1HMC292ALC3B application, or EV1HMC292ALC3B equivalent, this evaluation board provides verified RF layout, 50 Ω impedance-controlled traces, direct-exposed-pad grounding, thermal vias, and documented test-point access for downconverter/upconverter validation across temperature and LO drive levels (9–15 dBm).

Technical Context

The EV1HMC292ALC3B implements a fully populated, application-ready reference design for the HMC292ALC3B mixer, with RF/LO/IF paths routed using controlled-impedance microstrip on FR-4 substrate. All ground pins (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9) and the exposed pad are connected to a solid bottom-layer ground plane via ≥12 thermal vias, per JEDEC JESD51-2 guidelines.

It supports both downconversion (RF 14–30 GHz → IF dc–8 GHz) and upconversion (IF dc–8 GHz → RF 14–30 GHz) modes, with calibrated connector launch structures matching the HMC292ALC3B's internal 50 Ω ac-coupled LO/RF ports and dc-coupled IF port - enabling direct measurement of conversion loss, IP3, P1dB, and isolation without adapter-induced error.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC292ALC3B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, EW system prototyping, and VSAT transceiver validation requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and repeatable high-frequency measurement setups.

Supply support for EV1HMC292ALC3B 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, defense, instrumentation, and industrial markets since 1965.

The EV1HMC292ALC3B belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for GaAs and GaN MMIC mixers, amplifiers, and modulators in millimeter-wave systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC292ALC3B?

The EV1HMC292ALC3B is an evaluation PCB assembly designed exclusively for characterizing the HMC292ALC3B double-balanced mixer. It is not an active component but a test platform featuring calibrated 2.92 mm and SMA connectors, optimized 50 Ω RF routing, and thermal via structure to validate conversion loss, IP3, isolation, and wide-IF performance from 14 GHz to 30 GHz. The EV1HMC292ALC3B enables rapid, repeatable lab measurements without custom PCB development.

Does the EV1HMC292ALC3B require external power or biasing?

No - the EV1HMC292ALC3B itself requires no power or biasing, as it hosts the passive HMC292ALC3B mixer, which operates without DC supply. All functionality is enabled solely by applying RF, LO, and IF signals through its connectors. The board contains no active circuitry, regulators, or control logic; its role is purely interconnect and signal integrity preservation for the mounted MMIC.

Which connectors are used on the EV1HMC292ALC3B and what frequency ranges do they support?

The EV1HMC292ALC3B uses two SRI 2.92 mm connectors (J1, J2) for RF and LO ports - rated to 40 GHz with return loss better than −25 dB - and one Johnson SMA connector (J3) for the IF port - validated to 8 GHz with flat group delay response. These selections match the HMC292ALC3B's operational bandwidth and ensure minimal launch mismatch during mixer characterization.

How is thermal management implemented on the EV1HMC292ALC3B?

Thermal management on the EV1HMC292ALC3B centers on the HMC292ALC3B's exposed pad: it is soldered directly to a solid copper ground plane on the bottom layer and connected via ≥12 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 0.8 mm depth) to inner and outer ground planes. This structure achieves the 120°C/W θJA specified in the HMC292ALC3B datasheet and maintains junction temperature within −40°C to +85°C limits during continuous 13 dBm LO drive.

Can the EV1HMC292ALC3B be used for both upconversion and downconversion testing?

Yes - the EV1HMC292ALC3B supports both upconversion (IF dc–8 GHz → RF 14–30 GHz) and downconversion (RF 14–30 GHz → IF dc–8 GHz) testing, as confirmed by Analog Devices' application note and typical performance plots. Its symmetrical, low-parasitic layout preserves the HMC292ALC3B's inherent bidirectional operation, and all three ports are accessible with phase-stable, impedance-matched connectors appropriate for either mode.