Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC424AG16

Overview

EV1HMC424AG16 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC424AG16 - a GaAs MMIC 6-bit digital attenuator with 0.5 dB LSB, DC–3 GHz bandwidth, 31.5 dB max attenuation, ±0.5 dB typical step error, and hermetic 16-lead glass/metal SMT package. It supports telecom infrastructure, military radios, radar, and test instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC424AG16 datasheet, EV1HMC424AG16 pinout, EV1HMC424AG16 application, or EV1HMC424AG16 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, key specifications, availability details, manufacturer background, and targeted FAQs - all specific to the EV1HMC424AG16 evaluation PCB and its integrated HMC424AG16 attenuator IC.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC424AG16 is a dedicated evaluation platform for the HMC424AG16 attenuator IC, featuring SMA RF connectors (J1–J2), an 8-pin DC power connector (J3), decoupling capacitors (C1–C3), and series control resistors (R1–R6) to interface six TTL/CMOS-compatible digital control lines. The PCB uses Rogers 4350 substrate for stable 50 Ω RF performance up to 3 GHz.

Designed per RF layout best practices, the board grounds the HMC424AG16's package bottom and all GND pins directly to a solid ground plane via multiple vias, minimizing parasitic inductance. It requires external -5 V bias (Vee) and 0/–5 V logic-level control signals applied through J3 to exercise all 64 attenuation states across the full DC–3 GHz band.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC424AG16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF design validation, production test fixture development, and high-frequency component characterization requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for EV1HMC424AG16 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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in precision signal processing and RF front-end solutions.

The EV1HMC424AG16 belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation board portfolio for GaAs MMIC attenuators, designed specifically to accelerate RF system prototyping and verify HMC424AG16 performance under real-world bias, layout, and thermal conditions.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EV1HMC424AG16 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC424AG16 evaluation board is a fully assembled, RF-optimized platform for characterizing the HMC424AG16 6-bit GaAs digital attenuator. It enables rapid validation of insertion loss, step accuracy, return loss, and switching behavior from DC to 3 GHz using standard lab equipment. The board integrates proper grounding, impedance matching, and bias conditioning so engineers can evaluate the EV1HMC424AG16 without custom PCB development.

Does the EV1HMC424AG16 include the HMC424AG16 IC?

Yes, the EV1HMC424AG16 evaluation PCB includes one mounted HMC424AG16 IC (16-lead hermetic glass/metal package) as the core active component. The board is shipped fully populated with all passive components (capacitors, resistors), SMA connectors, and the HMC424AG16 device pre-soldered and tested per Analog Devices' evaluation board quality standards.

What power supply requirements does the EV1HMC424AG16 have?

The EV1HMC424AG16 requires a single –5 V DC supply (±10%) delivered via the 8-pin DC connector (J3). This powers both the HMC424AG16's Vee pin and the six digital control inputs (V1–V6), which operate at 0 V (low) or –5 V (high). No positive voltage or additional rails are needed - the EV1HMC424AG16 is designed for negative-supply-only operation consistent with the HMC424AG16's GaAs process.

Can the EV1HMC424AG16 be used for automated test systems?

Yes, the EV1HMC424AG16 is compatible with automated test environments. Its standardized SMA RF ports, clearly labeled DC control header (J3), and deterministic digital control interface allow integration with PXI, GPIB, or USB-based controllers. Engineers routinely use the EV1HMC424AG16 in production test fixtures to sweep attenuation states and measure RF parameters across temperature and frequency - supported by Analog Devices' documented control truth table and timing specs.

Is the EV1HMC424AG16 RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the EV1HMC424AG16 evaluation board complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and uses lead-free solder and components. The HMC424AG16 IC itself is qualified to MIL-PRF-19500/507 and rated for operation from –40 °C to +85 °C. Full compliance documentation, including material declarations and reflow profile data, is available from Analog Devices upon request for the EV1HMC424AG16.