Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC717ALP3

Overview

EV1HMC717ALP3 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC717ALP3E GaAs pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier, designed to validate RF front-end performance in 4.8–6.0 GHz systems. It supports single-supply operation (3–5 V), delivers 14.5 dB gain and 1.1 dB noise figure, and integrates SMA connectors, bias resistors, and optimized Rogers 4350 PCB layout for LTE/WiMAX basestation receiver testing.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC717ALP3 datasheet, EV1HMC717ALP3 pinout, EV1HMC717ALP3 application, or EV1HMC717ALP3 equivalent, this evaluation platform enables rapid characterization of HMC717ALP3E LNA performance-including gain flatness, input/output return loss, IP3, and P1dB-under real-world RF matching, thermal, and bias conditions across −40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC717ALP3 is a four-layer evaluation PCB built on Rogers 4350 substrate with controlled 50 Ω RF traces, integrated SMA connectors (J1–J5), and populated HMC717ALP3E in a 16-lead 3×3 mm QFN package. It implements the recommended application circuit with R1 = 825 Ω for +5 V bias, C6 = 1.2 pF AC-coupling capacitor at RF input, and on-chip DC blocking at RFOUT.

Board-level design enforces low-inductance grounding via exposed paddle soldering and includes decoupling capacitors (C1–C5) per Analog Devices' layout guidelines. The board operates over −40°C to +85°C ambient and requires no external matching components to evaluate the HMC717ALP3E's intrinsic 4.8–6.0 GHz small-signal and linearity performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC717ALP3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LTE/WiMAX basestation development, public safety radio receiver validation, and 5G fixed wireless access point prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC717ALP3 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 processing solutions.

The EV1HMC717ALP3 belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-test for GaAs MMIC LNAs in microwave infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC717ALP3 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC717ALP3 evaluation board is a fully populated, tested platform for characterizing the HMC717ALP3E low-noise amplifier under real RF conditions. It enables measurement of gain, noise figure, IP3, P1dB, and return loss across 4.8–6.0 GHz without custom layout-using Rogers 4350 substrate, SMA connectors, and the exact bias network specified in the HMC717ALP3E datasheet. The EV1HMC717ALP3 simplifies verification of LNA performance in basestation and wireless infrastructure designs.

Does the EV1HMC717ALP3 include the HMC717ALP3E device?

Yes, the EV1HMC717ALP3 evaluation board ships fully populated with the HMC717ALP3E GaAs pHEMT MMIC LNA mounted in its native 16-lead 3×3 mm QFN package. The board also includes all required passive components-R1 (825 Ω bias resistor), C1–C6 (decoupling and AC coupling capacitors), and zero-ohm jumpers-as specified in the official HMC717ALP3E application circuit. No additional assembly is needed to begin RF testing of the EV1HMC717ALP3.

What RF frequency range does the EV1HMC717ALP3 support?

The EV1HMC717ALP3 is optimized for the 4.8–6.0 GHz band-the exact operating range of the HMC717ALP3E amplifier it hosts. Its Rogers 4350 PCB stackup, 50 Ω controlled-impedance traces, and Johnson SMA connectors maintain signal integrity and minimal loss across this entire band, enabling accurate small-signal and linearity measurements without external tuning. The EV1HMC717ALP3 does not support frequencies outside this range due to inherent board-level parasitics and component tolerances.

Can the EV1HMC717ALP3 be used with 3 V supply voltage?

Yes, the EV1HMC717ALP3 supports 3 V operation by replacing the populated 825 Ω R1 bias resistor with a 5.76 kΩ resistor, as specified in the HMC717ALP3E datasheet for +3 V biasing. The board's power delivery path and decoupling network (C1–C5) are compatible with both 3 V and 5 V supplies. Users must update R1 and verify thermal performance, since the EV1HMC717ALP3's thermal design was validated for the standard +5 V configuration with 825 Ω.

Is the EV1HMC717ALP3 RoHS-compliant and MSL-rated?

Yes, the EV1HMC717ALP3 uses RoHS-compliant components throughout, including the HMC717ALP3E (MSL3, peak reflow 260 °C) and all passives. The board itself carries no MSL rating, but its construction follows IPC Class 2 standards for reliability in lab and pre-production environments. All materials-including Rogers 4350 laminate, SMA connectors, and ceramic capacitors-are documented as compliant per Analog Devices' material declarations for the EV1HMC717ALP3.