Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC788ALP2

Overview

EV1HMC788ALP2 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC788ALP2E 0.01–10 GHz GaAs pHEMT RF gain block, featuring integrated 6.35 µH bias choke, SMA input/output connectors, and optimized Rogers 4350 PCB layout with direct top/bottom ground plane vias. It supports 4.5–5.5 V single-supply operation and delivers 20 dBm P1dB at 1 GHz.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC788ALP2 datasheet, EV1HMC788ALP2 pinout, EV1HMC788ALP2 application, or EV1HMC788ALP2 equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of HMC788ALP2E amplifier performance-including gain flatness, OIP3, noise figure, and thermal stability-across ultra-wideband RF systems from cellular infrastructure to test equipment.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC788ALP2 implements a fixed-gain, single-ended 50 Ω RF path with dc-coupled RFIN and ac-coupled RFOUT, using a 6.35 µH conical inductor (P/N CC75T38K240G5) to inject 5 V bias into the HMC788ALP2E's RFOUT pin. All NIC pins and the exposed pad are externally grounded per datasheet requirements.

It integrates 0.01 µF input/output dc blocking capacitors (0502), 100 pF high-frequency bypass (0402), and 2.2 µF bulk decoupling (Case A), mounted on a 129549-design Rogers 4350 substrate with controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip traces and ≥9 thermal vias connecting top and bottom ground planes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC788ALP2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF amplifier evaluation, microwave radio prototyping, and LO driver validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC788ALP2 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, automotive, and instrumentation markets since 1965.

The EV1HMC788ALP2 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of wideband RF gain blocks and driver amplifiers for 5G, satellite, and test equipment applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC788ALP2 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC788ALP2 evaluation board is a fully assembled, ready-to-use platform for characterizing the HMC788ALP2E RF gain block. It provides calibrated 50 Ω input/output paths, proper biasing via a 6.35 µH choke, thermal vias, and Rogers 4350 PCB material-enabling accurate measurement of gain, OIP3, P1dB, and noise figure across 0.01–10 GHz without custom layout. The EV1HMC788ALP2 eliminates RF matching uncertainty during early-stage RF design validation.

Does the EV1HMC788ALP2 require external power supplies or additional components to operate?

No-the EV1HMC788ALP2 operates from a single 4.5–5.5 V dc supply applied via J5/J6 DC pins. All critical components-including 0.01 µF dc-blocking caps, 100 pF/2.2 µF decoupling, and the 6.35 µH bias choke-are pre-mounted. Users only need a calibrated RF source, spectrum analyzer or VNA, and appropriate SMA cables. The EV1HMC788ALP2 is designed for immediate bench-level testing with no assembly or tuning required.

How is thermal management implemented on the EV1HMC788ALP2?

The EV1HMC788ALP2 uses a multi-layer thermal strategy: the HMC788ALP2E's exposed pad is soldered directly to the PCB's internal ground plane; ≥9 plated-through vias connect top and bottom ground planes; and the entire board is intended for mounting onto an external heat sink as specified in the datasheet. This ensures junction temperature remains within −40°C to +85°C operating range during continuous 20 dBm output operation. Thermal performance of the EV1HMC788ALP2 matches the HMC788ALP2E's rated θ_JC = 118°C/W.

Can the EV1HMC788ALP2 be used to evaluate other HMC788A variants?

Yes-the EV1HMC788ALP2 is compatible with all HMC788A variants in the same CP-6-10 LFCSP package (e.g., HMC788ALP2ETR), as the board's footprint, bias network, and RF layout are designed to the mechanical and electrical specifications of the HMC788ALP2E. However, performance metrics (e.g., gain flatness, OIP3) must be validated per variant's datasheet; the EV1HMC788ALP2 does not alter device-specific characteristics-it only provides standardized test conditions for the EV1HMC788ALP2-supported part.

Where can I find the schematic and bill-of-materials for the EV1HMC788ALP2?

The complete schematic (Figure 18), bill-of-materials (Table 5), and mechanical drawings (Figures 19–20) are published in the official HMC788A Rev. D datasheet (pages 10–12). Table 5 explicitly lists all components-including SMA connectors (J1/J2), capacitors (C1–C4), resistor (R1), inductor (L1, P/N CC75T38K240G5), and PCB (129549)-used on the EV1HMC788ALP2. No supplemental documentation is needed: the EV1HMC788ALP2 is fully documented within the HMC788A product data sheet.