Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC7950LS6

Overview

EV1HMC7950LS6 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC7950LS6 - a GaAs pHEMT MMIC low noise amplifier operating from 2 GHz to 28 GHz. It delivers 15 dB typical gain, 2.0 dB typical noise figure (5–18 GHz), 16 dBm P1dB, and 19.5 dBm PSAT at 5 V/64 mA, with integrated 50 Ω input/output matching and VGG2 gain control capability. It supports RF test instrumentation and military/space receiver front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC7950LS6 datasheet, EV1HMC7950LS6 pinout, EV1HMC7950LS6 application, or EV1HMC7950LS6 equivalent, this page provides verified board-level specifications, thermal layout guidance, K-connector interface details, bias sequencing, and compatibility with the HMC7950LS6 amplifier IC in EH-16-1 LCC_HS package.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC7950LS6 is a two-layer Rogers 4350-based evaluation PCB designed specifically for the HMC7950LS6 amplifier. It implements 50 Ω controlled-impedance RF input and output traces, DC bias delivery via Molex 87759-0414 pins, and K-type SMA-compatible connectors (SRI 21-146-1000-92) for RFIN/RFOUT.

It supports full characterization of the HMC7950LS6 across −40°C to +85°C ambient, including gain control via VGG2 (−2.0 V to +2.6 V), proper power-up/power-down sequencing, and thermal management using the exposed heat sink pad on the EH-16-1 package. No components are installed at C2, C4, C6, J3, J4, or VGG per BOM Table 8.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC7950LS6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test instrumentation development, military radar receiver prototyping, and space-grade LNA validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and RoHS-compliant evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC7950LS6 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 precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The EV1HMC7950LS6 belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of broadband GaAs MMIC amplifiers in mission-critical RF signal chain applications.

FAQ

What is the function of the EV1HMC7950LS6 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC7950LS6 is a fully populated, tested evaluation PCB designed exclusively for characterizing the HMC7950LS6 low-noise amplifier. It provides calibrated 50 Ω RF paths via K-connectors, regulated DC bias delivery, thermal management for the EH-16-1 LCC_HS package, and adherence to recommended power-up/power-down sequences defined in the HMC7950 datasheet Rev. C. The EV1HMC7950LS6 enables rapid validation of gain, noise figure, IP3, and P1dB across 2–28 GHz.

Does the EV1HMC7950LS6 support gain control functionality?

Yes - the EV1HMC7950LS6 provides dedicated DC pins (Molex 87759-0414) for VGG2, enabling external voltage application from −2.0 V to +2.6 V to adjust gain over ~30 dB range depending on frequency. The board's schematic (Figure 41) and BOM confirm VGG2 routing with optional capacitive bypassing, and the HMC7950 datasheet specifies VGG2's role in modulating upper-FET gate bias in the cascode distributed architecture. This functionality is fully accessible on the EV1HMC7950LS6.

What RF connectors are used on the EV1HMC7950LS6?

The EV1HMC7950LS6 uses SRI Part Number 21-146-1000-92 K-type coaxial connectors for both RFIN and RFOUT. These are precision 50 Ω, DC-to-40 GHz rated connectors with stainless steel bodies and gold-plated contacts, selected to maintain impedance integrity and minimize VSWR across the full 2–28 GHz operating band of the HMC7950LS6 amplifier mounted on the board.

Is thermal management implemented on the EV1HMC7950LS6?

Yes - the EV1HMC7950LS6 PCB incorporates thermal design aligned with the HMC7950LS6's EH-16-1 package requirements: the exposed pad (EPAD) is fully soldered to a large internal and bottom-side copper pour connected to multiple thermal vias. This implementation targets the specified θ_JC = 58 °C/W and supports continuous operation at 64 mA IDD and 5 V VDD within the −40°C to +85°C ambient range, as validated in the HMC7950 datasheet Rev. C.

Can the EV1HMC7950LS6 be used for production-level testing?

The EV1HMC7950LS6 is qualified for engineering validation and pre-production RF performance verification, not volume manufacturing. Its Rogers 4350 substrate, hand-soldered K-connectors, and non-automated assembly make it unsuitable for automated test fixtures or burn-in. However, its traceable calibration, documented bias sequencing, and direct correlation to HMC7950 datasheet test conditions (per Figure 39 and Table 8) make the EV1HMC7950LS6 ideal for golden-unit reference testing and specification compliance checks before transitioning to custom production PCBs.