Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC802ALP3

Overview

EV1HMC802ALP3 from Analog Devices is an evaluation PCB designed for the HMC802ALP3E - a 20 dB GaAs MMIC 1-bit digital positive-control attenuator operating from DC to 10 GHz, featuring ±0.6 dB typical step error, 3 dB max insertion loss, +55 dBm IIP3, TTL/CMOS-compatible control, and 3×3 mm leadless SMT package. It supports RF/IF test equipment, microwave radio, and cellular infrastructure applications.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC802ALP3 datasheet, EV1HMC802ALP3 application, EV1HMC802ALP3 pinout, or EV1HMC802ALP3 equivalent, this page provides verified board-level design context, component integration guidance, RF layout best practices, and sourcing support for production-scale evaluation of the HMC802ALP3E attenuator in high-frequency signal conditioning systems.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC802ALP3 is a dedicated evaluation platform for the HMC802ALP3E attenuator IC, implementing a 50 Ω RF signal path with SMA connectors (J1, J2), DC bias feedthroughs (J3, J4), and precision AC-grounding capacitors (C1–C6) optimized for DC–10 GHz operation. It uses Rogers 4350 substrate to maintain controlled impedance and minimize dispersion.

Board-level design follows RF best practices: ground paddle and all GND pins (2,4,9,11) are connected directly to a solid ground plane via multiple vias; blocking capacitors (C2, C3 = 100 pF; C4–C6 = 330 pF) enable near-DC functionality while preserving broadband return loss >15 dB up to 10 GHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC802ALP3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test equipment development, microwave radio prototyping, and cellular infrastructure signal chain validation requiring stable component supply and repeatable high-frequency evaluation platforms.

Supply support for EV1HMC802ALP3 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 EV1HMC802ALP3 belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation board portfolio for RF front-end components, specifically engineered to accelerate design-in and performance verification of GaAs MMIC attenuators in demanding broadband applications.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EV1HMC802ALP3 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC802ALP3 evaluation board is a fully assembled, RF-optimized platform for characterizing the HMC802ALP3E 20 dB digital attenuator. It enables rapid measurement of insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, return loss, and IP3 across DC–10 GHz without custom PCB development. The board includes SMA interfaces, proper grounding, and application-matched capacitors to reflect real-world performance of the EV1HMC802ALP3 base IC.

Does the EV1HMC802ALP3 require external power supplies or bias circuitry?

Yes - the EV1HMC802ALP3 requires two independent DC sources: +5 V for Vdd (supplied via J3) and a TTL/CMOS-compatible control voltage (0 V or +5 V) applied to V1 (via J4). No onboard regulation or level-shifting is provided; users must supply clean, low-noise bias per the HMC802ALP3E datasheet specifications to ensure valid operation of the EV1HMC802ALP3.

Can the EV1HMC802ALP3 be used for sub-100 MHz or near-DC attenuation measurements?

Yes - the EV1HMC802ALP3 supports near-DC operation due to its integrated AC-grounding capacitor network (C2–C6) and DC-coupled RF ports (pins 3 and 10). With appropriate external blocking capacitors sized for lowest frequency of interest, the board maintains specified 20 dB attenuation and <3 dB insertion loss down to kHz-range signals, as confirmed by HMC802ALP3E characterization data referenced in the EV1HMC802ALP3 documentation.

What RF substrate and layout techniques are implemented on the EV1HMC802ALP3?

The EV1HMC802ALP3 uses Rogers 4350 laminate (121213 PCB) with tightly controlled 50 Ω microstrip routing, full ground-plane coverage on both layers, and ≥12 thermal vias connecting the exposed paddle and GND pins (2,4,9,11) to the internal ground plane. This ensures minimal parasitic inductance, stable impedance, and repeatable RF performance - critical for validating the HMC802ALP3E's broadband specs on the EV1HMC802ALP3.

Is the EV1HMC802ALP3 RoHS-compliant and MSL-rated?

Yes - the EV1HMC802ALP3 evaluation board incorporates the RoHS-compliant HMC802ALP3E IC (MSL3, peak reflow 260 °C) and industry-standard RoHS-compliant passives and connectors. All components meet Analog Devices' handling and assembly requirements, including ESD Class 1A precautions for the HMC802ALP3E, ensuring safe deployment and reflow compatibility for the EV1HMC802ALP3.