Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC8038LP4C

Overview

EV1HMC8038LP4C from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the HMC8038 - a high-isolation, nonreflective, 0.1 GHz to 6.0 GHz silicon SPDT RF switch in a 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package. It supports full RF performance validation including insertion loss (0.8 dB typ. up to 4 GHz), isolation (60 dB typ.), and P0.1dB (35 dBm at 5 V), with on-board SMA connectors and optimized 50 Ω layout for cellular infrastructure and test equipment prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC8038LP4C datasheet, EV1HMC8038LP4C pinout, EV1HMC8038LP4C application, or EV1HMC8038LP4C equivalent, this board enables rapid RF switch evaluation under real-world bias, control, and thermal conditions - supporting verification of switching speed (150 ns tON), hot-switching robustness, and linearity (IP3 = 60 dBm) across −40°C to +105°C.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC8038LP4C implements the HMC8038 IC in a fully populated, impedance-controlled PCB layout with three SMA connectors (RFC, RF1, RF2), six 100 pF RF bypass capacitors, one 0.1 µF bulk decoupling capacitor, and two 0 Ω jumpers for control signal routing. All NC pins are externally grounded per datasheet recommendations, and the exposed pad is soldered to a solid RF ground plane.

It operates with single-supply bias (3.3 V to 5 V), 1.8 V–compatible digital control (VCTL/EN), and supports all functional modes: RFC→RF1, RFC→RF2, and all-off (EN = high). The board validates RF settling time (170 ns), return loss (>18 dB on-state up to 6 GHz), and thermal derating per case temperature (−40°C to +105°C).

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC8038LP4C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure prototyping, wireless test equipment development, and automotive telematics RF front-end validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC8038LP4C 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 industrial markets since 1965.

The EV1HMC8038LP4C belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform series, engineered to accelerate design-in of broadband, high-linearity silicon SPDT switches for 4G/5G infrastructure and automated test systems.

FAQ

What is the EV1HMC8038LP4C used for?

The EV1HMC8038LP4C is an evaluation board for the HMC8038 SPDT RF switch. It enables engineers to validate RF performance - including insertion loss, isolation, switching speed, and linearity - under real operating conditions. The board features SMA connectors, proper 50 Ω layout, and grounding per datasheet requirements, making it ideal for lab characterization and pre-compliance testing before integration into final designs using the EV1HMC8038LP4C.

Does the EV1HMC8038LP4C include the HMC8038 IC?

Yes, the EV1HMC8038LP4C evaluation board includes one mounted HMC8038LP4CE IC in a 16-lead 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package. The IC is fully assembled and tested per Analog Devices' specifications, with all NC pins externally grounded and the exposed pad soldered to the PCB ground plane as required for optimal RF and thermal performance of the EV1HMC8038LP4C.

What power supply requirements does the EV1HMC8038LP4C have?

The EV1HMC8038LP4C requires a single positive DC supply between 3.3 V and 5 V applied to the VDD pin, with total supply current under 0.16 mA. Digital control lines (VCTL and EN) accept 0–1.2 V for logic low and 1.55–5 V for logic high. No onboard voltage regulation is provided - users must supply clean, well-bypassed bias externally to ensure accurate EV1HMC8038LP4C performance validation.

Can the EV1HMC8038LP4C be used for hot-switching tests?

Yes, the EV1HMC8038LP4C supports hot-switching validation per HMC8038 specifications: maximum RF input power is 27 dBm during hot switching at 25°C and 85°C, and 24 dBm at 105°C. The board's layout - including thermal vias under the exposed pad and low-inductance grounding - maintains safe junction temperatures during transient switching events, enabling reliable evaluation of the EV1HMC8038LP4C under dynamic RF load conditions.

Is RF calibration data provided with the EV1HMC8038LP4C?

No factory-provided S-parameter or calibrated measurement data is shipped with the EV1HMC8038LP4C. Users perform full RF characterization using a vector network analyzer (VNA) and calibrated cables. The board's symmetric 50 Ω layout minimizes de-embedding complexity, and the HMC8038 datasheet provides reference performance curves (e.g., Figures 6–16) against which measured results on the EV1HMC8038LP4C can be directly compared.