Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC815BLC5

Overview

EV1HMC815BLC5 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC I/Q upconverter operating from 21 GHz to 27 GHz RF, with 10.5–14.5 GHz LO input and DC–3.75 GHz IF bandwidth. It delivers 12 dB typical conversion gain, 20 dBc sideband rejection, and 20 dBm OP1dB, enabling high-fidelity microwave signal synthesis in compact SSB transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC815BLC5 datasheet, EV1HMC815BLC5 pinout, EV1HMC815BLC5 application, or EV1HMC815BLC5 equivalent, this evaluation board supports rapid characterization of RF upconversion performance, sideband suppression, and thermal behavior under real-world bias and drive conditions across −40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC815BLC5 implements an integrated I/Q mixer topology with on-chip 2× LO multiplier and RF driver amplifier, eliminating external multipliers and wire-bonded hybrids. Its architecture enables sideband selection via external 90° hybrid at IF1/IF2 ports, reducing post-upconversion filtering requirements.

It operates with three independent supply rails (VDD1 for LO amp, VDD2/VDD3 for RF amp) and requires gate bias (VGG) tuning for optimal linearity. The exposed-pad 32-terminal ceramic LCC package ensures thermal stability and RF grounding critical for mmWave operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 4.90 mm × 4.90 mm, 32-terminal ceramic LCC with exposed thermal pad (EPAD), RoHS compliant, MSL3, rated for −40°C to +85°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q upconverter applications.

Compared with HMC815ALC5, EV1HMC815BLC5 trades extended temperature qualification for lower unit cost and faster lead time; versus QM11020, it delivers superior sideband rejection and integrated LO multiplication at the expense of GaAs-specific biasing complexity.

Availability

EV1HMC815BLC5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military radar transmitters, and satellite communications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-frequency performance consistency.

Supply support for EV1HMC815BLC5 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The HMC815B product line delivers integrated mmWave upconverters targeting E-band wireless infrastructure and electronic warfare systems where size, linearity, and sideband purity are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC815BLC5?

The EV1HMC815BLC5 is an evaluation board for the HMC815B GaAs MMIC I/Q upconverter. It enables engineers to characterize the device's 21–27 GHz RF upconversion performance, including conversion gain, sideband rejection, and linearity, under controlled bias and thermal conditions. The EV1HMC815BLC5 provides all necessary matching networks, decoupling, and interface connectors to validate the HMC815B in real system environments.

Does the EV1HMC815BLC5 include the HMC815B IC?

Yes, the EV1HMC815BLC5 evaluation board integrates one HMC815B die in its 32-terminal ceramic LCC package. The board is pre-populated with the IC, calibrated RF/IF/LO matching components, and SMA connectors for all ports (RFOUT, LOIN, IF1, IF2), allowing immediate bench testing without additional assembly.

What power supplies are required to operate the EV1HMC815BLC5?

The EV1HMC815BLC5 requires three independent DC supplies: +4.5 V for VDD1 (LO amplifier), +4.5 V for VDD2/VDD3 (RF amplifier), and a tunable −0.5 V to −1.5 V for VGG (RF FET gate bias). Current draw is approximately 300 mA total (270–300 mA for RF section, 80–120 mA for LO section), as specified in the HMC815B datasheet.

Can the EV1HMC815BLC5 be used for both upper and lower sideband upconversion?

Yes, the EV1HMC815BLC5 supports both upper and lower sideband operation by reconfiguring the external 90° hybrid connection at the IF1/IF2 ports. The HMC815B's I/Q architecture allows sideband selection via hybrid polarity-no hardware change to the EV1HMC815BLC5 board is needed, only IF signal routing adjustment.

Is thermal management provided on the EV1HMC815BLC5 evaluation board?

Yes, the EV1HMC815BLC5 features a large copper thermal pad beneath the HMC815B's exposed pad (EPAD), connected via 5 × 5 thermal vias to internal ground planes. This design achieves θJA ≈ 46.4°C/W, enabling stable operation at full bias across −40°C to +85°C ambient per the HMC815B datasheet specifications.