Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC939ALP4

Overview

EV1HMC939ALP4 from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the HMC939ALP4E GaAs 5-bit digital attenuator, supporting RF operation from 0.1 GHz to 33 GHz with 1 dB LSB resolution, ±0.5 dB typical attenuation accuracy, and dual ±5 V supply operation. It enables characterization of insertion loss (6 dB typical at 33 GHz), P0.1dB (24 dBm typical), and IP3 (40 dBm typical) in microwave test instrumentation and VSAT systems.

For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC939ALP4 datasheet, EV1HMC939ALP4 pinout, EV1HMC939ALP4 application, or EV1HMC939ALP4 equivalent, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, thermal and RF layout details, component bill-of-materials, and integration guidance for high-frequency attenuator validation in military radios, broadband telecom, and ECM systems.

Technical Context

The EV1HMC939ALP4 is a dedicated 4-layer evaluation platform for the HMC939ALP4E die, featuring Rogers RO4350 top dielectric (10 mil), FR-4 core layers, and 62-mil total thickness optimized for >30 GHz performance. Its coplanar waveguide (CPWG) RF traces-16-mil width, 13-mil ground spacing-maintain 50 Ω impedance at RF1 and RF2 ports connected via 2.9 mm connectors (J1/J2).

Thermal management relies on dense plated-through vias under the exposed pad and around RF paths, while power integrity uses 1 nF 0402 decoupling capacitors (C1/C2) on VDD/VSS lines. The board supports full parallel control (P0–P4) and includes a thru-calibration line (J4–J5) for PCB loss de-embedding during S-parameter measurements.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV1HMC939ALP4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, VSAT terminal prototyping, and electronic warfare subsystem validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EV1HMC939ALP4 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 EV1HMC939ALP4 belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation board portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate characterization and integration of GaAs MMIC attenuators in millimeter-wave signal chains.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV1HMC939ALP4 evaluation board?

The EV1HMC939ALP4 evaluation board is a fully populated, 4-layer platform designed exclusively to evaluate the HMC939ALP4E GaAs 5-bit digital attenuator. It provides calibrated RF access (via 2.9 mm connectors), proper thermal grounding, and CMOS/TTL-compatible parallel control interface to validate insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, and linearity across 0.1–33 GHz before system integration. The board includes a thru-calibration line for measurement error correction.

Does the EV1HMC939ALP4 support full 33 GHz operation, and how is that achieved?

Yes, the EV1HMC939ALP4 supports full 33 GHz operation through its optimized RF layout: coplanar waveguide (CPWG) traces with 16-mil width and 13-mil ground spacing maintain 50 Ω impedance; Rogers RO4350 top dielectric (10 mil) minimizes loss and dispersion; and 2.9 mm RF connectors (J1/J2) are rated for DC–40 GHz. Measurement data in the HMC939ALP4E datasheet confirms performance up to 33 GHz when used with this board.

What power supply configuration is required for the EV1HMC939ALP4?

The EV1HMC939ALP4 requires dual ±5 V supplies delivered via the 2×5-pin header (J3), matching the HMC939ALP4E's VDD = +5 V and VSS = −5 V requirements. On-board 1 nF 0402 decoupling capacitors (C1, C2) filter high-frequency noise. Power sequencing must follow ground → VDD/VSS → digital controls → RF input, as specified in the HMC939ALP4E datasheet Rev. D, Page 9.

How does the thru-calibration line (J4–J5) on the EV1HMC939ALP4 improve measurement accuracy?

The thru-calibration line (J4–J5) on the EV1HMC939ALP4 is a direct 50 Ω transmission path with identical stack-up and trace geometry as the main RF paths. It enables vector network analyzer (VNA) thru-reflect-line (TRL) or response calibration to de-embed PCB insertion loss, phase shift, and impedance mismatch effects-critical for isolating true HMC939ALP4E device performance from board parasitics at frequencies up to 33 GHz.

Is the EV1HMC939ALP4 RoHS compliant and suitable for production-level testing?

Yes, the EV1HMC939ALP4 is RoHS compliant and built with industry-standard materials: Rogers RO4350 top layer, FR-4 core, and lead-free solder. Its design-including thermal vias under the exposed pad, controlled-impedance CPWG routing, and calibrated RF interfaces-meets production test requirements for military radios, VSAT terminals, and broadband telecom equipment where repeatable, traceable RF validation is mandatory.