Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E

Overview

EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E from Hittite Microwave Corporation is an evaluation PCB designed specifically for the HMC1019LP4E 5-bit GaAs MMIC digital attenuator. It supports broadband RF characterization from 0.1 to 30 GHz, features 2.9 mm RF connectors, DC headers, and a Rogers 4350 substrate. The board enables rapid validation of serial control interface timing, attenuation accuracy (±0.3 dB typical), and high-linearity operation (IIP3 = +45 dBm) in microwave radio and test equipment applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E datasheet, EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E pinout, EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E application, or EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E equivalent, this page provides verified layout guidance, connector specifications, component BOM, RF grounding requirements, and compatibility confirmation with the HMC1019LP4E IC's 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package and serial control interface.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E is a dedicated evaluation platform-not an IC-built around the HMC1019LP4E attenuator IC. It implements precise 50 Ω RF signal routing, dual 2.9 mm RF ports (J1/J2), six DC power/control connectors (J3–J6), and decoupling network using 100 pF and 1000 pF 0402 capacitors. All ground leads and the exposed paddle are connected to a solid RF ground plane via multiple vias.

Its Rogers 4350 substrate ensures stable dielectric performance up to 30 GHz, while the layout adheres to Hittite's recommended land pattern and thermal management guidelines. The board does not include active circuitry beyond passive interconnects and bias conditioning, and requires external TTL/CMOS logic for SERIN/CLK/LE control signal generation.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, VSAT transceiver prototyping, radar front-end characterization, and high-frequency test equipment calibration requiring stable component supply and validated RF layout practices.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E 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

Hittite Microwave Corporation was a U.S.-based RF/microwave semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for defense, aerospace, and communications. Acquired by Analog Devices in 2014, its product lines continue under ADI's RF division.

The EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E belongs to Hittite's evaluation board family for GaAs MMIC components, engineered to accelerate design-in of broadband attenuators, switches, and gain blocks by providing RF-optimized layouts, calibrated measurement paths, and documented assembly guidance.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E?

The EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E is a dedicated evaluation PCB that hosts the HMC1019LP4E 5-bit GaAs digital attenuator IC. Its purpose is to provide a ready-to-use, RF-optimized platform for measuring insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, return loss, switching speed, and linearity (IIP3) across 0.1–30 GHz. It is not an active component but a passive test vehicle enabling rapid validation of the HMC1019LP4E in real-world signal chains.

Does the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E include the HMC1019LP4E IC?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E evaluation board includes one mounted HMC1019LP4E IC (24-lead 4×4 mm QFN). The board's BOM explicitly lists "U1: HMC1019LP4E Digital Attenuator" as the core active component. All supporting passives-including RF connectors, decoupling capacitors, and DC headers-are pre-installed per Hittite's reference design.

What RF connector type is used on the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E?

The EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E uses two 2.9 mm precision PC-mount RF connectors (J1 and J2) for input and output RF paths. These connectors are rated for operation up to 40 GHz, maintain 50 Ω impedance, and are compatible with standard 2.9 mm test cables and fixtures-enabling accurate S-parameter measurements without adapter-induced error.

Can the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E be used with other Hittite attenuators?

No-the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E is mechanically and electrically tailored exclusively for the HMC1019LP4E IC. Its land pattern, via placement, decoupling network, and RF trace geometry match the 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package and pinout of the HMC1019LP4E. Using it with other parts (e.g., HMC624LP4E or HMC1119LP4E) would risk impedance mismatch, grounding discontinuity, or control interface incompatibility.

What documentation accompanies the EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E?

The EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E ships with Hittite's official "List of Materials for Evaluation PCB EVAL01-HMC1019LP4E", which details all components (J1–J6, C1–C6, U1), PCB part number (600-00196-00-2), substrate material (Rogers 4350), and assembly notes. No separate user manual is included-but full functional validation relies on the HMC1019LP4E datasheet (v00.0911) for control timing, bias requirements, and RF performance limits.