Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C

Overview

EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C from Hittite Microwave Corporation is an evaluation PCB designed to characterize the HMC1040LP3CE GaAs pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier operating from 24–43.5 GHz, delivering 23 dB gain, 2.2 dB noise figure, and +12 dBm P1dB output power under +2.5 V/70 mA bias - used for microwave radio and VSAT receiver front-end validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C datasheet, EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C pinout, EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C application, or EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C equivalent, this board enables rapid RF performance verification of the HMC1040LP3CE LNA in 2.92 mm connector-based test setups with calibrated DC bias access and thermal management provisions.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C is a dedicated evaluation platform for the HMC1040LP3CE LNA, featuring Rogers 4350 or Arlon 25FR RF substrate, 50 Ω microstrip routing, and grounded paddle soldering per Hittite's recommended land pattern. It integrates three capacitor values (100 pF, 10 nF, 4.7 µF) for RF input/output AC coupling and supply decoupling across the 24–43.5 GHz band.

It provides direct access to all three drain bias pins (Vdd1/Vdd2/Vdd3), RF input (RFIN) and output (RFOUT), and ground terminals via test points (TP5–TP8) and 2.92 mm coaxial connectors (J1–J4), supporting full small-signal S-parameter, noise figure, and IP3 measurement without custom fixture design.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, satellite communications transceiver prototyping, and electronic warfare subsystem testing requiring stable component supply and repeatable RF evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C 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, now part of Analog Devices, specialized in high-frequency RFICs and MMICs for microwave and millimeter-wave applications before its 2014 acquisition.

The EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C belongs to Hittite's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and integration of their GaAs pHEMT LNAs into 24–44 GHz systems such as point-to-point radios and VSAT terminals.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C evaluation board is a dedicated test platform for the HMC1040LP3CE low-noise amplifier, enabling engineers to measure gain, noise figure, IP3, and return loss across 24–43.5 GHz using standard 2.92 mm instrumentation. It provides verified RF layout, bias control, and thermal interface - eliminating the need for custom PCB design when validating the HMC1040LP3CE in receiver front-ends.

Does the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C support DC bias adjustment for the HMC1040LP3CE?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C provides direct access to all three drain bias pins (Vdd1, Vdd2, Vdd3) and ground via test points TP5–TP8, allowing precise +2.5 V DC voltage application and current draw monitoring (70 mA typical). This facilitates optimization of the HMC1040LP3CE's noise figure and gain trade-offs without modifying the board layout.

What RF connectors are used on the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C, and why are they selected?

The EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C uses four 2.92 mm female coaxial connectors (J1–J4) for RF input, output, and calibration paths. These connectors maintain impedance integrity and low reflection up to 46 GHz, ensuring measurement accuracy for the HMC1040LP3CE's full 24–43.5 GHz operating range - critical for validating small-signal parameters in microwave radio and SatCom applications.

Is thermal management addressed on the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C board?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C includes provisions for mounting to an external heat sink and requires soldering of the HMC1040LP3CE's exposed ground paddle directly to the PCB's thermal pad. This ensures channel temperature remains within the specified –40°C to +85°C operating range during continuous operation, preserving the HMC1040LP3CE's 2.2 dB noise figure and +12 dBm P1dB performance.

Can the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C be used with other Hittite amplifiers?

No - the EVAL01-HMC1040LP3C is mechanically and electrically optimized exclusively for the HMC1040LP3CE in its 3×3 mm LP3 package. Pinout, capacitor values, RF trace geometry, and grounding scheme are specific to that device. Using it with other amplifiers (e.g., HMC1041LP3E) would require redesign due to differing bias requirements, frequency range, and package thermal characteristics.