Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC190BMS8

Overview

EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 from Hittite Microwave Corporation is an evaluation board for the HMC190AMS8 GaAs MMIC SPDT switch, supporting DC–3 GHz RF signal routing in portable wireless and MMDS/WirelessLAN systems. It features 50 Ω RF trace impedance, SMA connectors (J1–J3), DC pins (J4–J6), 330 pF 0402 DC-blocking capacitors (C1–C3), and a Rogers 4350 substrate PCB layout optimized for VSWR & isolation validation.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 datasheet, EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 pinout, EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 application, or EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of insertion loss (0.4 dB typ. @ 1 GHz), isolation (27 dB typ. @ 1 GHz), input IP3 (+50 dBm), switching speed (3 ns t_RISE), and control voltage behavior (0/+3 V to 0/+8 V) under real RF conditions.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 implements a fixed-layout RF evaluation platform for the HMC190AMS8 SPDT switch, with all three RF ports (RFC, RF1, RF2) terminated via SMA connectors and DC-blocked using 330 pF 0402 capacitors. Grounding follows RF best practices: package ground leads and bottom thermal pad are soldered directly to the PCB ground plane.

It supports dual positive-control logic (A/B inputs), operates across –40 °C to +85 °C, and requires no external bias circuitry-control voltages are applied directly to J4–J6. The board is not programmable or reconfigurable; it validates performance only for the MSOP-8 packaged HMC190AMS8(E) device.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, wireless transceiver prototyping, and GaAs switch qualification requiring stable component supply, repeatable test setup, and traceable evaluation hardware sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 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 (acquired by Analog Devices in 2014) specialized in high-performance RFICs, MMICs, and microwave components for defense, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.

The EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 belongs to Hittite's evaluation board product line, designed specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of their GaAs SPDT switches-including the HMC190AMS8-in real-world RF signal path configurations.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 evaluation board is a dedicated test platform for characterizing the HMC190AMS8 GaAs MMIC SPDT switch. It provides SMA-connected RF paths, DC blocking, proper grounding, and control voltage access to validate insertion loss, isolation, IP3, and switching speed across DC–3 GHz-without requiring custom PCB development. The board is not a standalone functional module but a measurement aid for the HMC190AMS8 device.

Does the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 support both HMC190AMS8 and HMC190AMS8E variants?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 supports both the Sn/Pb-finished HMC190AMS8 and RoHS-compliant HMC190AMS8E, as they share identical MSOP-8 package dimensions, pinout, electrical behavior, and thermal requirements. The board's footprint and grounding scheme comply with MSL1 reflow profiles for both versions, and no layout modification is needed between variants.

What control voltage range is validated on the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8?

The EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 validates the full specified control voltage range of the HMC190AMS8: 0/+3 Vdc, 0/+5 Vdc, and 0/+8 Vdc on control pins A and B. The board's J4–J6 header accepts these voltages directly, enabling measurement of switching speed (3 ns t_RISE), input P1dB (+31 dBm @ +5 V), and IP3 (+50 dBm @ +5 V) across all supported logic levels.

Are DC blocking capacitors included on the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 board?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 includes three 330 pF, 0402-size ceramic capacitors (C1–C3) placed in series with RFC, RF1, and RF2 ports. These provide DC blocking while maintaining low insertion loss up to 3 GHz, and define the low-frequency operating limit (~10 MHz). No additional external capacitors are required for standard evaluation use.

Can the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 be used for hot-switching tests above +20 dBm?

No-the EVAL01-HMC190BMS8 must not be used for hot-switching tests above +20 dBm RF input power when Vctl = +5 Vdc, per Hittite's caution note. The board replicates the HMC190AMS8's absolute maximum ratings; exceeding +20 dBm during switching risks permanent damage. For high-power validation, users must implement external power limiting or step attenuators before the RF input.