Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC221B

Overview

EVAL01-HMC221B from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the HMC221B GaAs MMIC SPDT RF switch (10 kHz–3 GHz) in real-world 50 Ω RF systems. It supports RF path switching between RFC–RF1 and RFC–RF2, features SMA connectors for J1–J3, DC pins J4–J6, and uses Rogers 4350 PCB material for stable high-frequency performance in receiver/filter switching applications.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC221B datasheet, EVAL01-HMC221B pinout, EVAL01-HMC221B application, or EVAL01-HMC221B equivalent, this page provides verified layout details, component-level BOM mapping, RF interface schematics, thermal and grounding implementation guidance, and compatibility notes with the HMC221B and HMC221BE switch variants.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC221B implements a single-layer RF evaluation platform optimized for the 6-lead SOT-23 packaged HMC221B SPDT switch. It maintains controlled 50 Ω impedance on all RF traces (J1–J3), direct ground-plane connection via package leads and bottom-side metal, and integrates three 330 pF 0402 DC-blocking capacitors (C1–C3) at RF ports per datasheet Figure 14.

It supports complementary 0 V/3 V or 0 V/5 V control logic via R1/R2 pull-up resistors and accommodates hot-switching up to 20 dBm (250 MHz–3 GHz) per Absolute Maximum Ratings. The board uses Rogers 4350 dielectric (ε_r ≈ 3.48, tan δ ≈ 0.004) to minimize dispersion and loss above 1 GHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC221B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, receiver chain prototyping, filter bank characterization, and GaAs switch integration testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC221B 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 EVAL01-HMC221B belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation board portfolio, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of Hittite-derived GaAs MMIC switches by providing validated RF layout, thermal management, and signal integrity reference implementations.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMC221B evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC221B evaluation board is a dedicated test platform for the HMC221B GaAs MMIC SPDT RF switch. It enables accurate measurement of insertion loss, isolation, return loss, and switching speed under real 50 Ω system conditions. The board implements the exact RF layout, grounding, and decoupling specified in the HMC221B datasheet to ensure measurement fidelity across 10 kHz–3 GHz.

Which switch variants is the EVAL01-HMC221B compatible with?

The EVAL01-HMC221B is explicitly designed for the HMC221B and its RoHS-compliant variant HMC221BE, as confirmed by Table 5 (BOM) listing "U1: HMC221BE SPDT switch" and the Ordering Guide. Both share identical SOT-23 (RJ-6) pinout, electrical specs, and thermal profile-making the board fully interoperable without layout modification.

Does the EVAL01-HMC221B support hot-switching of RF signals?

Yes-the EVAL01-HMC221B supports hot-switching per HMC221B Absolute Maximum Ratings. With proper 0 V/3 V or 0 V/5 V control, it handles up to 20 dBm CW RF input (250 MHz–3 GHz) during state transitions. The board's low-inductance grounding and 330 pF dc-blocking capacitors preserve switch reliability under dynamic RF load conditions.

What RF PCB material is used in the EVAL01-HMC221B and why?

The EVAL01-HMC221B uses Rogers 4350 laminate (circuit board material: Rogers 4350, per Table 5). Its stable dielectric constant (ε_r ≈ 3.48) and low dissipation factor (tan δ ≈ 0.004) minimize phase distortion and insertion loss variation up to 3 GHz-critical for validating the HMC221B's flatness (<0.3 dB from 20 MHz–1 GHz) and isolation performance.

How are control signals applied to the HMC221B on the EVAL01-HMC221B board?

Control signals are applied via DC headers J4–J6: J4 connects to A pin, J5 to B pin, and J6 to GND. Two 1 kΩ resistors (R1, R2) pull A and B to V_CTL, enabling direct CMOS-level drive (0 V/3 V or 0 V/5 V) per the truth table. No external level-shifting or buffering is required for standard logic interfacing with the EVAL01-HMC221B.