Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC361G8

Overview

EVAL01-HMC361G8 from Hittite Microwave Corporation is an evaluation PCB designed for the HMC361G8 GaAs HBT MMIC divide-by-2 frequency divider, supporting 0.01–13 GHz input with +5 V supply and ultra-low SSB phase noise (−148 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset). It enables single-ended or differential RF testing of the HMC361G8 in prescaler applications for high-frequency PLL systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC361G8 datasheet, EVAL01-HMC361G8 pinout, EVAL01-HMC361G8 application, or EVAL01-HMC361G8 equivalent, this board provides validated RF layout, SMA interfaces (J1–J3), DC power access (J4/J5), broadband decoupling (C1–C4), and ground-integrated thermal design per Rogers 4350 substrate-critical for evaluating high-speed divider performance under real-world signal integrity constraints.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC361G8 is a dedicated evaluation platform-not an IC or discrete component-featuring a Rogers 4350 RF PCB with controlled 50 Ω impedance traces, optimized grounding via multiple vias to bottom-layer ground plane, and direct connection of the HMC361G8's exposed paddle and ground leads to RF/DC ground. It supports both single-ended (J1 input → J2/J3 outputs) and differential operation modes.

It integrates ATC530L broadband capacitors (C1–C4), a 1000 pF 0603 capacitor (C5), and a 10 µF tantalum (C6) for stable biasing and wideband RF decoupling across 10 MHz–13 GHz. The board is explicitly intended for characterization of the HMC361G8's input sensitivity window, output power roll-off, and phase noise performance under varying temperature and supply conditions.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC361G8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-frequency PLL prescaler validation, RF test equipment development, and space/military-grade frequency synthesis requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and repeatable measurement setup.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC361G8 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 RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave ICs, particularly GaAs HBT MMICs for demanding communications infrastructure.

The EVAL01-HMC361G8 belongs to Hittite's evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and characterization of their frequency dividers-including the HMC361G8-in real-world RF signal chain environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMC361G8?

The EVAL01-HMC361G8 is a dedicated evaluation PCB for the HMC361G8 divide-by-2 GaAs HBT MMIC. It provides a fully laid-out, RF-optimized platform with SMA interfaces, proper decoupling, and thermal grounding to enable accurate measurement of the HMC361G8's input sensitivity, output power, phase noise, and harmonic content across its full 0.01–13 GHz range. It is not a standalone functional module but a test vehicle for the HMC361G8.

Does the EVAL01-HMC361G8 support differential operation of the HMC361G8?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC361G8 supports differential operation of the HMC361G8 via pins 1 (IN) and 3 (NIN), with corresponding differential outputs on pins 5 (NOUT) and 7 (OUT). J2 and J3 are routed to NOUT and OUT respectively, allowing simultaneous capture of complementary 6.5 GHz (at 13 GHz input) signals. Single-ended use is also supported using only J1 (IN) and J2 (OUT).

What RF substrate and impedance control does the EVAL01-HMC361G8 use?

The EVAL01-HMC361G8 uses Rogers 4350 dielectric material with precisely calculated microstrip trace widths to maintain 50 Ω characteristic impedance across the entire 0.01–13 GHz operating band. This ensures minimal reflection loss and preserves signal integrity during high-frequency divider evaluation-critical for validating the HMC361G8's phase noise and transition time specifications.

How is power delivered and decoupled on the EVAL01-HMC361G8?

Power is delivered via J4 (Vcc) and J5 (GND) headers, routing +5 V ±0.25 V directly to the HMC361G8's pin 8 and pin 4. Decoupling combines four ATC530L 0402 broadband capacitors (C1–C4) for RF suppression, one 1000 pF 0603 capacitor (C5) for mid-band filtering, and one 10 µF tantalum (C6) for low-frequency stability-matching the HMC361G8's 84 mA supply current and fast transient response requirements.

Is the EVAL01-HMC361G8 compatible with other Hittite divider ICs?

No-the EVAL01-HMC361G8 is mechanically and electrically tailored exclusively for the HMC361G8 in its 8-lead hermetic SMT package. Pin spacing, ground paddle layout, RF trace lengths, and decoupling values are optimized for that specific device's parasitics and thermal profile. Substituting another IC-even from the same family-requires redesign due to differences in pinout, supply current, and RF port matching.