Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E

Overview

EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E from Hittite Microwave Corporation (now part of Analog Devices) is an evaluation board for the HMC6187LP4E GaAs MMIC pHEMT variable gain amplifier operating at 27–31.5 GHz. It supports Ka-band microwave radio, EW/ECM subsystems, and radar applications with verified +24 dBm P1dB, +31 dBm IP3, and 13 dB analog gain control range via single Vctrl voltage.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E datasheet, EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E pinout, EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E application, or EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E equivalent, this board enables rapid RF performance validation of the HMC6187LP4E amplifier under real-world biasing, thermal, and impedance-matched conditions using K-connectors and production-ready SMT layout.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E implements a fully populated, impedance-optimized PCB reference design for the HMC6187LP4E amplifier, featuring 50 Ω microstrip routing, dedicated DC bias test points (TP1–TP7), and K-type RF connectors (J1–J4) for calibrated input/output measurement. It incorporates decoupling networks with 100 pF (C1–C7), 10,000 pF (C8–C14), and 4.7 µF (C15–C21) capacitors across all supply rails.

Designed for Arlon 25FR substrate (PCB #600-00145-00), the board enforces strict RF grounding: the exposed paddle and all 14 GND pins of the HMC6187LP4E are connected to a solid ground plane via multiple vias, per Hittite's recommended land pattern and thermal management guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ka-band radar development, EW/ECM subsystem prototyping, and point-to-point radio link validation requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E 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-frequency RFICs and MMICs for defense, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.

The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E belongs to Hittite's evaluation platform product line, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for millimeter-wave amplifiers by delivering factory-validated RF layout, bias stability, and thermal integrity out-of-box.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E is a dedicated evaluation platform for the HMC6187LP4E GaAs MMIC variable gain amplifier. It provides a fully assembled, RF-optimized PCB with K-connectors, bias test points, and multi-stage decoupling to enable immediate characterization of gain, P1dB, IP3, and return loss across 27–31.5 GHz without custom layout effort. The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E validates real-world performance under production-relevant thermal and grounding conditions.

Does the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E require external power supplies or bias sequencing?

No - the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E accepts standard +5 V DC on Vdd rails and programmable negative voltage (−4.5 V to −1 V) on Vctrl, with all required bias filtering and decoupling integrated. Test points TP1–TP7 allow direct probing of Vdd1–4, Vgg1–2, and Vctrl without soldering. The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E eliminates need for external sequencers or discrete bias networks, supporting immediate bench testing per Hittite's recommended biasing procedure.

What RF connector type is used on the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E, and is it field-replaceable?

The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E uses SMA-compatible K-type RF connectors (J1 for RFIN, J4 for RFOUT) rated for operation up to 40 GHz. These surface-mount K-connectors are soldered directly to the Arlon 25FR PCB and are not designed for field replacement; they are factory-installed to maintain impedance integrity and repeatability. The EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E's connector selection ensures minimal insertion loss and reflection across the full 27–31.5 GHz band.

Can the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E be used to evaluate temperature-dependent performance?

Yes - the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E supports thermal characterization via its low-thermal-resistance layout: the HMC6187LP4E's exposed paddle is soldered to a large copper ground plane with multiple thermal vias, enabling stable junction temperature control during hot/cold chamber testing. Published data for the HMC6187LP4E (gain vs. temperature, P1dB vs. temperature, noise figure vs. temperature) was measured on this exact board, confirming the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E's suitability for environmental validation.

Is the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E RoHS compliant and compatible with lead-free reflow?

Yes - the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E PCB and all populated components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The HMC6187LP4E IC itself carries MSL1 rating and supports peak reflow temperatures up to 260 °C, fully compatible with standard lead-free soldering profiles. All capacitors (0402, 0603, Case A) and K-connectors on the EVAL01-HMC6187LP4E are RoHS-compliant and qualified for Pb-free assembly per JEDEC J-STD-020.