Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC661LC4B

Overview

EVAL01-HMC661LC4B from Hittite Microwave Corporation is a single-rank, fully differential evaluation board designed to characterize the HMC661LC4B SiGe track-and-hold (T/H) amplifier - a 4 GS/s, DC–18 GHz ultra-wideband analog front-end component used in high-speed sampling systems. It supports precision signal acquisition with <70 fs random aperture jitter, 1.05 mV RMS hold-mode noise, and >60 dB feedthrough rejection, enabling validation of RF ATE, digital sampling oscilloscopes, and radar receiver signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B datasheet, EVAL01-HMC661LC4B pinout, EVAL01-HMC661LC4B application, or EVAL01-HMC661LC4B equivalent, this board provides calibrated access to the HMC661LC4B's full-bandwidth analog I/O, clock interface, and power domains - critical for validating track/hold timing integrity, SFDR vs. frequency behavior, and hold-mode linearity at up to 4 GS/s sampling rates.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC661LC4B implements a direct-coupled, 50 Ω-terminated layout optimized for the HMC661LC4B's differential analog inputs (INP/INN), differential clock inputs (CLKP/CLKN), and differential outputs (OUTP/OUTN). It maintains impedance-controlled routing across all RF paths and integrates on-board bias networks for VccTH (2.0 V), VccOF (2.0 V), VccOB (2.0 V), VccCLK (2.0 V), and Vee (−4.75 V) to replicate production-level supply sequencing and noise rejection.

Board-level design includes SMA connectors for all I/Os, provisioned test points for internal node monitoring, and configurable termination options for clock and analog inputs - supporting both differential and single-ended drive configurations per HMC661LC4B application notes. The layout minimizes parasitic coupling between clock and analog paths to preserve <70 fs aperture jitter performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC661LC4B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF ATE development, digital sampling oscilloscope prototyping, and radar/ECM receiver front-end validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC661LC4B 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 was a U.S.-based RF/microwave semiconductor company specializing in high-frequency analog and mixed-signal ICs, acquired by Analog Devices in 2014. Its products targeted demanding microwave data conversion and signal conditioning applications.

The EVAL01-HMC661LC4B belongs to Hittite's evaluation board family for ultra-wideband track-and-hold amplifiers, engineered specifically to enable accurate characterization of the HMC661LC4B's 18 GHz input bandwidth, sub-70 fs jitter, and hold-mode SFDR performance in real-world signal acquisition systems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC661LC4B evaluation board is designed exclusively to facilitate laboratory characterization and system integration of the HMC661LC4B ultra-wideband track-and-hold amplifier. It provides full access to all device pins via SMA connectors, implements production-grade power delivery and RF layout practices, and enables measurement of key parameters including aperture jitter (<70 fs), hold-mode SFDR (up to 68 dB at 4 GHz), and 18 GHz input bandwidth - directly supporting RF ATE, digital sampling oscilloscope, and radar receiver development.

Does the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B support both differential and single-ended signal drive?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B supports both configurations. Its analog input (INP/INN) and clock input (CLKP/CLKN) SMA interfaces are fully differential and 50 Ω-terminated, but single-ended drive is accommodated per HMC661LC4B application notes: unused inputs must be terminated to 50 Ω, and single-ended clock amplitude/slew rate should match the recommended differential specifications (e.g., ≥2–4 V/ns slew rate) to maintain <70 fs aperture jitter and >60 dB feedthrough rejection on the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B.

How does the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B ensure accurate hold-mode linearity measurements?

The EVAL01-HMC661LC4B enables precise hold-mode linearity validation by preserving the HMC661LC4B's intrinsic signal path integrity: its controlled-impedance, low-skew layout minimizes parasitic coupling, while on-board bias networks replicate production supply sequencing (VccOB → VccOF → VccTH → VccCLK → Vee). This ensures that measured THD/SFDR values - such as 57 dB SFDR at 1 V_p-p, 4 GHz input, and 1 GS/s clock - reflect actual HMC661LC4B performance without board-induced distortion or timing degradation.

What power supply requirements must be met to operate the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B correctly?

The EVAL01-HMC661LC4B requires five independent, low-noise DC supplies: +2.0 V @ 82 mA (VccTH), +2.0 V @ 40 mA (VccOF), +2.0 V @ 73 mA (VccOB), +2.0 V @ 26 mA (VccCLK), and −4.75 V @ −242 mA (Vee). Per HMC661LC4B datasheet guidance, startup sequencing must follow VccOB → VccOF → VccTH → VccCLK → Vee to prevent latch-up or transient damage - a requirement enforced by the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B's onboard power management architecture.

Can the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B be used with high-speed ADCs for composite sampling architectures?

Yes - the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B is explicitly intended for use in composite sampling systems where the HMC661LC4B serves as a front-end track-and-hold stage preceding a high-speed ADC. Its 18 GHz input bandwidth and <70 fs aperture jitter allow it to extend the effective input bandwidth and improve high-frequency linearity of downstream converters (e.g., those limited to <5 GHz analog input), while its clean, low-droop hold-mode output (1.05 mV RMS noise, <1.4 %/ns droop) ensures minimal signal degradation before digitization on the EVAL01-HMC661LC4B platform.