Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE

Overview

EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE from Hittite Microwave Corporation is an evaluation PCB designed specifically for the HMC985LP4KE GaAs MMIC voltage-variable attenuator (VVA), supporting RF signal conditioning across 10–40 GHz with dual analog control (Vctl1/Vctl2), 35 dB attenuation range, and +33 dBm input IP3 at 25 °C. It enables rapid prototyping of AGC and temperature-compensated gain stages in microwave radios.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE datasheet, EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE pinout, EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE application, or EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE equivalent, this board provides verified RF layout, 50 Ω matched K-connector interfaces, integrated DC biasing, and traceable grounding per Hittite's recommended land pattern - critical for validating high-frequency VVA performance before system integration.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE implements a two-stage shunt-type absorptive VVA architecture using the HMC985LP4KE IC, with independent Vctl1 and Vctl2 inputs enabling optimized linearity sequencing: Vctl1 varied first (−3 V to 0 V) while Vctl2 held at −3 V, then Vctl2 varied (−3 V to 0 V) with Vctl1 fixed at 0 V. This sequence achieves best-in-class +33 dBm input IP3.

It integrates six passive components (two 100 pF 0402 caps, two 0.01 µF 0603 caps, two 4.7 µF tantalum caps) and uses a 6-layer FR-4 PCB (P/N 600-00220-00) with controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip traces, ground vias under all package leads and the exposed paddle, and direct top-to-bottom ground plane interconnection.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, test instrumentation validation, and radar front-end prototyping requiring stable component supply and pre-verified RF layout fidelity.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE 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. Known for GaAs MMICs with industry-leading linearity and bandwidth.

The EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE belongs to Hittite's evaluation platform family for voltage-variable attenuators, engineered to accelerate design-in of broadband RF components in point-to-point, VSAT, and defense systems where signal integrity above 10 GHz is mission-critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE evaluation board is a dedicated test platform for the HMC985LP4KE GaAs MMIC voltage-variable attenuator. It provides full RF signal path access via K-connectors, dual DC control inputs, proper decoupling, and verified grounding - enabling immediate characterization of insertion loss, attenuation range, and IP3 performance across 10–40 GHz without custom PCB development.

Does the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE support both independent and tied Vctl1/Vctl2 operation modes?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE supports both configurations: Vctl1 and Vctl2 are brought out separately to DC pins (J3–J5), allowing independent bias sequencing for optimal linearity, or they can be externally shorted to achieve full 35 dB analog attenuation with only minor IP3 degradation - as confirmed in the HMC985LP4KE datasheet.

What RF connectors are used on the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE board?

The EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE uses SMA-compatible K-connectors (J1, J2, J6, J7) for RF input and output ports. These connectors maintain 50 Ω impedance up to 40 GHz and are directly routed to the RFIN and RFOUT pads of the HMC985LP4KE IC with minimal discontinuity, ensuring accurate high-frequency measurement capability.

Is the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE compatible with standard reflow soldering processes?

Yes - the HMC985LP4KE IC on the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE board is RoHS-compliant and rated MSL1, with a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C. The PCB itself uses FR-4 material qualified for standard lead-free reflow profiles, and the land pattern follows Hittite's recommended footprint for the 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package.

Where can I obtain the schematic and layout files for the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE?

Schematic and layout documentation for the EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE is provided in Hittite Application Note AN-1112 and the HMC985LP4KE datasheet (v01.0813). These documents include the full bill of materials, PCB layer stack-up, via placement rules, and grounding recommendations - all referenced explicitly for the 600-00220-00 evaluation PCB used in EVAL01-HMC985LP4KE.