Analog Devices Inc. HMC1126-EVALZ

Overview

HMC1126-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the HMC1126ACEZ GaAs pHEMT low-noise amplifier (LNA), supporting RF operation from 400 MHz to 52 GHz. It provides full access to all 24 terminals of the LGA_CAV package, includes integrated 50 Ω input/output matching, on-board bias control interfaces for VDD, VGG1, and VGG2, and enables rapid prototyping in test instrumentation and defense-grade RF front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the HMC1126-EVALZ datasheet, HMC1126-EVALZ pinout, HMC1126-EVALZ application, or HMC1126-EVALZ equivalent, this board delivers verified RF performance validation, bias sequencing compliance per Analog Devices' recommended power-up/power-down flow, and direct interface capability with active bias controllers such as the HMC920LP5E.

Technical Context

The HMC1126-EVALZ implements a fully populated, impedance-matched PCB layout optimized for the HMC1126ACEZ's 5.00 mm × 5.00 mm 24-terminal LGA_CAV package. It integrates internal ac-coupling and decoupling - including 0.1 μF and 100 pF capacitors - eliminating need for external passive components during basic operation.

It supports dual biasing methods: manual gate voltage control via precision potentiometers for VGG1 and VGG2, and plug-and-play integration with the HMC920LP5E active bias controller using dedicated EN, VGATE, VDRAIN, and ISENSE interfaces. The board adheres to strict RF grounding practices with continuous ground plane and controlled trace geometry.

Key Specifications

Availability

HMC1126-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for test instrumentation development, military radar receiver prototyping, satellite communication link validation, and millimeter-wave component characterization requiring stable component supply and repeatable RF measurement conditions.

Supply support for HMC1126-EVALZ 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 digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, aerospace, and industrial markets since 1965.

The HMC1126-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave product line, engineered specifically to accelerate RF/microwave IC evaluation with calibrated, production-ready reference designs that reflect real-world signal integrity and thermal behavior.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the HMC1126-EVALZ?

The HMC1126-EVALZ is an evaluation board built exclusively to assess the HMC1126ACEZ low-noise amplifier under real-world RF conditions. It enables engineers to verify gain, noise figure, OIP3, OP1dB, and return loss across its full 400 MHz–52 GHz bandwidth without custom PCB design. The HMC1126-EVALZ includes all necessary biasing, matching, and interconnect infrastructure to deliver measurement-grade results directly from the first power-on.

Does the HMC1126-EVALZ require external passive components to operate the HMC1126ACEZ?

No - the HMC1126-EVALZ integrates all required passive elements: internal ac-coupling capacitors on RFIN and RFOUT, plus 0.1 μF and 100 pF decoupling capacitors on VDD, VGG1, and VGG2. This eliminates the need for external components during baseline operation, reducing setup complexity and minimizing parasitic effects that could degrade RF performance at mmWave frequencies.

Can the HMC1126-EVALZ be used with the HMC920LP5E active bias controller?

Yes - the HMC1126-EVALZ features dedicated header pins and routing for seamless integration with the HMC920LP5E. It provides direct access to EN, VGATE, VDRAIN, and ISENSE signals, enabling closed-loop constant-drain-current biasing of the HMC1126ACEZ. This configuration maintains stable IDQ = 85 mA (or user-defined setpoint) across temperature and unit-to-unit variation, as validated in the HMC1126ACEZ datasheet.

What are the recommended power-up and power-down sequences for the HMC1126-EVALZ?

Analog Devices specifies strict sequencing to prevent device damage: for power-up, connect GND first, set VGG1 to −2 V, apply VDD = 5 V, then VGG2 = 1 V, adjust VGG1 to achieve IDQ = 85 mA, and finally apply RF input. For power-down: remove RF, reduce VGG1 to −2 V (IDQ = 0 mA), lower VGG2 to 0 V, drop VDD to 0 V, then raise VGG1 to 0 V. The HMC1126-EVALZ layout and labeling support this sequence via clearly marked test points and potentiometer controls.

Is the HMC1126-EVALZ compatible with other HMC-series amplifiers?

No - the HMC1126-EVALZ is mechanically and electrically optimized solely for the HMC1126ACEZ in its 24-terminal LGA_CAV (CE-24-2) package. Its pad layout, trace impedance, grounding scheme, and bias network values are not interchangeable with other HMC amplifiers, even those sharing similar frequency ranges or pin counts. Using it with non-HMC1126ACEZ devices may result in mismatch, instability, or permanent damage.