Hi there,
I have a design that uses HMC490LP5E with HMC981LP3E as its controller. I've followed the application example circuit for both parts and on two different boards, I have one that works and one doesn't! I'm trying to figure what could be the problem. The board that works, when probing the VDRAIN and VGATE on the bias control, reads 5V and -1V as expected. However, on the board that doesn't work, both reads near zero. Since both boards have the same circuit design, could it be the HMC490LP5E is sensitive to layout around its VDDs? Below I have two different layout for VDDs. Should the VDDs have separate lines feeding the amp?
The board that works
That board that doesn't work:
Cheers,
Amin