For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
1
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Functional Diagram
The HMC996LP4E is a GaAs PHEMT MMIC analog
variable gain amplier and / or driver amplier which
operates between 5 and 12 GHz. Ideal for microwave
radio applications, the amplier provides up to 18.5
dB of gain, output P1dB of up to +23 dBm, and up
to +34 dBm of output IP3 at maximum gain, while
requiring only 170 mA from a +5V supply. Gain
control voltage pin (Vctrl) is provided to allow variable
gain control up to 22 dB. Gain atness is excellent
making the HMC996LP4E ideal for EW, ECM and
radar applications. The HMC996LP4E is housed in
a RoHS compliant 4 x 4 mm QFN leadless package
and is compatible with high volume surface mount
manufacturing.
Typical Applications Features
General Description
The HMC996LP4E is ideal for:
• Point-to-Point Radio
• Point-to-Multi-Point Radio
• EW & ECM Subsystems
• X-Band Radar
• Test Equipment & Sensors
Wide Gain Control Range: 22 dB
Single Control Voltage: -1 to -4.5V
Output IP3 @ Max Gain: +34 dBm
Output P1dB: +22 dBm
Low Noise Figure 2dB @ max gain
No External Matching
24 Lead 4x4 mm SMT Package: 16 mm2
Electrical Specications, TA = +25°C, Vdd1, 2= 5V, Vctrl= -4.5V, Idd= 120 mA*
Parameter Min. Ty p . Max. Min. Ty p . Max. Units
Frequency Range 5 - 8.5 8.5 - 12 GHz
Gain 16 18.5 13 16 dB
Gain Flatness ±0.5 ±1 dB
Gain Variation Over Temperature 0.006 0.006 dB/ °C
Gain Control Range 15 22 15 20 dB
Noise Figure 2.5 2 dB
Input Return Loss 17 9 dB
Output Return Loss 23 7 dB
Output Power for 1 dB Compression (P1dB) 19 22 20 23 dBm
Saturated Output Power (Psat) 23 24 dBm
Output Third Order Intercept (IP3) 34 34 dBm
Total Supply Current (Idd) 120 120 mA
*Set Vctrl = -4.5V and then adjust Vgg1, 2 between -2V to 0V to achieve Idd = 120 mA typical.
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
2
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Output Return Loss vs. Temperature
Broadband Gain & Return Loss Gain vs. Temperature
Input Return Loss vs. Temperature
Gain vs. Control Voltage Range Gain vs. Control Voltage
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
GAIN (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
Vctrl = -4.5V
Vctrl = -1.9V
Vctlr = -3.4V
Vctrl = -2,5V
Vctrl = -3.1V
Vctrl = -1.0V
Vctrl = -2.8V
Vctrl = -2.2V
Vctrl = -1.6V
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
-4 -3.7 -3.4 -3.1 -2.8 -2.5 -2.2 -1.9 -1.6 -1.3 -1
5 GHz
6 GHz
8 GHz
10 GHz
11 GHz
12 GHz
GAIN (dB)
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
S21
S11
S22
RESPONSE (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
10
13
16
19
22
25
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
GAIN (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
RETURN LOSS (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
RETURN LOSS (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
3
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
P1dB vs. Temperature Psat vs. Temperature
Noise Figure vs. Temperature
Input Return Loss @ Control Voltage
Extreme
Output Return Loss @ Control Voltage
Extreme
Noise Figure vs. Control Voltage
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-4.5 Volts
-1.0 Volts
RETURN LOSS (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
-4.5 Volts
-1.0 Volts
RETURN LOSS (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
-4 -3.5 -3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1
6 GHz
7 GHz
8 GHz
9 GHz
10 GHz
11 GHz
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
P1dB (dBm)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
Vctrl = -4.5V
Vctrl = -1V
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
Psat (dBm)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
Vctrl = -4.5V
Vctrl = -1V
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
4
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Output IP3 vs. TemperatureReverse Isolation vs. Temperature
IP3 and Gain @ 8 GHz, Pin = -10 dBm IP3 and Gain @ 6 GHz, Pin = -10 dBm
IP3 and Gain @ 10 GHz, Pin = -10 dBm
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
ISOLATION (dB)
FREQUENCY (GHz)
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
IP3 (dBm)
Vctrl=-4.5V, Pout=7 dBm/tone
Vctrl=-1V, Pout=-14 dBm/tone
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
-4.5 -4 -3.5 -3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1
OIP3
GAIN
IIP3
IP3 (dBm), GAIN (dB)
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
-4.5 -4 -3.5 -3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1
OIP3
GAIN
IIP3
IP3 (dBm), GAIN (dB)
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
-4.5 -4 -3.5 -3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1
OIP3
GAIN
IIP3
IP3 (dBm), GAIN (dB)
CONTROL VOLTAGE (V)
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
5
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Outline Drawing
Part Number Package Body Material Lead Finish MSL Rating Package Marking [2]
HMC996LP4E RoHS-compliant Low Stress Injection Molded Plastic 100% matte Sn MSL1 [1] H996
XXXX
[1] Max peak reow temperature of 260 °C
[2] 4-Digit lot number XXXX
Package Information
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Drain Bias Voltage (Vdd1, 2) +5.5V
Gate Bias Voltage (Vgg1, 2) -3 to 0V
Gain Control Voltage (Vctrl) -5 to 0V
RF Power Input +20 dBm
Channel Temperature 175 °C
Continuous Pdiss (T = 85 °C)
(derate 11.5 mW/°C above 85 °C) [1] 1.03 W
Thermal Resistance
(Channel to ground paddle) 86.7 °C/W
Storage Temperature -65 to +150 °C
Operating Temperature -40 to +85 °C
ESD Sensitivity (HBM) Class 0 Passed 150V
ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICE
OBSERVE HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Bias Voltage
Vdd1,2(V) Idd Total (mA)
+5V 120 mA
Vgg1,2 (V) Igg Total (mA)
0V to -2V <0.1 mA
NOTES:
1. LEADFRAME MATERIAL: COPPER ALLOY
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES [MILLIMETERS]
3. LEAD SPACING TOLERANCE IS NON-CUMULATIVE.
4. PAD BURR LENGTH SHALL BE 0.15mm MAXIMUM.
PAD BURR HEIGHT SHALL BE 0.05mm MAXIMUM.
5. PACKAGE WARP SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.05mm.
6. ALL GROUND LEADS AND GROUND PADDLE MUST
BE SOLDERED TO PCB RF GROUND.
7. REFER TO HITTITE APPLICATION NOTE FOR
SUGGESTED LAND PATTERN.
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
6
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Function Description Interface Schematic
1, 2, 6, 8, 10,
11, 13, 17, 18,
20, 21, 22, 23
N/C
The pins are not connected internally: however all data
shown herein was measured with these pins connected
to RF/DC ground externally
3, 5, 14, 16 GND These pins and exposed ground paddle must be connected to
RF/DC ground.
4RFIN This pad is AC coupled
and matched to 50 Ohm.
7, 12 Vgg1, 2
Gate control for amplier. Adjust voltage to achieve typical
Idd. Please follow “MMIC Amplier Biasing Procedure”
application note.
9Vctrl Gain control Voltage for the amplier. See assembly
diagram for required external components.
15 RFOUT This pad is AC coupled
and matched to 50 Ohm.
19, 24 Vdd1, 2 Drain Bias Voltage for the amplier. See assembly diagram for
required external components
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
7
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Application Circuit
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 2 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER - SMT
8
HMC996LP4E
v01.0112
VARIABLE GAIN AMPLIFIER
5 - 12 GHz
Evaluation PCB
The circuit board used in the application should use
RF circuit design techniques. Signal lines should
have 50 Ohm impedance while the package ground
leads and exposed paddle should be connected
directly to the ground plane similar to that shown.
A sufficient number of via holes should be used to
connect the top and bottom ground planes. The
evaluation circuit board shown is available from Hit-
tite upon request.
Item Description
J1, J4 PCB Mount SMA RF Connectors
J5 - J10 DC Pin
C1 - C5 100 pF Capacitor, 0402 Pkg.
C6 - C10 1000 pF Capacitor, 0603 Pkg.
C11 - C15 2.2 µF Capacitor, CASE A
U1 HMC996LP4E Variable Gain Amplier
PCB [2] 600-00113-00 Evaluation PCB
[1] Reference this number when ordering complete evaluation PCB
[2] Circuit Board Material: Arlon 25FR
List of Materials for Evaluation PCB
EVAL01-HMC996LP4E [1]
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For price, delivery, and to place orders: Analog Devices, Inc.,
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
Phone: 781-329-4700 • Order online at www.analog.com
Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D