Overview
The HMC346ALP3E is an absorptive Voltage Variable Attenuator (VVA) produced by Analog Devices Inc. This component operates over a wide frequency range from DC to 14 GHz and is packaged in a low-cost leadless surface mount plastic package. It features an on-chip reference attenuator that allows for simple single voltage attenuation control using an external op-amp, with a control voltage range of 0 to -5V. This device is particularly useful in designs where an analog DC control signal needs to control RF signal levels over a 30 dB amplitude range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC | - | 14 GHz | GHz |
| Insertion Loss (DC - 10 GHz) | 2.6 | 2.7 | 3.1 | dB |
| Insertion Loss (DC - 14 GHz) | 2.7 | - | 3.2 | dB |
| Attenuation Range (DC - 10 GHz) | 27 | 30 | 30 | dB |
| Attenuation Range (DC - 14 GHz) | 23 | - | 28 | dB |
| Return Loss (DC - 14 GHz) | 5 | - | 10 | dB |
| Switching Characteristics tRISE, tFALL (10/90% RF) | 8 | - | - | ns |
| Input Power for 0.25 dB Compression (0.5 - 14 GHz) | +10 | - | - | dBm |
| Input Third Order Intercept (0.5 - 14 GHz) | +30 | - | - | dBm |
| Control Voltage Range | -5 | - | 0 | V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 | - | 85 | °C |
| Package Type | - | - | LFCSP-EP-16 | - |
Key Features
- Wide bandwidth operation from DC to 14 GHz
- Low phase shift vs. attenuation
- Simplified voltage control using an external op-amp
- 30 dB attenuation range
- Low insertion loss: 2.6 dB (typical, DC - 10 GHz)
- High return loss: 10 dB (typical, DC - 14 GHz)
- Fast switching characteristics: 8 ns (typical, tRISE, tFALL)
- High input third order intercept: +30 dBm (typical)
- LFCSP-EP-16 package with 16 pins
- Operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C
- RoHS-compliant and lead-free
Applications
- Basestation Infrastructure
- Fiber Optics and Broadband Telecom
- Microwave Radio and VSAT
- Military Radios, Radar, and ECM
- Test Instrumentation
Q & A
- What is the frequency range of the HMC346ALP3E?
The HMC346ALP3E operates from DC to 14 GHz.
- What is the typical insertion loss of the HMC346ALP3E?
The typical insertion loss is 2.7 dB (DC - 10 GHz) and 3.2 dB (DC - 14 GHz).
- What is the attenuation range of the HMC346ALP3E?
The attenuation range is 30 dB (typical, DC - 10 GHz) and 28 dB (typical, DC - 14 GHz).
- How is the attenuation controlled in the HMC346ALP3E?
The attenuation is controlled using an external op-amp with a control voltage range of 0 to -5V.
- What is the switching time of the HMC346ALP3E?
The switching characteristics are 8 ns (typical, tRISE, tFALL).
- What is the input power for 0.25 dB compression?
The input power for 0.25 dB compression is +10 dBm (typical, 0.5 - 14 GHz).
- What is the input third order intercept of the HMC346ALP3E?
The input third order intercept is +30 dBm (typical, 0.5 - 14 GHz).
- What is the package type of the HMC346ALP3E?
The package type is LFCSP-EP-16 with 16 pins.
- What is the operating temperature range of the HMC346ALP3E?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to +85°C.
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Yes, the HMC346ALP3E is RoHS-compliant and lead-free.
