Overview
The HMC424ALP3E, produced by Analog Devices Inc., is a broadband 6-bit GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) IC digital attenuator. It is packaged in a low-cost leadless surface mount package, making it ideal for various high-frequency applications. This attenuator operates from DC to 13 GHz, offering a wide range of attenuation settings with high accuracy.
The device features a single control line per bit, with six control voltage inputs that can be toggled between 0 and -5V to select each attenuation state. The attenuator provides 0.5 dB least significant bit (LSB) steps, with total attenuation ranging up to 31.5 dB.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Frequency Range | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion Loss | DC - 4 GHz | 2.8 | 3.3 | 3.9 | dB |
| Insertion Loss | 4.0 - 8.0 GHz | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.4 | dB |
| Insertion Loss | 8.0 - 13.0 GHz | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.4 | dB |
| Attenuation Range | DC - 13.0 GHz | 31.5 | dB | ||
| Return Loss (RF1 & RF2, All Atten. States) | DC - 13.0 GHz | 13 | dB | ||
| Attenuation Accuracy | DC - 13.0 GHz | ± (0.3 + 5% of Atten. Setting) | dB | ||
| Input Power for 0.1 dB Compression | 0.5 - 13 GHz | +25 | dBm | ||
| Supply Voltage (VEE) | -3 | -5 | V | ||
| Control Input Voltage (VCTL) | 0 | VEE | V | ||
| Operating Temperature | -55 | 85 | °C | ||
Key Features
- Broadband Operation: Covers frequencies from DC to 13 GHz.
- High Accuracy: Attenuation accuracy of ± 0.5 dB typical step error.
- Low Insertion Loss: Typical insertion loss of less than 4 dB.
- Compact Packaging: Leadless surface mount package, reducing space requirements.
- Single Control Line Per Bit: Six control voltage inputs toggled between 0 and -5V.
- High Linearity: Input IP3 of +38 dBm.
- ESD Protection: ESD sensitivity class 1A.
Applications
- Basestation Infrastructure: Used in cellular base stations for signal attenuation.
- Fiber Optics & Broadband Telecom: Employed in high-speed data transmission systems.
- Microwave & VSAT Radios: Suitable for satellite communication and microwave radio systems.
- Military & Space: Applied in military and space-related communication equipment.
- Test Instrumentation: Used in various test and measurement instruments.
Q & A
- What is the frequency range of the HMC424ALP3E?
The HMC424ALP3E operates from DC to 13 GHz.
- What is the attenuation range of the HMC424ALP3E?
The attenuation range is up to 31.5 dB with 0.5 dB steps.
- What is the typical insertion loss of the HMC424ALP3E?
The typical insertion loss is less than 4 dB.
- How is the attenuation controlled in the HMC424ALP3E?
The attenuation is controlled by six control voltage inputs toggled between 0 and -5V.
- What is the operating temperature range of the HMC424ALP3E?
The operating temperature range is from -55°C to +85°C.
- What are the typical applications of the HMC424ALP3E?
It is used in basestation infrastructure, fiber optics, broadband telecom, microwave & VSAT radios, military & space, and test instrumentation.
- What is the package type of the HMC424ALP3E?
The device is packaged in a leadless surface mount package.
- What is the input IP3 of the HMC424ALP3E?
The input IP3 is +38 dBm.
- Is the HMC424ALP3E ESD sensitive?
Yes, it has an ESD sensitivity class 1A.
- What is the return loss of the HMC424ALP3E?
The return loss is 13 dB across all attenuation states.
