Overview
The HMC424A-SX, produced by Analog Devices Inc., is a broadband, 6-bit, gallium arsenide (GaAs) digital attenuator monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chip. This device operates over a wide frequency range from DC to 13 GHz, making it highly versatile for various RF and microwave applications. The HMC424A-SX features a 31.5 dB attenuation control range in 0.5 dB steps, ensuring precise control over signal attenuation. It is designed for single-supply operation with a voltage range of -3 V to -5 V, and it requires an external driver to interface with CMOS or transistor-to-transistor logic (TTL) interfaces.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC | - | 13 GHz | GHz |
| Insertion Loss | - | 2.8 (DC - 4 GHz), 3.3 (4 - 8 GHz), 3.9 (8 - 13 GHz) | 4.4 (DC - 4 GHz), 4.4 (4 - 8 GHz), 4.4 (8 - 13 GHz) | dB |
| Attenuation Range | - | 31.5 dB | - | dB |
| Attenuation Step Size | - | 0.5 dB | - | dB |
| Attenuation Accuracy | - | ±(0.3 + 5% of Atten. Setting) | - | dB |
| Input Power for 0.1 dB Compression | - | 23 dBm | - | dBm |
| Input Third Order Intercept Point (IIP3) | - | 45 dBm (REF State), 42 dBm (All Other States) | - | dBm |
| Supply Voltage (VEE) | -7 V | -5 V | -3 V | V |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C | - | 85°C | °C |
| Storage Temperature | -65°C | - | 150°C | °C |
Key Features
- Broadband operation from DC to 13 GHz
- 6-bit digital attenuator with 0.5 dB least significant bit (LSB) steps
- Total attenuation range of 31.5 dB
- Excellent attenuation accuracy: ±(0.3 + 5% of Atten. Setting)
- Low insertion loss: ≤4.4 dB typical across the frequency range
- High input linearity: Input P0.1dB of 23 dBm typical, Input IP3 of 45 dBm typical
- High RF input power handling: up to 25 dBm maximum
- Single-supply operation: -3 V to -5 V
- Low relative phase: 30° at 6.0 GHz
- Six control voltage inputs for selecting attenuation states
- RoHS compliant, 9-pad bare die package
Applications
- Cellular infrastructure
- Microwave radios and very small aperture terminals (VSATs)
- Test equipment and sensors
- Intermediate frequency (IF) and RF designs
- Military and space applications
- Fiber optics and broadband telecommunications
- Military radios, radar, and electronic countermeasures (ECM)
- Test instrumentation
Q & A
- What is the frequency range of the HMC424A-SX?
The HMC424A-SX operates from DC to 13 GHz.
- What is the attenuation step size of the HMC424A-SX?
The attenuation step size is 0.5 dB.
- What is the total attenuation range of the HMC424A-SX?
The total attenuation range is 31.5 dB.
- What is the typical insertion loss of the HMC424A-SX?
The typical insertion loss is less than 4.4 dB across the frequency range.
- What is the input power handling capability of the HMC424A-SX?
The device can handle up to 25 dBm of RF input power.
- What is the supply voltage range for the HMC424A-SX?
The supply voltage range is from -3 V to -5 V.
- What are the typical applications of the HMC424A-SX?
Typical applications include cellular infrastructure, microwave radios, VSATs, test equipment, IF and RF designs, military and space applications, and fiber optics and broadband telecommunications.
- How many control inputs does the HMC424A-SX have?
The device has six parallel control inputs.
- What is the operating temperature range of the HMC424A-SX?
The operating temperature range is from -55°C to 85°C.
- Is the HMC424A-SX RoHS compliant?
Yes, the HMC424A-SX is RoHS compliant.
