HMC424
v06.0809
0.5dB LSB GaAs MMIC 6-BIT DIGITAL
ATTENUATOR, DC - 13 GHz
Features
0.5 dB LSB Steps to 31.5 dB
Single Control Line Per Bit
±0.5 dB Typical Bit Error
Die Size: 1.45 x 0.85 x 0.1 mm
1
ATTENUATORS - DIGITAL - CHIP
Typical Applications
The HMC424 is ideal for:
• Fiber Optics & Broadband Telecom
• Microwave Radio & VSAT
• Military Radios, Radar & ECM
• Space Applications
Functional Diagram
General Description
The HMC424 die is a broadband 6-bit GaAs IC digital
attenuator MMIC chip. Covering DC to 13 GHz, the
insertion loss is less then 4 dB typical. The attenua-
tor bit values are 0.5 (LSB), 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 dB for a
total attenuation of 31.5 dB. Attenuation accuracy is
excellent at ± 0.5 dB typical step error with an IIP3 of
+32 dBm. Six control voltage inputs, toggled bet-
ween 0 and -5V, are used to select each attenuation
state. A single Vee bias of -5V allows operation at fre-
quencies down to DC.
Electrical Specifi cations,
T
A
= +25° C, With Vee = -5V & VCTL = 0/-5V
Parameter
Insertion Loss
Attenuation Range
Return Loss (RF1 & RF2, All Atten. States)
Attenuation Accuracy: (Referenced to Insertion Loss)
0.5 - 7.5 dB States
8 - 31.5 dB States
Input Power for 0.1 dB Compression
Input Third Order Intercept Point
(Two-Tone Input Power= 0 dBm Each Tone)
Switching Characteristics
tRISE, tFALL (10/90% RF)
tON/tOFF (50% CTL to 10/90% RF)
REF State
All Other States
DC - 13.0 GHz
DC - 13.0 GHz
1.0 - 13.0 Ghz
1.0 - 13.0 Ghz
DC - 13.0 GHz
30
50
ns
ns
± 0.3 + 4% of Atten. Setting Max
± 0.3 + 6% of Atten. Setting Max
22
46
32
dB
dB
dBm
dBm
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
DC - 8.0 GHz
8.0 - 13.0 GHz
DC - 13.0 GHz
DC - 8.0 GHz
8.0 - 13.0 GHz
8
11
Min.
Typ.
3.0
4.0
31.5
12
15
Max.
3.8
4.6
Units
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
1-8
For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Hittite Microwave Corporation:
20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373
Order On-line at www.hittite.com
HITTITE [ HITTITE MICROWAVE CORPORATION ]
