Analog Devices Inc. 103393-HMC273MS10G

Overview

HMC273MS10G from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC 5-bit digital RF attenuator in MSOP-10 package, delivering 1–16 dB LSB steps across 0.7–3.8 GHz with ≤2.5 dB typical insertion loss, ±0.2 dB typical bit error, and +48 dBm IIP3 at Vdd = 5 V - deployed in UMTS/3G infrastructure and microwave radio front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the HMC273MS10G datasheet, HMC273MS10G pinout, HMC273MS10G application, or HMC273MS10G equivalent, key selection criteria include broadband attenuation accuracy over 3.1 GHz bandwidth, single-supply 3–5 V positive control logic compatibility, and MSOP-10 thermal performance up to +85°C ambient.

Technical Context

The HMC273MS10G implements a monolithic GaAs MMIC architecture with five independent CMOS-compatible control inputs (V1–V5), each toggling between 0 V and Vdd to select 1/2/4/8/16 dB attenuation bits. Bias is supplied via a single external 5 kΩ resistor to Pin 6 or Pin 10.

It operates across 0.7–3.8 GHz with matched 50 Ω RF ports (RF1 and RF2), requires DC-blocking capacitors (100–300 pF) on both RF paths, and maintains return loss ≥10 dB across all attenuation states and frequency bands.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: MSOP-10 (3.0 × 4.9 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed ground paddle requiring PCB solder connection per Analog Devices package drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar broadband digital attenuator applications.

Compared with HMC624LP4E and ADL5240, the HMC273MS10G delivers optimal balance of 31 dB range, ±0.2 dB bit accuracy, and +48 dBm linearity specifically within the 2–3.8 GHz infrastructure band - making it preferred for UMTS/WiMAX power control where precision and distortion performance are critical.

Availability

HMC273MS10G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for UMTS infrastructure, microwave radio, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing options.

Supply support for HMC273MS10G includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014 and integrates its high-frequency RF portfolio into mission-critical communications solutions.

The HMC273MS10G belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC digital attenuator product line, engineered for broadband wireless infrastructure requiring high linearity, low distortion, and repeatable attenuation accuracy.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum RF input power rating for the HMC273MS10G?

The HMC273MS10G has an absolute maximum RF input power rating of +30 dBm across 0.7–3.7 GHz, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This limit applies regardless of attenuation state and must not be exceeded to prevent permanent damage. Operation near this limit requires careful thermal design due to the device's 0.4 W continuous power dissipation limit at +85°C ambient.

Does the HMC273MS10G require external DC-blocking capacitors, and what value range is recommended?

Yes, the HMC273MS10G requires external DC-blocking capacitors on both RF1 and RF2 ports. The datasheet specifies selecting C1 = C2 = 100–300 pF to pass the lowest operational frequency with minimal insertion loss. Capacitor selection must account for parasitic inductance and voltage rating - X7R dielectric 0402 chips are commonly used in evaluation boards like PCB 103391.

What is the function of the exposed ground paddle on the HMC273MS10G MSOP-10 package?

The exposed ground paddle on the HMC273MS10G serves two critical functions: (1) it provides low-inductance RF grounding for the internal GaAs die, improving return loss and stability; and (2) it acts as the primary thermal conduction path, achieving 163°C/W thermal resistance when soldered to a multilayer PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias. Failure to solder the paddle degrades both RF and thermal performance.

How does the HMC273MS10G handle control voltage timing, and what are the switching speed specifications?

The HMC273MS10G exhibits tRISE/tFALL of 560 ns and tON/tOFF of 600 ns (10/90% RF) across 0.7–3.8 GHz. Control inputs V1–V5 respond to TTL/CMOS-compatible logic transitions (0 V / Vdd), with defined bias conditions: Low = 0–0.2 V @ 20 µA max, High = Vdd ± 0.2 V @ 100 µA max. No internal latching is provided - states update synchronously with control voltage changes.

Is the HMC273MS10G still in active production, and what is its lifecycle status?

The HMC273MS10G is marked "OBSOLETE" in the official datasheet revision v04.0907. While no longer in active production by Analog Devices, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and offers traceable, tested units for continued support of existing designs. Customers requiring new-design solutions should evaluate pin-compatible alternatives such as the ADL5240 or consult Analog Devices' current RF attenuator portfolio.