Analog Devices Inc. 104711-HMC398QS16G
- Part No.:
- 104711-HMC398QS16G
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
104711-HMC398QS16G.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD HMC398QS16G
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC398QS16G from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a Ku-band monolithic GaAs InGaP HBT MMIC voltage-controlled oscillator with integrated divide-by-8 prescaler, delivering +7 dBm RF output and −105 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset across 14–15 GHz. It operates from a single 5 V supply drawing 325 mA and requires no external resonator or tuning components. Used in high-stability point-to-point radio transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC398QS16G datasheet, HMC398QS16G pinout, HMC398QS16G application, or HMC398QS16G equivalent, key selection criteria include its 14–15 GHz fundamental frequency range, divided 1.75–1.875 GHz output, thermal stability over −40°C to +85°C, QSOP16G package grounding requirements, and absence of external tuning elements.
Technical Context
The HMC398QS16G integrates resonators, negative resistance devices, varactor diodes, and an on-chip divide-by-8 prescaler in a single GaAs MMIC die. Its monolithic architecture ensures consistent phase noise performance across temperature, shock, and process variation.
It provides two differential divided outputs (OUT and NOUT) at 1/8th the fundamental frequency, with RFOUT delivering the full 14–15 GHz signal. Tuning sensitivity is 30 MHz/V with 1.0–10.0 V control range, and pulling is limited to 4 MHz peak-to-peak into 2.0:1 VSWR.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 14.0–15.0 GHz fundamental; enables direct Ku-band local oscillator synthesis without upconversion. |
| RF Output Power | +7 dBm typical; sufficient to drive mixer LO ports without external amplification in most Ku-band radios. |
| Phase Noise @ 100 kHz | −105 dBc/Hz typical; meets stringent spectral purity requirements for high-order QAM modulation. |
| Divide-by-8 Output | 1.75–1.875 GHz; provides low-phase-noise reference for digital PLLs or IF sampling clocks. |
| Supply Voltage | +5.0 V; compatible with standard logic and RF power distribution rails. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C; supports outdoor base station and VSAT terminal deployment. |
| Tuning Voltage Range | 1.0–10.0 V; allows wide loop bandwidth design in analog PLL configurations. |
Pinout & Package
The HMC398QS16G is housed in a 16-lead QSOP surface-mount package with exposed metal paddle for RF and thermal grounding. All ground leads (pins 2,3,4,6,8,9,10,13,14,16) and the paddle must be soldered directly to PCB ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RFOUT | AC-coupled fundamental RF output; requires 50 Ω impedance match and DC blocking. |
| 5 | VTUNE | Control voltage input; bandwidth depends on source impedance; must stay ≥1.0 V for divider operation. |
| 7, 15 | VCC1, VCC2 | Separate 5 V supply pins for digital (prescaler) and RF (oscillator) sections; decouple independently. |
| 11 | OUT | Divided output (1/8 × RFOUT); differential pair with pin 12 for balanced clock distribution. |
| 12 | NOUT | Inverted-phase divided output; used with pin 11 for true differential signaling and common-mode rejection. |
| GND Paddle | RF & DC Ground | Exposed metal base; must be soldered to solid ground plane with multiple vias for low-inductance return path. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external resonator required | Monolithic resonator integration eliminates discrete inductor/capacitor tuning networks and associated layout sensitivity. |
| Integrated divide-by-8 prescaler | Provides low-jitter 1.75–1.875 GHz differential clock without external logic dividers or level shifters. |
| Excellent phase noise stability | −105 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz maintained across −40°C to +85°C due to monolithic GaAs HBT process. |
| Single 5 V supply operation | Eliminates need for dual-rail supplies; simplifies power delivery and reduces BOM count in compact radios. |
| QSOP16G SMT package with exposed paddle | Enables robust RF grounding and thermal dissipation while maintaining compatibility with standard reflow processes. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul links operating in 14–15 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local oscillator source for up/down-conversion in transceiver front-end; provides both fundamental RF and divided clock for data interface timing. Use Value: Eliminates external VCO tuning components and divider ICs, reducing board area and phase noise contributors in critical LO path. | Use Scenario: Two-way satellite communication terminals requiring stable, low-phase-noise LO generation for QPSK/8PSK demodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LO generator with integrated division for IF sampling clock; supports temperature-varying outdoor enclosure environments. Use Value: −105 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset ensures EVM compliance for 8PSK under multipath fading conditions. |
| Point-to-Multi-Point LMDS | Millimeter-Wave Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Base station transceivers serving multiple subscriber units in 24–26 GHz LMDS bands using frequency translation architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference oscillator feeding a frequency multiplier chain; divided output synchronizes baseband processing clocks. Use Value: 30 MHz/V tuning sensitivity enables precise loop filter design for narrowband PLLs locking to stable OCXO references. | Use Scenario: Signal source modules in benchtop spectrum analyzers and vector signal generators requiring fast-tuning, low-noise LOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Agile synthesizer core providing calibrated 14–15 GHz output with repeatable tuning linearity. Use Value: 4 MHzpp pulling spec ensures minimal frequency deviation when switching between DUTs with varying port impedances. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar VCO-with-divider applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC513LP5 | Wider 12.5–15.0 GHz range; higher +10 dBm output; no integrated divider; uses LP5 package. | Requires external divide-by-8 logic; better suited for systems needing maximum RF power over extended band. | Select HMC513LP5 only if fundamental output power >+7 dBm is required and divider functionality can be implemented externally. |
| ADF4371 | Si-based PLL+VCO with integrated fractional-N synthesizer; 100 MHz–8 GHz output; no fundamental Ku-band capability. | Cannot replace HMC398QS16G directly in 14–15 GHz LO paths; used where programmable channel spacing and fine resolution are prioritized over raw RF frequency. | Choose ADF4371 only for sub-8 GHz synthesizer applications requiring SPI-programmable frequency steps-not for direct Ku-band VCO replacement. |
Compared with HMC513LP5 and ADF4371, the HMC398QS16G uniquely delivers monolithic 14–15 GHz oscillation with integrated divide-by-8 in a grounded QSOP package-enabling simplified, high-performance Ku-band LO designs without external division or frequency multiplication.
Availability
HMC398QS16G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, VSAT terminals, and LMDS base stations requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term availability for industrial RF systems.
Supply support for HMC398QS16G 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 maintains its high-frequency RF product portfolio, including MMIC VCOs, amplifiers, and switches for defense, communications, and test equipment.
The HMC398QS16G belongs to Hittite's legacy Ku-band MMIC VCO family, designed specifically for compact, high-reliability wireless infrastructure where monolithic integration, thermal stability, and low phase noise are critical.
FAQ
What is the fundamental frequency range of the HMC398QS16G?
The HMC398QS16G operates from 14.0 to 15.0 GHz at its fundamental RF output (pin 1). This fixed-range Ku-band coverage is factory-trimmed and does not require external tuning components. The device achieves this with integrated monolithic resonators and varactors, making it suitable for fixed-frequency local oscillator applications in licensed microwave bands.
Does the HMC398QS16G require external components for basic operation?
No - the HMC398QS16G requires no external resonator, tuning capacitors, or divider ICs. It is fully self-contained: the VCO core, negative resistance devices, varactor diodes, and divide-by-8 prescaler are all integrated on a single GaAs die. Only DC decoupling capacitors (per datasheet recommendations) and proper RF grounding of the exposed paddle are needed for functional operation of the HMC398QS16G.
What is the function of pins 11 and 12 on the HMC398QS16G?
Pins 11 (OUT) and 12 (NOUT) provide differential 1.75–1.875 GHz outputs derived from the internal divide-by-8 prescaler. These signals are 180° out of phase and intended for low-jitter clock distribution. They eliminate the need for external differential fanout buffers when driving ADC/DAC sampling clocks or digital PLL reference inputs in systems using the HMC398QS16G.
What is the recommended grounding method for the HMC398QS16G package?
The HMC398QS16G features an exposed metal paddle that must be soldered directly to the PCB's main ground plane. At least eight 0.3 mm vias (minimum) should connect the paddle to inner-layer ground planes. Pins 2,3,4,6,8,9,10,13,14,16 are also ground terminals and must be individually routed to ground with short, low-inductance traces. This dual-grounding strategy ensures optimal RF return path integrity and thermal dissipation for the HMC398QS16G.
Is the HMC398QS16G still in active production?
Yes - the HMC398QS16G remains actively manufactured and supported by Analog Devices under its continued Hittite product line. While some older Hittite part numbers have been discontinued, the HMC398QS16G is listed in current Analog Devices RF VCO product tables and available through authorized distributors with full datasheet, evaluation board (104711), and application support via [email protected].
104711-HMC398QS16G Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
- Frequency:
- 14GHz ~ 15GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC398QS16G
104711-HMC398QS16G FAQ
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7.What is the process for return or replacement of 104711-HMC398QS16G?
All 104711-HMC398QS16G units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 104711-HMC398QS16G, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 104711-HMC398QS16G part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 104711-HMC398QS16G:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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