Analog Devices Inc. 107795-HMC356LP3

Overview

HMC356LP3 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs PHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier optimized for 350–550 MHz cellular and land-mobile radio front-ends. It delivers 17 dB gain, ≤1.0 dB noise figure, +38 dBm output IP3 at +5 V/104 mA, with 50 Ω input/output matching and only four external components required for full RF biasing.

For engineers reviewing the HMC356LP3 datasheet, HMC356LP3 pinout, HMC356LP3 application, or HMC356LP3 equivalent, this LNA supports critical GSM 450/480, CDMA 450, and private land mobile radio receiver designs where low noise, high linearity, and stable gain across temperature and supply voltage are essential.

Technical Context

The HMC356LP3 employs a single-stage GaAs PHEMT architecture with integrated DC biasing network and on-die matching to achieve broadband 350–550 MHz operation. Its input uses a 51 nH inductor to ground for 50 Ω match; output is AC-coupled and inherently 50 Ω matched.

Thermal design relies on direct soldering of all ground pins and the exposed paddle to PCB ground plane, with thermal resistance of 71.4 °C/W (channel-to-paddle). Gain variation is tightly controlled at ≤0.010 dB/°C, and noise figure remains ≤1.4 dB over –40 to +85 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The HMC356LP3 is housed in a 16-lead LP3 surface-mount package (low-stress injection-molded plastic, Sn/Pb lead finish, MSL1), featuring an exposed ground paddle for thermal and RF grounding. All ground pins (2, 4, 6, 16) and the paddle must be soldered directly to PCB ground plane using multiple vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise amplifier applications.

Compared with HMC356LP3, HMC616LP3E offers superior noise performance at higher current cost, while QPL9057 trades narrowband optimization for wideband flexibility-neither is pin-compatible, and both require PCB redesign and re-characterization for drop-in replacement.

Availability

HMC356LP3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GSM 450 base stations, CDMA 450 mobile radios, and private land mobile radio infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for HMC356LP3 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 precision analog and RF solutions for communications, defense, and instrumentation.

The HMC356LP3 belongs to Hittite's legacy LP3-series GaAs MMIC LNAs, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume cellular and land-mobile radio front-end applications demanding low NF, high linearity, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the absolute maximum drain supply voltage for the HMC356LP3?

The HMC356LP3 absolute maximum rating for drain bias voltage (Vdd) is +8.0 Vdc. Operation above +5.5 Vdc is not recommended, as electrical specifications are only guaranteed from +4.5 V to +5.5 V. Exceeding +8.0 Vdc risks permanent device damage. The HMC356LP3 datasheet specifies +5.0 Vdc as the nominal operating point delivering optimal noise figure, gain, and OIP3.

Does the HMC356LP3 require external matching components at RF input and output?

Yes, the HMC356LP3 requires an external 51 nH inductor from pin 3 (RFIN) to ground to achieve 50 Ω input match; the output (pin 11, RFOUT) is AC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω but still requires series DC-blocking capacitors in most implementations. The HMC356LP3 evaluation board (107795) confirms this configuration with L1 = 51 nH and C2 for output coupling.

Is the HMC356LP3 RoHS-compliant?

No, the HMC356LP3 uses Sn/Pb solder lead finish and is not RoHS-compliant. Its RoHS-compliant variant is the HMC356LP3E, which features 100% matte tin plating and MSL1 rating up to 260 °C peak reflow. Both share identical electrical performance, but HMC356LP3E is required for lead-free manufacturing processes.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_CH–GND) of the HMC356LP3 package?

The HMC356LP3 has a channel-to-ground paddle thermal resistance of 71.4 °C/W. This value assumes proper soldering of all ground pins (2, 4, 6, 16) and the exposed paddle to a multilayer PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias. Derating begins above 85 °C ambient, with continuous power dissipation limited to 0.910 W at 85 °C and reduced by 14 mW/°C thereafter.

Can the HMC356LP3 operate outside its specified 350–550 MHz band?

The HMC356LP3 is characterized and guaranteed only from 350 to 550 MHz. While gain and noise figure may remain functional beyond this range (e.g., usable down to ~300 MHz or up to ~600 MHz), parameters like input return loss, OIP3, and gain flatness degrade outside the specified band. System-level validation is required for any out-of-band use, and the HMC356LP3 datasheet does not endorse operation outside 350–550 MHz.