Analog Devices Inc. 108190-HMC487LP5

Overview

108190-HMC487LP5 from Analog Devices is a GaAs PHEMT MMIC power amplifier operating from 9 to 12 GHz, delivering +33 dBm saturated output power, 20 dB small-signal gain, and 20% power-added efficiency at +7 V/1300 mA. It features 50 Ω matched RF I/Os with DC blocking, housed in a 5 mm × 5 mm leadless LFCSP package with exposed thermal paddle. It serves as a final-stage PA in Ku-band point-to-point radio transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the 108190-HMC487LP5 datasheet, 108190-HMC487LP5 pinout, 108190-HMC487LP5 application, or 108190-HMC487LP5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its +36 dBm output IP3, -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range, thermal resistance of 6.5°C/W, and requirement for external gate bias tuning (Vgg = −2 to 0 V) to stabilize supply current.

Technical Context

The 108190-HMC487LP5 integrates five independent drain supply pins (Vdd1–Vdd5) and a single gate control pin (Vgg), enabling precise bias optimization across temperature and process variation. Its monolithic GaAs PHEMT architecture supports broadband operation without external matching networks due to integrated 50 Ω input/output impedance.

Thermal management relies on soldering the exposed paddle (Pin 32, 28, 25, 13, 16 ground connections) directly to a PCB ground plane with copper-filled vias. Absolute maximum ratings include +8 Vdc drain voltage, −2 to 0 Vdc gate voltage, and 10 W continuous power dissipation at 85°C with derating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-lead Lead Frame Chip Scale Package (LFCSP), 5 mm × 5 mm body, 0.85 mm height, RoHS-compliant molded plastic with matte tin finish and MSL3 rating. Exposed thermal paddle (backside ground slug) must be soldered to PCB ground plane using ≥6 copper-filled vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Ku-band power amplifier applications.

Compared with QPA2211 and MAAP-010169, the 108190-HMC487LP5 offers optimal balance of output power, gain flatness, and thermal performance in fixed 9–12 GHz applications-requiring manual Vgg tuning but delivering superior linearity and simpler DC biasing than the alternatives.

Availability

108190-HMC487LP5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military communications systems, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 108190-HMC487LP5 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving aerospace, defense, communications, and instrumentation markets with precision signal processing solutions.

The HMC series targets microwave and millimeter-wave applications, with the 108190-HMC487LP5 specifically engineered as a high-linearity, thermally robust Ku-band power amplifier for mission-critical wireless infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the recommended gate bias voltage range for stable operation of the 108190-HMC487LP5?

The 108190-HMC487LP5 requires Vgg between −2.0 V and 0 V DC to achieve the nominal supply current of 1300 mA at +7 V drain voltage. Typical Vgg is −0.3 V, but it must be adjusted per unit to compensate for process variation. External bypass capacitors (100 pF and 2.2 µF) are mandatory at the Vgg pin to suppress noise and ensure stability across temperature. The 108190-HMC487LP5 datasheet specifies this procedure in the "MMIC Amplifier Biasing Procedure" application note.

Does the 108190-HMC487LP5 require external matching components for 50 Ω operation?

No, the 108190-HMC487LP5 has internally matched 50 Ω input and output ports with integrated DC blocking capacitors. RFIN (Pin 4) and RFOUT (Pin 21) are designed for direct connection to 50 Ω transmission lines without external matching networks across 9–12 GHz. However, external 100 pF and 2.2 µF bypass capacitors are required at all Vdd pins and Vgg to maintain RF stability and supply integrity. The 108190-HMC487LP5 evaluation board (109001) validates this match without added components.

What thermal management is required for continuous +33 dBm operation of the 108190-HMC487LP5?

For continuous +33 dBm output at +85°C ambient, the 108190-HMC487LP5 requires soldering its exposed thermal paddle to a solid copper ground plane with ≥6 copper-filled vias (0.3 mm diameter minimum). Thermal resistance is 6.5°C/W channel-to-ground; without adequate heatsinking, junction temperature exceeds 150°C. Analog Devices recommends mounting the 108190-HMC487LP5 on an aluminum heatsink using thermally conductive epoxy, especially in sealed enclosures. Derating begins above 85°C at 154 mW/°C.

Can the 108190-HMC487LP5 operate outside the 9–12 GHz band?

The 108190-HMC487LP5 is characterized and guaranteed from 9 to 12 GHz. Performance degrades outside this range: gain drops below 17 dB below 9 GHz and above 12 GHz, and Psat falls below +32 dBm. While functional up to ~13 GHz, the 108190-HMC487LP5 is not validated for use beyond 12 GHz in production designs. For wider bandwidth, Qorvo QPA2211 (8–12 GHz) or Analog Devices HMC1099 (10–15 GHz) are documented alternatives-not the 108190-HMC487LP5.

Is the 108190-HMC487LP5 pin-compatible with other HMC-series amplifiers like the HMC486LP5E?

No, the 108190-HMC487LP5 is not pin-compatible with HMC486LP5E or other variants. It uses a unique 32-lead LFCSP footprint with specific pin assignments: Vdd distributed across five pins (32, 28, 25, 13, 16), dedicated RFIN (Pin 4) and RFOUT (Pin 21), and Vgg on Pin 9. The HMC486LP5E uses a different pinout and 5×5 mm package variant. PCB layout must be designed specifically for the 108190-HMC487LP5; no drop-in replacement exists within the HMC family.