Analog Devices Inc. 110431-HMC516LC5

Overview

HMC516LC5 from Analog Devices is a GaAs pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier operating from 9–18 GHz, delivering 20 dB small-signal gain, 2 dB noise figure, +25 dBm OIP3, and +13 dBm P1dB output power. It functions as both an LNA and LO driver in microwave radio front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the HMC516LC5 datasheet, HMC516LC5 pinout, HMC516LC5 application, or HMC516LC5 equivalent, key selection criteria include broadband 50 Ω input/output matching, single +3 V supply operation at 65 mA, RoHS-compliant 5×5 mm alumina SMT package, and suitability for high-reliability RF signal chain stages requiring low phase noise and high linearity.

Technical Context

The HMC516LC5 integrates three independently biased GaAs pHEMT gain stages in a monolithic MMIC architecture, enabling flat gain response across 9–18 GHz with minimal temperature drift (±0.025 dB/°C). Its fully matched 50 Ω RF ports eliminate external matching networks.

It operates from a single +3 V supply across all three drain rails (Vdd1/Vdd2/Vdd3), with internal biasing optimized for stable small-signal performance over −40 °C to +85 °C ambient. The device exhibits >12 dB output return loss and >10 dB input return loss across its full band.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 5×5 mm leadless ceramic (alumina) surface-mount package with exposed ground paddle; MSL3 rating; gold-over-nickel plating; requires soldering of all ground leads and paddle to PCB RF ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC460LC5 and QPL9057, the HMC516LC5 uniquely delivers validated 9–18 GHz performance with +25 dBm OIP3 and +13 dBm P1dB in a thermally efficient 5×5 mm ceramic package-making it irreplaceable for Ku-band infrastructure and defense systems requiring broadband linearity and noise performance.

Availability

HMC516LC5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, VSAT terminals, and military communications equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-frequency reliability.

Supply support for HMC516LC5 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The HMC516LC5 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC product line, engineered specifically for broadband microwave infrastructure and electronic warfare systems demanding guaranteed RF performance from DC to W-band.

FAQ

What is the operating frequency range of the HMC516LC5?

The HMC516LC5 operates from 9 to 18 GHz, covering the full Ku-band spectrum. This range is verified across temperature (−40 °C to +85 °C) and supply voltage (+3 V) conditions, with gain flatness maintained within ±1.5 dB and noise figure variation under ±0.5 dB across the band. Its broadband design eliminates need for band-select filters or tunable matching in fixed-frequency systems.

Does the HMC516LC5 require external matching components?

No, the HMC516LC5 features fully integrated 50 Ω input and output matching across 9–18 GHz. Pins 4 (RFIN) and 21 (RFOUT) are AC-coupled and impedance-matched internally, allowing direct connection to 50 Ω transmission lines without external stubs, capacitors, or inductors. External 100 pF and 2.2 µF bypass capacitors are required only on the Vdd pins (26, 28, 30) for supply decoupling.

What is the recommended PCB grounding method for the HMC516LC5?

The HMC516LC5 requires RF/DC grounding of all designated GND pins (3, 5, 20, 22) plus the exposed bottom paddle to the PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Per Analog Devices' evaluation board layout (PCB #109001), ≥12 vias of 0.3 mm diameter spaced ≤1 mm apart must connect the paddle to inner/outer ground layers. Failure to fully ground the paddle degrades noise figure by up to 0.8 dB and reduces gain flatness.

Can the HMC516LC5 be used as an LO driver?

Yes, the HMC516LC5 is explicitly qualified as an LO driver due to its +13 dBm P1dB and +25 dBm OIP3. At 12 GHz, it delivers >+12.5 dBm saturated output while maintaining <2.2 dB noise figure, making it suitable for driving balanced, I/Q, or image-reject mixers in upconverters. Its single +3 V supply simplifies integration versus traditional bipolar LO drivers requiring negative bias.

What is the thermal resistance and maximum power dissipation of the HMC516LC5?

The HMC516LC5 has a channel-to-die-bottom thermal resistance of 76.9 °C/W. At +3 V and 65 mA, it dissipates 195 mW; derated continuously above +85 °C ambient at 14 mW/°C. With proper paddle grounding and heatsinking (e.g., evaluation board mounted to aluminum heatsink), junction temperature remains <115 °C at +85 °C ambient-well below the 175 °C absolute maximum channel temperature rating.