Analog Devices Inc. 112763-HMC608LC4

Overview

HMC608LC4 from Analog Devices is a GaAs pHEMT medium power amplifier operating at 9.5–11.5 GHz, delivering 29.5 dB gain, +27.5 dBm saturated output power, and 23% PAE at +5 V supply. It supports dual-mode operation (high/low gain via Vpd pin) and features 50 Ω matched RF I/Os for point-to-point radio transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the HMC608LC4 datasheet, HMC608LC4 pinout, HMC608LC4 application, or HMC608LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 9.5–11.5 GHz bandwidth, +33 dBm output IP3, 6 dB noise figure, thermal resistance of 45 °C/W, and MSL3 RoHS-compliant 4×4 mm alumina SMT package.

Technical Context

The HMC608LC4 integrates three independent drain supply pins (Vdd1–Vdd3) and gate bias control (Vgg) to enable precise current setting (310 mA typical), with external bypassing required per pin using 100 pF, 1000 pF, and 2.2 µF capacitors. Its DC-blocked 50 Ω input/output interfaces simplify integration into broadband RF front-ends without impedance-matching networks.

Thermal management relies on soldering the exposed ground paddle and all ground pins (4, 6, 13, 15) directly to PCB RF ground, supported by a 45 °C/W channel-to-paddle thermal resistance and -40 °C to +85 °C operating range. The Vpd pin selects between high-gain (29.5 dB) and low-gain (22 dB) modes without changing bias settings.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 4×4 mm leadless Pb-free SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC608LC4, HMC609LC4 shifts frequency coverage upward with minor linearity trade-offs, while QPA9807 offers SiGe-based integration at lower efficiency and thermal resilience-making HMC608LC4 optimal for high-linearity, thermally demanding X-band transmitters.

Availability

HMC608LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military communications, and satellite terminals requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high RF reliability.

Supply support for HMC608LC4 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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with design and manufacturing expertise spanning over 50 years.

The HMC608LC4 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC amplifier product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-linearity X-band wireless infrastructure and defense applications.

FAQ

What is the recommended gate bias voltage for HMC608LC4 to achieve 310 mA supply current?

The HMC608LC4 requires Vgg between -3 V and 0 V (typical -2.6 V) to set Idd = 310 mA at +5 V supply. This is specified in the "Electrical Specifications" table and confirmed in the Pin Descriptions section, which states Vgg must be adjusted per the MMIC Amplifier Biasing Procedure Application Note. External bypass capacitors (100 pF, 1000 pF, 2.2 µF) are mandatory on Vgg.

Does HMC608LC4 require external impedance matching networks at RF input and output?

No, the HMC608LC4 does not require external impedance matching networks. Its RF input (Pin 5) and output (Pin 14) are internally DC-blocked and matched to 50 Ω across the full 9.5–11.5 GHz band, as explicitly stated in the General Description and confirmed in the Electrical Specifications table under "50 Ohm Matched Input/Output".

How is gain mode selected on the HMC608LC4, and what are the resulting gain values?

Gain mode on the HMC608LC4 is selected via the Vpd pin (Pin 23): shorting Vpd to ground enables high-gain mode (29.5 dB typical), while leaving Vpd open enables low-gain mode (22 dB typical). This dual-mode behavior is documented in the General Description, Pin Descriptions, and footnote [2] of the Electrical Specifications table.

What thermal management practices are required for reliable operation of HMC608LC4?

Reliable thermal operation of the HMC608LC4 requires soldering the exposed ground paddle and all designated GND pins (4, 6, 13, 15) directly to the PCB RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Its 45 °C/W thermal resistance mandates this practice, especially above 1 W dissipation. The device is rated for -40 °C to +85 °C ambient, with channel temperature limited to 175 °C.

Is HMC608LC4 compatible with lead-free reflow soldering processes?

Yes, the HMC608LC4 is compatible with lead-free reflow soldering. It carries an MSL3 rating and specifies a maximum peak reflow temperature of 260 °C, as stated in the Package Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section. Its Pb-free construction and gold-over-nickel plating meet IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.3 standards.