Analog Devices Inc. 117355-HMC626ALP5

Overview

117355-HMC626ALP5 from Hittite Microwave Corporation is a GaAs MMIC 6-bit digital variable gain amplifier (VGA) operating from DC to 1 GHz, delivering 8.5 dB to 40 dB gain in 0.5 dB steps, with ±0.25 dB typical gain step error and +36 dBm output IP3 - used in RF/IF signal chains for cellular infrastructure and microwave radio.

For engineers reviewing the 117355-HMC626ALP5 datasheet, 117355-HMC626ALP5 pinout, 117355-HMC626ALP5 application, or 117355-HMC626ALP5 equivalent, key selection criteria include gain resolution accuracy, broadband return loss performance, single +5 V supply operation, and RoHS-compliant 5×5 mm QFN packaging with no external matching required.

Technical Context

The 117355-HMC626ALP5 implements a digitally controlled 6-bit attenuator-amplifier architecture with independent TTL/CMOS-compatible control lines (V1–V6), enabling precise gain setting across DC–1 GHz without serial interface overhead. Each bit controls discrete attenuation paths via GaAs FET switches integrated into a monolithic MMIC structure.

It features dual RF input/output ports (RFin1/RFin2, RFout1/RFout2), on-die bias distribution, and seven ACG pins requiring external AC-ground capacitors for stable near-DC operation. Input and output return loss exceed 20 dB and 15 dB respectively across full bandwidth at maximum gain.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

117355-HMC626ALP5 is housed in a RoHS-compliant 32-lead 5×5 mm QFN package with exposed thermal paddle; requires soldering all ground leads and paddle to PCB RF ground per Hittite land pattern guidance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital VGA applications.

Compared with HMC681ALP5E and ADL5330ACPZ-R7, the 117355-HMC626ALP5 offers superior gain step accuracy and deterministic digital control without serial protocol overhead, making it optimal for calibration-critical and high-reliability RF infrastructure where pin-level determinism matters.

Availability

117355-HMC626ALP5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, microwave radio backhaul, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 117355-HMC626ALP5 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

Hittite Microwave Corporation was a U.S.-based RF/microwave semiconductor company specializing in high-performance GaAs and GaN MMICs, acquired by Analog Devices in 2014.

The HMC626ALP5E belongs to Hittite's digital VGA product line, designed specifically for high-linearity, wide-dynamic-range gain control in wireless infrastructure and instrumentation signal chains.

FAQ

What is the gain control resolution and total range of the 117355-HMC626ALP5?

The 117355-HMC626ALP5 provides 6-bit digital gain control with 0.5 dB least significant bit (LSB) resolution, supporting 64 discrete gain states from 8.5 dB to 40 dB - a total control range of 31.5 dB. This resolution enables precise amplitude adjustment in automatic gain control (AGC) loops and calibrated test equipment where repeatability is essential. The 117355-HMC626ALP5 achieves ±0.25 dB typical gain step error across its full operating band.

Does the 117355-HMC626ALP5 require external matching components?

No, the 117355-HMC626ALP5 does not require external matching components. Its input and output ports are internally matched to 50 Ω across DC to 1 GHz, simplifying RF layout and reducing bill-of-materials count. However, external DC-blocking capacitors are required on RFin and RFout pins for true DC coupling, and AC-ground capacitors must be placed on ACG1–ACG7 pins per the lowest operating frequency.

What supply voltage and current does the 117355-HMC626ALP5 require?

The 117355-HMC626ALP5 operates from a single +5 V supply (Vdd = +4.5 V to +5.5 V), drawing 178.4–225 mA total supply current (Idd + 2×Is). This current supports both amplifier core and bias circuitry; proper decoupling near pin 32 (Vdd) and thermal management of the exposed paddle are required for stable operation across −40 °C to +85 °C.

How is gain programmed on the 117355-HMC626ALP5?

Gain on the 117355-HMC626ALP5 is programmed via six independent TTL/CMOS-compatible digital control inputs (V1–V6), each corresponding to a specific gain bit (0.5 dB to 16 dB). A logic-high state enables that bit's contribution; the total relative gain equals the sum of enabled bits. The truth table in the Hittite datasheet defines all 64 combinations, and no serial interface or clock is needed - making the 117355-HMC626ALP5 ideal for simple, deterministic gain control.

What package type and thermal considerations apply to the 117355-HMC626ALP5?

The 117355-HMC626ALP5 uses a 32-lead 5×5 mm QFN package with exposed thermal paddle (RoHS-compliant, MSL1). All ground pins (3, 7, 18, 21) and the paddle must be soldered to a solid PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Thermal resistance is 55 °C/W; at maximum dissipation (1.18 W), junction temperature rise is ~65 °C above ambient - requiring adequate copper area and airflow in high-power deployments.