Analog Devices Inc. 117720-HMC936LP6E

Overview

HMC936LP6E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC 6-bit digital phase shifter operating from 1.2 to 1.4 GHz, delivering 360° phase coverage with 5.625° LSB resolution, 1.2° RMS phase error, ±0.5 dB insertion loss variation, and 50 Ω internal matching - used in radar beamforming, EW receivers, and satellite communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the HMC936LP6E datasheet, HMC936LP6E pinout, HMC936LP6E application, or HMC936LP6E equivalent, key selection criteria include frequency band alignment (1.2–1.4 GHz), RMS phase error ≤1.2°, insertion loss variation ≤±0.5 dB, positive 0/+5 V control logic, and 28-lead 6×6 mm QFN package compatibility with RF ground plane layout requirements.

Technical Context

The HMC936LP6E implements a monolithic GaAs-based switched-line architecture with six independent bit-controlled phase paths, each activated by TTL-compatible 0/+5 V logic. All 64 phase states are monotonic and calibrated across temperature (−40°C to +85°C).

It operates with a single +5 V supply (3 mA typical bias current), requires no external matching components, and features DC-coupled 50 Ω RFIN/RFOUT ports. Switching time is 250 ns from 50% control voltage to 90% RF amplitude settling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The HMC936LP6E is housed in a RoHS-compliant, moisture-sensitive level 1 (MSL1), 6×6 mm plastic leadless QFN package with exposed thermal paddle. All ground leads (pins 2, 20, and paddle) must be soldered to RF/DC ground per RF layout best practices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC647LP4E and QM11036, the HMC936LP6E delivers superior phase accuracy (1.2° vs. ≥1.5° RMS) and full 6-bit monotonic resolution within its native 1.2–1.4 GHz band - making it the preferred choice for high-fidelity radar and EW systems where calibration overhead and beam pointing error must be minimized.

Availability

HMC936LP6E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for weather radar systems, satellite communication terminals, and electronic warfare receivers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence mitigation support.

Supply support for HMC936LP6E 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 semiconductor leader specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies for precision signal processing and connectivity.

The HMC936LP6E belongs to Analog Devices' legacy Hittite Microwave RF IC portfolio, designed specifically for high-accuracy, high-linearity digital phase control in defense and aerospace phased-array systems.

FAQ

What is the operating frequency range of the HMC936LP6E?

The HMC936LP6E operates from 1.2 to 1.4 GHz with full specification compliance across this band, including guaranteed RMS phase error ≤1.2°, insertion loss variation ≤±0.5 dB, and input return loss ≥16 dB. Performance remains functional beyond this range but is not characterized or warranted outside 1.2–1.4 GHz per the official datasheet.

Does the HMC936LP6E require external matching components?

No, the HMC936LP6E is internally matched to 50 Ω at both RFIN and RFOUT ports, eliminating the need for external baluns, transformers, or discrete matching networks. This simplifies PCB layout and improves repeatability in high-volume RF assembly - a key design advantage confirmed in the HMC936LP6E datasheet's General Description and Pin Descriptions sections.

What control voltage levels does the HMC936LP6E accept?

The HMC936LP6E uses positive control logic with defined thresholds: logic low = 0 to 0.2 Vdc, logic high = Vdd ±0.2 Vdc (typically +5 V). Each BIT input draws only 35 µA typical current, enabling direct interfacing with standard CMOS FPGA or microcontroller GPIOs without buffering - as verified in the Truth Table and Control Voltage Input sections of the HMC936LP6E datasheet.

Is the HMC936LP6E still in production or obsolete?

The HMC936LP6E is marked "OBSOLETE" in the official Analog Devices documentation, indicating end-of-life status. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and offers extended supply chain support, including traceable sourcing and lifecycle coordination, to serve existing designs dependent on the HMC936LP6E in military, radar, and satellite programs.

How is thermal management handled on the HMC936LP6E package?

The HMC936LP6E uses a 6×6 mm QFN package with an exposed thermal paddle that must be soldered directly to the PCB's RF/DC ground plane. With a thermal resistance of 100 °C/W (channel to ground paddle), proper via stitching and copper pour beneath the paddle are required to maintain junction temperature ≤150 °C - as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Package Information sections of the HMC936LP6E datasheet.