Analog Devices Inc. 118889-HMC629LP4
- Part No.:
- 118889-HMC629LP4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
118889-HMC629LP4.pdf
- Description:
- BOARD EVAL HMC629LP4E
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC629LP4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC 4-bit digital attenuator IC designed for RF and IF signal conditioning in DC–6 GHz systems. It delivers 3 dB LSB steps across 45 dB range, features 2.5 dB typical insertion loss, ±0.25 dB typical step error, and supports dual-mode CMOS/TTL-compatible control via serial (SPI) or parallel interface. It is used in cellular infrastructure base stations for precise gain control.
For engineers reviewing the HMC629LP4 datasheet, HMC629LP4 pinout, HMC629LP4 application, or HMC629LP4 equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, real-world use cases, validated alternatives, package layout guidance, and supply-chain support tailored to RF design, microwave radio, and test equipment development.
Technical Context
The HMC629LP4 implements a broadband GaAs MMIC architecture with integrated on-die switching elements and off-chip AC-ground capacitors enabling near-DC operation. Its attenuation states are controlled by four independent bit lines (D0–D3), with latched parallel or 3-wire serial (SERIN/CLK/LE) modes selectable via P/S pin.
It operates from a single +3 V or +5 V supply, exhibits 17 dB minimum return loss at ATTIN/ATTOUT across DC–6 GHz, and maintains stable attenuation accuracy of ±(0.50 + 5% of setting) dB - critical for closed-loop AGC and calibration-critical instrumentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC to 6 GHz - enables use in IF stages down to baseband and RF up to C-band. |
| Attenuation Range | 0 to 45 dB in 3 dB LSB steps - supports fine-grained power leveling across 16 discrete states. |
| Insertion Loss | 2.5 dB typ. at 25°C - minimizes signal path degradation in cascaded RF chains. |
| Step Error | ±0.25 dB typ. - ensures predictable inter-step deviation for accurate system-level gain modeling. |
| Return Loss | ≥17 dB at ATTIN/ATTOUT - reduces mismatch-induced ripple and improves VSWR stability. |
| Supply Voltage | +3 V or +5 V - simplifies integration with common logic and RF subsystem rails. |
| Control Interface | Serial (SPI-compatible) or 4-bit parallel - offers flexibility for microcontroller- or FPGA-driven control. |
Pinout & Package
The HMC629LP4 is housed in a RoHS-compliant 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package with exposed thermal paddle. All ground leads (pins 4, 15, and paddle) must be soldered to PCB RF ground per QFN assembly guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CLK) | Serial clock input | Positive-edge-triggered SPI clock; requires clean transitions and ≥100 ns period. |
| 2 (SERIN) | Serial data input | MSB-first 4-bit word loading; disabled when P/S = low. |
| 3 (LE) | Latch enable | Transfers serial register or parallel inputs to attenuator core; high pulse required for update. |
| 4, 15 (GND) | RF/DC ground | Must connect to solid ground plane; critical for return loss and thermal performance. |
| 5, 14 (ATTIN, ATTOUT) | RF signal ports | DC-coupled 50 Ω matched ports; external blocking capacitors required for DC blocking. |
| 6–13 (ACG1–ACG6) | AC ground terminals | Require external capacitors to ground for low-frequency operation; placement proximity affects LF response. |
| 16 (SEROUT) | Serial data output | Delayed 4-bit echo of SERIN (6-clock latency); useful for daisy-chaining. |
| 17, 18 (PUP2, PUP1) | Power-up state select | Determine default attenuation (0 dB or 45 dB) at startup based on LE logic level. |
| 19 (Vdd) | Supply voltage | Accepts +3 V or +5 V; decoupling near pin essential for noise immunity. |
| 20–23 (D3–D0) | Parallel data inputs | Direct or latched 4-bit control; active when P/S = low. |
| 24 (P/S) | Parallel/Serial mode select | High = serial mode; low = parallel mode - configures interface before power-up. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Broadband DC–6 GHz operation | Enabled by integrated AC-ground capacitor pads - eliminates need for internal DC-blocking components. |
| Dual-mode digital interface | Hardware-selectable serial (SPI) or parallel control - reduces FPGA I/O count or MCU pin usage. |
| Low insertion loss (2.5 dB typ.) | Preserves system noise figure and output power budget in sensitive receiver and transmitter paths. |
| ±0.25 dB typical step error | Enables repeatable, deterministic attenuation for automated test equipment calibration routines. |
| Single-supply +3 V / +5 V operation | Eliminates need for dual-rail supplies - simplifies power delivery in compact RF modules. |
| RoHS-compliant 4×4 mm QFN | 16 mm² footprint with thermal paddle - supports high-density RF PCB layouts and efficient heat dissipation. |
Applications
| Cellular Base Station Transceivers | WiMAX/4G RF Front-Ends |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dynamic transmit power control in LTE macrocell and small-cell radios operating from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable RF gain element placed between PA driver and power amplifier, adjusting output level per UL channel requirements. Use Value: Enables compliance with EIRP limits and adjacent-channel leakage ratio (ACLR) specs using 3 dB resolution without analog DAC complexity. |
Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in fixed wireless access (FWA) customer premises equipment supporting 2.3–2.7 GHz WiMAX bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IF-stage attenuator in direct-conversion receivers, compensating for variable antenna gain and cable loss. Use Value: Maintains consistent ADC input level across varying signal conditions, improving dynamic range utilization and BER performance. |
| Microwave Point-to-Point Radios | RF Test & Calibration Systems |
Use Scenario: Gain management in 6–11 GHz VSAT and backhaul transceivers where temperature-stable attenuation is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Temperature-compensated attenuation block in IF loopback paths for automatic level control (ALC). Use Value: Delivers ≤±0.5 dB drift over –40°C to +85°C, reducing need for periodic recalibration in outdoor deployments. |
Use Scenario: Precision stimulus level control in vector network analyzer (VNA) receiver calibration kits and signal generator output stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally programmable reference attenuator in metrology-grade test fixtures. Use Value: Provides traceable, repeatable 45 dB range with <±0.3 dB absolute accuracy - meeting MIL-STD-45662A calibration requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital RF attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC628LP4E | Same 4-bit GaAs architecture but rated to 10 GHz; higher insertion loss (3.0 dB typ.) and wider step error (±0.4 dB). | Preferred for Ka-band test equipment requiring >6 GHz coverage; less optimal for sub-6 GHz cost-sensitive infrastructure. | Select HMC628LP4E only if frequency extension beyond 6 GHz is mandatory; otherwise HMC629LP4 offers better accuracy and lower loss in its specified band. |
| ADL5240 | Si-based 4-bit attenuator; 0.1–6 GHz range; 3.5 dB insertion loss; ±0.5 dB step error; requires external matching. | Suitable for industrial IoT gateways where radiation hardness and long-term supply stability outweigh RF performance. | Choose ADL5240 for non-military commercial designs prioritizing second-source availability and extended temperature qualification over RF linearity. |
Compared with HMC629LP4, HMC628LP4E extends usable bandwidth but trades off insertion loss and step fidelity, while ADL5240 offers silicon-process reliability at the expense of RF performance - making HMC629LP4 the optimal balance for 6 GHz infrastructure and instrumentation.
Availability
HMC629LP4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, microwave radio, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for HMC629LP4 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 communications, industrial, and aerospace markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC629LP4 belongs to Analog Devices' legacy Hittite RF portfolio, engineered specifically for broadband digital attenuation in wireless infrastructure and instrumentation - emphasizing accuracy, repeatability, and DC-coupled versatility.
FAQ
What is the maximum RF input power rating for the HMC629LP4?
The HMC629LP4 supports up to +28 dBm RF input power at +85°C, as specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. This rating applies across DC–6 GHz and assumes proper thermal management via the exposed paddle and PCB ground plane. Exceeding this level risks permanent damage to the GaAs MMIC core. Derating is recommended for continuous operation above 85°C ambient.
Does the HMC629LP4 require external blocking capacitors on its RF ports?
Yes, the HMC629LP4 requires external DC-blocking capacitors on both ATTIN and ATTOUT pins because it is DC-coupled internally. Capacitor value depends on the lowest operating frequency - e.g., 100 pF for ≥100 MHz, 1000 pF for near-DC applications. These must be placed as close as possible to the pins to preserve impedance match and return loss performance.
Can the HMC629LP4 operate from a +3 V supply instead of +5 V?
Yes, the HMC629LP4 is fully specified for operation from either +3 V or +5 V Vdd. Control voltage thresholds scale accordingly: logic high is 2–3 V at +3 V supply and 2–5 V at +5 V supply. All electrical specifications - including insertion loss, attenuation accuracy, and step error - are guaranteed across both supply conditions per the datasheet.
How does the power-up state selection work on the HMC629LP4?
The HMC629LP4 uses PUP1 and PUP2 pins along with LE logic level at power-up to set initial attenuation. If LE is low at startup, PUP1/PUP2 select either 45 dB or insertion loss state per the PUP truth table. If LE is high, D3–D0 determine the state. The part latches the selected state ~200 ms after power-on, ensuring deterministic behavior without external initialization firmware.
Is the HMC629LP4 pin-compatible with the HMC629LP4E variant?
Yes, the HMC629LP4 and HMC629LP4E share identical pinout, package dimensions (4×4 mm QFN), and electrical functionality. The sole difference is lead finish: Sn/Pb for HMC629LP4 versus 100% matte Sn for the RoHS-compliant HMC629LP4E. Both are MSL1 rated and compatible with the same PCB land pattern and reflow profile (235°C peak for LP4, 260°C for LP4E).
118889-HMC629LP4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Attenuator
- Frequency:
- 0Hz ~ 6GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC629LP4
118889-HMC629LP4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 118889-HMC629LP4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 118889-HMC629LP4 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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6.How does Aetrix verify that 118889-HMC629LP4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
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7.What is the process for return or replacement of 118889-HMC629LP4?
All 118889-HMC629LP4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 118889-HMC629LP4, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 118889-HMC629LP4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 118889-HMC629LP4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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