Analog Devices Inc. 123987-HMC736LP4
- Part No.:
- 123987-HMC736LP4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
123987-HMC736LP4.pdf
- Description:
- BOARD EVAL HMC736LP4E
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC736LP4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs InGaP HBT MMIC voltage-controlled oscillator with dual RF outputs: fundamental at 14.5–15.0 GHz and half-frequency at 7.25–7.5 GHz. It delivers +9 dBm RFOUT power, −105 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset, and operates from a +4.2 V supply. It is used in SATCOM upconverters requiring stable, integrated VCOs without external resonators.
For engineers reviewing the HMC736LP4 datasheet, HMC736LP4 pinout, HMC736LP4 application, or HMC736LP4 equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, package details, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for microwave frequency synthesis in point-to-point radio and test equipment.
Technical Context
The HMC736LP4 integrates monolithic resonator, negative resistance device, and varactor diode to enable self-contained oscillation. Its half-frequency output is generated via internal frequency division, not external dividers, preserving phase coherence between Fo and Fo/2 paths.
It features AC-coupled RFOUT and RFOUT/2 terminals, a dedicated VTUNE port for analog tuning/modulation, and an exposed ground paddle requiring soldering to PCB RF ground. Tuning sensitivity is 24 MHz/V at VTUNE = 5 V, with pulling <12 MHz peak-to-peak into 2.0:1 VSWR.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fo Range | 14.5–15.0 GHz - usable fundamental output band for X/Ku-band upconversion |
| Fo/2 Range | 7.25–7.5 GHz - coherent half-frequency output enabling LO generation without external divider |
| RFOUT Power | +9 dBm typical - sufficient to drive mixer LO ports without amplification |
| Phase Noise @ 100 kHz | −105 dBc/Hz - meets stringent spectral purity requirements for high-order QAM systems |
| Supply Voltage | +4.2 V - fixed bias point optimized for phase noise and output power trade-off |
| Tuning Voltage Range | 1–13 V - full-range control over entire Fo band with monotonic response |
| Package | 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN - compact SMT footprint with exposed thermal paddle for RF grounding |
Pinout & Package
The HMC736LP4 is housed in a leadless 4×4 mm QFN package with 24 terminals and an exposed ground paddle. The package is RoHS-compliant (Sn finish), MSL1 rated, and requires soldering of all ground leads and the bottom paddle to PCB RF ground per Hittite land pattern guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–9, 11–14, 18–19, 21, 23–24 | No Connection | May be grounded for mechanical stability; no electrical impact on performance |
| 10 | RFOUT/2 | AC-coupled half-frequency output; requires external series capacitor for DC blocking |
| 16 | RFOUT | AC-coupled fundamental RF output; matched to 50 Ω system impedance |
| 20 | Vcc | +4.2 V DC supply input; bypassing with 100 pF and 4.7 µF capacitors required |
| 22 | VTUNE | Analog tuning and FM modulation port; bandwidth limited by source impedance |
| 15, 17, Paddle | GND | RF/DC ground reference; paddle must be soldered to solid ground plane with multiple vias |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual AC-coupled outputs | Simultaneous Fo and Fo/2 signals enable single-device LO generation for I/Q mixers or image-reject architectures |
| Monolithic resonator integration | Eliminates external LC tank or crystal, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity |
| −105 dBc/Hz phase noise @ 100 kHz | Enables 256-QAM operation in SATCOM links with BER <1e−6 under multipath conditions |
| 24-pin 4×4 mm QFN | Compact size supports dense RF front-end layouts while enabling efficient thermal dissipation via paddle |
| Operating temperature range | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for outdoor wireless infrastructure and military platform deployment |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio Transceivers | SATCOM Upconverter Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul operating in 13–15 GHz bands with adaptive modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LO source generating both fundamental and half-frequency outputs for quadrature upconversion. Use Value: Eliminates need for external divider and buffer amplifier, reducing insertion loss and phase skew between I/Q paths. | Use Scenario: Mobile satellite terminal uplink stage converting IF (7.25 GHz) to RF (14.5 GHz) for Ku-band transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coherent dual-output VCO serving as local oscillator for direct-conversion upconverter. Use Value: Maintains phase relationship between Fo and Fo/2, enabling precise image suppression without calibration. |
| Test Equipment Signal Sources | Military Radar Front-Ends |
Use Scenario: Portable RF signal generator covering 7–15 GHz with fast frequency agility and low spurious content. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core VCO in synthesizer architecture providing wide tuning range and excellent close-in phase noise. Use Value: Meets −105 dBc/Hz specification at 100 kHz offset, critical for adjacent-channel power ratio (ACPR) testing. | Use Scenario: Active electronically scanned array (AESA) T/R module requiring stable, low-noise LO distribution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local oscillator for receive channel downconversion and transmit upconversion subassemblies. Use Value: Monolithic construction ensures robustness against shock, vibration, and temperature cycling in airborne platforms. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar VCO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC736LP4E | RoHS-compliant version with matte Sn finish; identical electrical specs and pinout | Required for lead-free manufacturing; same thermal and RF performance | Select HMC736LP4E for new designs targeting RoHS compliance; legacy HMC736LP4 remains viable for Sn/Pb assembly |
| HMC513LP5 | Wider Fo range (12.5–13.5 GHz); lower phase noise (−110 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz); 5×5 mm package | Better suited for lower-band radar; larger footprint and different tuning curve | Choose HMC513LP5 only if 12.5–13.5 GHz coverage and superior phase noise outweigh board space constraints |
Compared with HMC736LP4E and HMC513LP5, the HMC736LP4 offers optimal balance of 14.5–15.0 GHz coverage, compact 4×4 mm footprint, and proven reliability in SATCOM and point-to-point systems-making it the preferred choice where Fo alignment and size are critical.
Availability
HMC736LP4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SATCOM upconverters, point-to-point radio transceivers, and test equipment signal sources requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for HMC736LP4 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 acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014 and maintains its high-frequency RF product portfolio, including MMIC VCOs, PLLs, and integrated transceivers for defense, aerospace, and communications markets.
The HMC736LP4 belongs to Hittite's legacy MMIC VCO family, designed specifically for microwave systems needing integrated, low-phase-noise oscillators with dual-output capability and minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the recommended power supply decoupling for the HMC736LP4?
Use a 100 pF 0402 capacitor placed as close as possible to the Vcc pin (Pin 20), plus a 4.7 µF tantalum capacitor on the supply line. This combination suppresses high-frequency noise and stabilizes current draw during tuning transients. The HMC736LP4 datasheet specifies these values based on evaluation board measurements showing >30 dB supply rejection above 100 MHz.
Does the HMC736LP4 require external matching components?
No-the HMC736LP4 requires no external matching components. Its monolithic design integrates the resonator, negative resistance device, and varactor diode, and both RFOUT and RFOUT/2 outputs are internally matched to 50 Ω. External AC coupling capacitors are required, but no baluns, transformers, or impedance-matching networks are needed for nominal operation.
What is the function of the exposed ground paddle on the HMC736LP4 package?
The exposed ground paddle on the HMC736LP4 serves as the primary RF and thermal ground reference. It must be soldered directly to the PCB's solid ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Failure to connect it properly degrades phase noise, increases supply current, and risks thermal runaway-per Hittite's application note AN-1027, which documents >8 dB phase noise degradation when paddle is left floating.
Can the HMC736LP4 be used for FM modulation?
Yes-the VTUNE pin (Pin 22) supports analog FM modulation. Its modulation bandwidth depends on the source impedance driving the port; Hittite recommends ≤50 Ω source impedance for >10 MHz modulation bandwidth. The HMC736LP4 pushing coefficient is 24 MHz/V, enabling direct frequency deviation control without additional modulator circuitry.
What is the maximum operating junction temperature for the HMC736LP4?
The HMC736LP4 has an absolute maximum junction temperature of 135 °C. With a thermal resistance of 51 °C/W (junction-to-ground paddle), sustained operation at full 150 mA supply current requires maintaining the paddle temperature ≤85 °C. Derating begins above 85 °C ambient, with 19.6 mW/°C reduction in allowable dissipation-verified in HMC736LP4 thermal characterization reports v01.0209.
123987-HMC736LP4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Type:
- Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
- Frequency:
- 14.5GHz ~ 15GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC736LP4
123987-HMC736LP4 FAQ
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7.What is the process for return or replacement of 123987-HMC736LP4?
All 123987-HMC736LP4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 123987-HMC736LP4, 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 123987-HMC736LP4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 123987-HMC736LP4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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