Analog Devices Inc. 131046-HMC928LP5E

Overview

The HMC928LP5E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a high-accuracy analog phase shifter IC used in RF signal path control for beamforming and frequency-agile systems. It delivers 0–450° continuous phase shift across 2–4 GHz, with 3.5 dB typical insertion loss, ±5° typical phase error, and single-supply 0–13 V analog control voltage. It is deployed in military radar front-ends and satellite communications transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the HMC928LP5E datasheet, HMC928LP5E pinout, HMC928LP5E application, or HMC928LP5E equivalent, key selection criteria include octave-band phase linearity, monotonic voltage-to-phase response, low temperature sensitivity (0.10 °C/deg), and RoHS-compliant 32-lead 5×5 mm QFN packaging for high-density RF layouts.

Technical Context

The HMC928LP5E implements a monolithic GaAs-based analog phase shifting architecture using voltage-controlled varactor diodes and distributed transmission-line sections. Its design enables octave bandwidth operation without band switching, maintaining consistent group delay and amplitude flatness across 2–4 GHz under all control voltages.

It operates as a reflective-type phase shifter with DC-blocked RFIN and RFOUT ports, requiring external 50 Ω matching and ground-slug thermal management. The control interface is purely analog-no digital interface, serial bus, or calibration logic is present.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-lead, 5×5 mm, RoHS-compliant leadless QFN with exposed thermal paddle. Requires soldering of all ground leads and ≥6 thermal vias to internal ground plane per Analog Devices layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC928LP5E, HMC647LP4E trades phase range for compact size and lower cost, while QM11036 offers comparable loss but sacrifices bandwidth continuity and introduces pinout incompatibility-neither is drop-in, but both serve overlapping EW and SATCOM roles with design trade-offs.

Availability

HMC928LP5E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for military radar, satellite communications, and electronic warfare systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for HMC928LP5E 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, integrating its high-frequency RF/Microwave portfolio into ADI's broader signal chain solutions.

The HMC928LP5E belongs to Analog Devices' high-performance analog phase shifter product line, engineered specifically for defense, aerospace, and test instrumentation applications demanding octave bandwidth, low phase error, and thermal stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum RF input power the HMC928LP5E can handle without compression?

The HMC928LP5E supports up to +10 dBm input power for linear operation across 2–4 GHz, with absolute maximum rating of +27 dBm. At +10 dBm, insertion loss remains stable within ±0.2 dB, and phase error stays within ±5°. Exceeding +10 dBm induces gain compression and harmonic distortion-verified in datasheet Figures 13–15. Always operate HMC928LP5E within its linear region for beamforming accuracy.

Does the HMC928LP5E require external DC blocking capacitors on RFIN and RFOUT?

Yes-the HMC928LP5E has internally DC-blocked RFIN and RFOUT ports, but external 100 pF 0402 capacitors (as used on Evaluation PCB 131046) are required for optimal broadband impedance match and to prevent control voltage leakage. These capacitors ensure 50 Ω termination across 2–4 GHz and protect downstream components from potential Vctl coupling-confirmed in the Interface Schematic and Evaluation PCB Bill of Materials.

Is the HMC928LP5E pin-compatible with other Hittite phase shifters like the HMC647LP4E?

No-the HMC928LP5E uses a 32-lead 5×5 mm QFN package with specific pin assignments (e.g., dedicated GND pins at 7/8, Vctl at 14), whereas the HMC647LP4E uses a 32-lead 4×4 mm QFN with different pinout and ground configuration. Layout redesign and footprint change are required; no mechanical or electrical pin compatibility exists between HMC928LP5E and HMC647LP4E.

What is the recommended PCB layout practice for thermal management of the HMC928LP5E?

Thermal management requires soldering the exposed paddle to a solid copper ground plane using ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤1 mm apart) connecting to inner/ground layers. The datasheet specifies junction-to-ground thermal resistance of 45 °C/W-achievable only with this via strategy. Avoid thermal reliefs on paddle pads; use full-copper fill under the device and verify solder voiding <15% per IPC-7095.

Can the HMC928LP5E be used bidirectionally-that is, with RF signal applied to RFOUT instead of RFIN?

Yes-the HMC928LP5E is symmetric: RFIN and RFOUT are both DC-blocked, matched 50 Ω ports with identical insertion loss (3.5 dB) and phase shift behavior. Datasheet Figure 1 shows identical S21/S12 magnitude and phase curves. Bidirectional use is validated in beamforming modules where signal flow direction depends on T/R switching state-HMC928LP5E performs identically in either orientation.