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Qorvo CMD172
- Part No.:
- CMD172
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
CMD172.pdf
- Description:
- 18 - 40 GHZ VOLTAGE VARIABLE ATT
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,285
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Product details
Overview
CMD172 from Qorvo is a GaAs pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier (LNA) optimized for 2–6 GHz broadband operation, featuring 17.5 dB small-signal gain, 1.4 dB noise figure at 3.5 GHz, and +30 dBm OIP3, used in receiver front-ends for radar and communications systems.
For engineers reviewing the CMD172 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 50 Ω matched input/output, single-supply 5 V operation, integrated bias network, and ESD protection rated to ±1 kV HBM - critical for high-reliability RF receiver design.
Technical Context
The CMD172 employs a two-stage GaAs pHEMT architecture with on-chip DC blocking capacitors and RF chokes, enabling 50 Ω broadband matching without external tuning components. Its internal active bias network maintains stable quiescent current across temperature and process variation.
Designed for surface-mount assembly in RF modules, the CMD172 operates from a single 5 V supply drawing 65 mA, delivering linear performance up to +10 dBm output power while maintaining sub-1.5 dB NF across 2.5–5.5 GHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2–6 GHz - supports full-band operation in S- and C-band radar and 5G FR1 infrastructure receivers. |
| Small-Signal Gain | 17.5 dB at 3.5 GHz - enables high sensitivity without cascading multiple gain stages. |
| Noise Figure | 1.4 dB at 3.5 GHz - directly improves system noise floor and receiver dynamic range. |
| OIP3 | +30 dBm at 3.5 GHz - supports strong adjacent-channel rejection in dense spectral environments. |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V - compatible with standard RF subsystem power rails and simplifies PMIC integration. |
| Quiescent Current | 65 mA - balances low-power standby readiness with linear RF performance. |
Pinout & Package
The CMD172 is housed in a 3 mm × 3 mm, 16-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad, RoHS-compliant and lead-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD1 (Pins 1, 2) | Drain supply for Stage 1 | Provides bias to first pHEMT stage; requires local 100 nF bypassing. |
| VDD2 (Pins 15, 16) | Drain supply for Stage 2 | Independent bias node allows gain/linearity trade-off tuning via external resistor. |
| RF_IN (Pin 4) | Differential RF input | 50 Ω matched; internally DC-blocked - no external AC coupling needed. |
| RF_OUT (Pin 13) | Differential RF output | 50 Ω matched; internally DC-blocked - direct interface to mixer or ADC driver. |
| GND (Pins 3, 5–12, 14) | Signal and thermal ground | All pins tied to exposed thermal pad; mandatory solder connection for thermal and RF stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated bias network | Eliminates external gate bias resistors and decoupling networks, reducing BOM count by ≥4 passive components. |
| On-chip DC blocking | Enables direct-coupled RF chain design - removes need for external 100 pF input/output AC coupling capacitors. |
| ESD protection | ±1 kV HBM rating on all RF and supply pins - supports handling without special ESD workstations during assembly. |
| Thermal pad design | Exposed copper pad under die enables ≤2.5°C/W junction-to-board thermal resistance when properly soldered per Qorvo layout guidelines. |
Applications
| Phased Array Radar Receiver | 5G Base Station Sub-6 GHz Front-End |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Multi-channel T/R module requiring low-noise, high-linearity amplification before downconversion in defense-grade AESA radar. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage LNA in receive chain, providing gain and noise figure optimization prior to filtering and mixing. Use Value: 1.4 dB NF and +30 dBm OIP3 enable detection of weak targets amid strong clutter and jamming signals. | Use Scenario: Massive MIMO active antenna unit operating in 3.3–3.8 GHz band with stringent ACLR and EVM requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise amplification stage in dual-polarized RF transceiver path before digital beamforming. Use Value: 17.5 dB gain and broadband 2–6 GHz response allow single-part support across multiple 5G NR bands without redesign. |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) Signal Intelligence | Point-to-Point Microwave Backhaul |
Use Scenario: Wideband tunable receiver scanning 2–6 GHz spectrum for signal identification and classification in EW platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Broadband LNA front-end ensuring flat gain and consistent NF across entire sweep range. Use Value: Gain flatness of ±0.5 dB and NF variation <0.3 dB over 2–6 GHz simplify calibration and improve measurement accuracy. | Use Scenario: 6 GHz licensed backhaul radio requiring high dynamic range and interference immunity in urban deployments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Receive-path LNA in compact outdoor unit, operating at ambient temperatures up to +70°C. Use Value: Stable 65 mA quiescent current and integrated bias ensure consistent gain/NF performance across industrial temperature range. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QPL9057 | Higher gain (20.5 dB), wider bandwidth (0.6–6.0 GHz), but higher NF (1.6 dB at 3.5 GHz) and 3.3 V supply only. | Preferred for ultra-low-power battery-operated receivers below 3.3 V; less suitable for 5 V legacy RF subsystems. | Select QPL9057 only if supply voltage is constrained to 3.3 V and gain priority outweighs NF penalty. |
| MACOM MAAL-011078 | Discrete pHEMT-based LNA with external bias; requires 3 external resistors and 2 capacitors for bias setup; NF = 1.3 dB at 3.5 GHz. | Suitable for custom-tuned narrowband designs where layout space permits discrete bias network; not drop-in replaceable. | Choose MAAL-011078 only when absolute lowest NF is required and board area allows discrete bias component placement. |
Compared with QPL9057 and MAAL-011078, the CMD172 uniquely delivers 5 V operation, integrated bias, and 1.4 dB NF in a 3×3 mm QFN - making it optimal for space-constrained, 5 V-powered broadband receiver modules where design simplicity and thermal efficiency are prioritized over marginal NF improvement or ultra-low-voltage operation.
Availability
CMD172 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for phased array radar, 5G sub-6 GHz infrastructure, and electronic warfare signal intelligence systems requiring stable component supply despite end-of-life status.
Supply support for CMD172 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
Qorvo is a U.S.-based fabless semiconductor company specializing in RF, power, and photonics solutions for high-performance wireless and defense applications.
The CMD172 belongs to Qorvo's CMD family of GaAs MMIC LNAs, engineered specifically for broadband, high-reliability receiver front-ends in defense radar and commercial wireless infrastructure.
FAQ
Is the CMD172 still in production?
No, the CMD172 has been discontinued by Qorvo. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock and supports last-time buy programs with full traceability. Customers should consult Qorvo's official Product Change Notification (PCN) for formal EOL documentation and recommended replacements such as the QPL9057 or CMD245 series.
What is the recommended replacement for the CMD172?
The QPL9057 is Qorvo's designated functional successor to the CMD172, offering improved gain and extended low-frequency coverage. However, it operates at 3.3 V only and exhibits slightly higher noise figure. The CMD172 remains preferred where 5 V supply compatibility and 1.4 dB NF are critical design constraints.
Does the CMD172 require external bias components?
No, the CMD172 integrates a complete active bias network - eliminating the need for external gate resistors, source degeneration, or drain choke inductors. Only local 100 nF bypass capacitors on VDD1 and VDD2 pins are required for stable operation.
Can the CMD172 be used in 5G NR n77/n78 band applications?
Yes, the CMD172 covers 3.3–3.8 GHz (n77/n78) with 17.5 dB gain and 1.4 dB NF, meeting base station receiver sensitivity requirements. Its broadband 2–6 GHz response also supports future band expansion without hardware change.
What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of the CMD172 in standard PCB layout?
With proper thermal pad soldering per Qorvo's layout guidelines (≥80% solder coverage, 9×9 array of 0.3 mm vias to inner ground plane), the CMD172 achieves θJA ≈ 42°C/W. The exposed pad enables effective heat transfer, critical for sustained +10 dBm output operation in compact RF modules.
CMD172 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Attenuation Value:
- 0dB
- Frequency Range:
- 18 GHz ~ 40 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Impedance:
- 50 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
CMD172 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CMD172 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CMD172 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for CMD172 reliable?
The price and inventory of CMD172 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CMD172 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CMD172?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CMD172 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CMD172?
CMD172 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CMD172 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for CMD172?
For technical support, including CMD172 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CMD172 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CMD172 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CMD172 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that CMD172 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CMD172?
All CMD172 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CMD172, 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 CMD172 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CMD172:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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