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Skyworks Solutions Inc. DC18-73LF
- Part No.:
- DC18-73LF
- Manufacturer:
- Skyworks Solutions Inc.
- Category:
- RF Directional Coupler
- Package:
- SC-74, SOT-457
- Datasheet:
-
DC18-73LF.pdf
- Description:
- RF DIR COUPLER 1.71-1.99GHZ SOT6
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,215
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Product details
Overview
DC18-73LF from Skyworks Solutions is a monolithic directional coupler operating in the 1.71–1.99 GHz band, designed for RF signal sampling and power monitoring in cellular infrastructure and mobile handsets. It delivers 18.8 dB typical coupling, 0.3 dB typical insertion loss, and 38 dB typical isolation with 50 Ω impedance matching across all ports.
For engineers reviewing the DC18-73LF datasheet, DC18-73LF pinout, DC18-73LF application, or DC18-73LF equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT-6 package footprint, guaranteed VSWR ≤1.3:1 on input/output/coupled ports, and CW input power handling up to 4 W at -40 °C to +85 °C ambient.
Technical Context
The DC18-73LF implements a passive, broadband coupled-line architecture optimized for the PCS/UMTS/LTE Band 2/3/25 frequency range. Its monolithic GaAs construction ensures stable coupling repeatability and minimal temperature drift over its specified operating range.
All ports are DC-blocked and matched to 50 Ω without external components. The device operates unidirectionally: forward power sampled at the Coupled port relative to the IN→OUT signal path, with isolation measured between IN and Coupled ports.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 1.71–1.99 GHz - fully specified performance across entire PCS/UMTS/LTE Band 2/3/25 |
| Coupling | 17.8–19.8 dB - enables accurate forward power sampling with ±1 dB tolerance |
| Insertion Loss | 0.2–0.3 dB - minimizes main-path signal degradation in transmit chains |
| Isolation | 30–38 dB - suppresses reverse signal leakage into coupled port during bidirectional operation |
| VSWR (Input/Output/Coupled) | ≤1.3:1 / ≤1.3:1 / ≤1.4:1 - ensures impedance match stability across all ports without tuning |
| Input Power | 4 W CW - supports high-power base station and repeater front-end applications |
| Operating Temp. | -40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for outdoor small cell and industrial wireless equipment |
Pinout & Package
SOT-6 surface-mount package (1.90 mm × 1.30 mm × 0.95 mm), lead (Pb)-free and RoHS-compliant, MSL-1 rated for reflow at 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IN | Main RF input port; connects to PA output or antenna feed line |
| 2 | GND | Ground terminal; requires low-inductance PCB via connection |
| 3 | Coupled | Forward-sampled RF output; used for power detection or feedback control |
| 4 | OUT | Main RF output port; feeds antenna or downstream stage |
| 5 | GND | Ground terminal; symmetric layout with Pin 2 for balanced grounding |
| 6 | GND | Ground terminal; third ground pin for enhanced RF return path integrity |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Monolithic GaAs construction | Enables consistent coupling accuracy and thermal stability across production lots |
| Three-ground-pin configuration | Reduces ground inductance and improves isolation above 1.7 GHz |
| Low-profile SOT-6 package | Supports high-density RF board layouts in space-constrained handset and small-cell modules |
| MSL-1 reflow rating | Allows single-pass lead-free reflow assembly without moisture sensitivity concerns |
| RoHS-compliant & Pb-free | Meets global environmental compliance requirements for commercial and industrial deployments |
Applications
| Base Station Transceiver Modules | Mobile Handset Front-Ends |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time transmit power monitoring and ALC loop feedback in macro/micro base station TRX units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Directional coupler providing forward-sampled RF signal to power detector ICs. Use Value: Enables closed-loop power control with <0.3 dB insertion loss and 38 dB isolation to prevent detector saturation from reflected signals. | Use Scenario: Antenna power sensing and SAR compliance monitoring in LTE/5G smartphones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Coupling element feeding RF power detector for dynamic output adjustment. Use Value: Delivers 18.8 dB coupling repeatability and ≤1.3:1 VSWR across 1.71–1.99 GHz to ensure accurate power reporting under varying antenna load conditions. |
| Repeaters & Signal Boosters | Small Cell Radio Units |
Use Scenario: Forward/reverse power measurement in bi-directional in-building repeaters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional sampling node enabling gain stabilization and oscillation protection. Use Value: 30–38 dB isolation prevents coupled-port contamination from reflected signals, critical for stable repeater gain control. | Use Scenario: Integrated power monitoring in compact 4G/5G small cell radio front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-loss RF sampling component in multi-band active antenna systems. Use Value: SOT-6 footprint and 4 W CW rating support high-efficiency, thermally constrained designs without external matching networks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar directional coupler applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qorvo QPC1006 | Wider bandwidth (1.7–2.7 GHz), higher coupling (20 dB), but 0.4 dB higher insertion loss | Better suited for multi-band LTE/5G NR deployments beyond 1.99 GHz | Select when extended upper-frequency coverage is required; verify layout compatibility with 2.0 mm × 1.25 mm DFN package |
| Analog Devices ADL5565 | Active differential amplifier-based coupler; requires bias supply and offers 24 dB gain, not passive coupling | Used in high-dynamic-range receiver sampling, not transmitter monitoring | Choose only for active signal conditioning paths; not a drop-in replacement due to power, bias, and topology differences |
Compared with QPC1006 and ADL5565, the DC18-73LF provides optimal balance of low insertion loss (0.3 dB), tight coupling tolerance (±1 dB), and proven reliability in 1.71–1.99 GHz infrastructure applications-without requiring external bias or compromising thermal headroom.
Availability
DC18-73LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for base station transceivers, mobile handset front-ends, and small cell radio units requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for DC18-73LF 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
Skyworks Solutions is a global leader in high-performance analog semiconductors for RF, mobile, and infrastructure applications, serving communications, automotive, and industrial markets.
The DC18-73LF belongs to Skyworks' monolithic directional coupler product line, engineered specifically for precision RF power sampling in licensed cellular bands below 2 GHz.
FAQ
What is the operating frequency range of the DC18-73LF?
The DC18-73LF operates from 1.71 GHz to 1.99 GHz, with all electrical specifications-including coupling, insertion loss, and isolation-guaranteed across this full band. Performance data confirms stable behavior within ±0.1 dB coupling variation and ≤0.3 dB insertion loss throughout the range, making it ideal for PCS and UMTS Band 2/3/25 applications.
Does the DC18-73LF require external matching components?
No, the DC18-73LF is internally matched to 50 Ω on all ports (IN, OUT, Coupled) and requires no external matching components. Measured VSWR remains ≤1.3:1 on input/output and ≤1.4:1 on the coupled port across 1.71–1.99 GHz, enabling direct integration into RF signal paths without tuning stubs or capacitors.
What is the maximum continuous input power rating for the DC18-73LF?
The DC18-73LF is rated for 4 W continuous wave (CW) input power at ambient temperatures from -40 °C to +85 °C, provided all ports maintain ≤2.0:1 VSWR. This rating is validated per Skyworks' absolute maximum specifications and supports use in high-power repeater and small cell transmit stages.
Is the DC18-73LF pin-compatible with other Skyworks directional couplers?
The DC18-73LF uses the standard SOT-6 package with defined pin 1 indicator and three ground pins (Pins 2, 5, 6). While other Skyworks couplers like DC18-72LF share the same footprint, pin assignments differ-DC18-73LF assigns Pin 3 to Coupled and Pin 4 to OUT, which must be verified against each variant's datasheet before substitution.
What packaging and compliance certifications apply to the DC18-73LF?
The DC18-73LF is supplied in tape-and-reel format, is lead (Pb)-free, and fully RoHS-compliant. It meets JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-1 classification for moisture sensitivity, supporting standard lead-free reflow profiles without baking. Full compliance documentation is available through Skyworks' official product change notices.
DC18-73LF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Skyworks Solutions Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Coupler Type:
- Standard
- Frequency:
- 1.71GHz ~ 1.99GHz
- Coupling Factor:
- 18.8dB
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Insertion Loss:
- 0.2dB
- Power - Max:
- 4W
- Isolation:
- 38dB
- Return Loss:
- 26dB
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-6
DC18-73LF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DC18-73LF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DC18-73LF 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 DC18-73LF reliable?
The price and inventory of DC18-73LF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DC18-73LF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DC18-73LF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DC18-73LF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DC18-73LF?
DC18-73LF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DC18-73LF 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 DC18-73LF?
For technical support, including DC18-73LF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DC18-73LF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DC18-73LF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DC18-73LF 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 DC18-73LF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DC18-73LF?
All DC18-73LF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DC18-73LF, 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 DC18-73LF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DC18-73LF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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