Analog Devices Inc. HMC244AG16

Overview

HMC244AG16 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC SP4T non-reflective RF switch in a 16-lead hermetic glass/metal SMT package, operating from DC to 4 GHz. It delivers 0.9 dB typical insertion loss through 3 GHz, 30–50 dB isolation, and integrates a 2:4 TTL/CMOS decoder requiring only two control lines and +5 V bias - enabling compact, low-pin-count RF path selection in telecom infrastructure and military radios.

For engineers reviewing the HMC244AG16 datasheet, HMC244AG16 pinout, HMC244AG16 application, or HMC244AG16 equivalent, key selection criteria include its non-reflective architecture, integrated decoder logic, DC–4 GHz bandwidth, +5 V single-supply operation, and hermetic 16-lead SMT package with exposed ground paddle for RF grounding.

Technical Context

The HMC244AG16 implements a monolithic GaAs MMIC SP4T switch topology with internal termination for all off-state ports, ensuring non-reflective behavior across DC–4 GHz. Its integrated 2:4 decoder accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible A/B control inputs (0–0.8 V low, 2.0–Vdd high) to select one of four RF paths (RF1–RF4) to the common port RFC.

Thermal design is defined by dual thermal resistances: 171 °C/W for the insertion-loss path and 332 °C/W for terminated paths. The device operates from –40 °C to +85 °C, with absolute max Vdd = +7 V and channel temperature limit of 150 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-lead hermetic glass/metal SMT package with alumina-loaded borosilicate glass lid, Kovar base and cover, and 50 µin gold plating over nickel. Exposed metal paddle on bottom must be soldered to PCB RF ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SP4T RF switch applications.

Compared with HMC244AG16, HMC547LP3E extends bandwidth but sacrifices hermetic reliability and decoder integration, while QM11036 improves power efficiency and linearity yet requires external logic and offers no environmental protection - making HMC244AG16 uniquely suited for mission-critical, decoder-simplified, sealed-environment RF switching.

Availability

HMC244AG16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, military radios, and radar systems requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for HMC244AG16 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The HMC244AG16 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave RF switch product line, engineered specifically for high-isolation, low-loss, hermetically sealed switching in demanding aerospace, defense, and infrastructure applications.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the HMC244AG16?

The HMC244AG16 is specified to operate from –40 °C to +85 °C ambient temperature. Its absolute maximum channel temperature is 150 °C, and storage temperature range extends from –65 °C to +150 °C. These ratings support deployment in extended-environment applications including airborne military radios and outdoor telecom base stations where thermal cycling is severe. The HMC244AG16's hermetic package ensures parameter stability across this full range.

Does the HMC244AG16 require external blocking capacitors on its RF ports?

Yes, the HMC244AG16 RF ports (pins 2, 4, 9, 11, 15) are DC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω, so external DC-blocking capacitors are required when interfacing with AC-coupled systems such as SMA-connected test equipment or transceivers with internal DC blocking. Typical values used on evaluation boards are 330 pF in 0402 package. Omitting these capacitors risks DC bias disruption and potential damage to downstream components.

Can the HMC244AG16 operate from a +3 V supply?

Yes, the HMC244AG16 supports dual supply operation: +5 Vdc ±10% (typical Idd = 3 mA) and +3 Vdc (typical Idd = 7 mA). At +3 V, the device maintains full RF performance including insertion loss and isolation, though the control voltage thresholds remain TTL/CMOS-compatible (low ≤ 0.8 V, high ≥ 2.0 V). This flexibility allows integration into mixed-voltage systems without level-shifting circuitry.

How is the ground paddle on the HMC244AG16 package implemented in layout?

The HMC244AG16's exposed metal paddle on the package bottom must be soldered directly to a solid, low-inductance PCB RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias. All ground pins (1, 3, 5, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16) must also connect to the same ground plane. This dual grounding strategy ensures optimal RF return path integrity, achieving the specified 22 dB return loss and preventing degradation of isolation and insertion loss above 2 GHz.

What is the meaning of "non-reflective" in the HMC244AG16 datasheet?

"Non-reflective" means that all off-state RF ports (e.g., RF1–RF3 when RF4 is selected) are internally terminated to 50 Ω, preventing signal energy from reflecting back toward the common port (RFC). This eliminates standing waves and VSWR spikes in cascaded RF stages - unlike reflective switches that present open or short circuits in off-state. For the HMC244AG16, this design ensures stable impedance matching regardless of path selection, critical for sensitive receiver front-ends and phase-coherent radar systems.