Analog Devices Inc. HMC496LP3
- Part No.:
- HMC496LP3
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Modulators
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC496LP3.pdf
- Description:
- RF MODULATOR 4GHZ-7GHZ 16VFQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,215
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Product details
Overview
HMC496LP3 from Hittite Microwave Corporation (now part of Analog Devices) is a SiGe wideband direct quadrature modulator RFIC designed for RF upconversion in 4–7 GHz systems. It delivers +2 dBm RF output power, -157 dBm/Hz noise floor, and 34 dBc uncalibrated carrier suppression. Used in microwave radios and WLAN infrastructure, it operates from a single +3.0 V supply drawing 93 mA.
For engineers reviewing the HMC496LP3 datasheet, HMC496LP3 pinout, HMC496LP3 application, or HMC496LP3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4–7 GHz RF bandwidth, differential/single-ended LO drive flexibility (-3 to +6 dBm), DC–250 MHz baseband input range, and 3×3 mm QFN package with integrated 50 Ω RF output match.
Technical Context
The HMC496LP3 implements a SiGe-based direct-conversion quadrature modulator architecture with fully differential I/Q baseband inputs (IP/IN, QP/QN) and differential RF outputs (RFP/RFN). Its LO path supports both differential (LOP/LON) and single-ended operation, enabling flexible integration into RF front-ends without external baluns.
Carrier and sideband suppression are optimized via adjustable DC bias on I/Q ports (1.0–1.6 V) and amplitude/phase tuning of baseband signals. Performance remains stable across -40 °C to +85 °C with supply voltage tolerance from +2.7 V to +3.3 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 4.0–7.0 GHz - Covers C-band microwave, U-NII, and 802.11a bands without frequency translation stages. |
| Output Noise Floor | -157 dBm/Hz typical - Enables high dynamic range in dense spectral environments like multi-carrier WLAN. |
| Carrier Suppression | 34 dBc uncalibrated - Reduces LO leakage impact on adjacent channel interference without calibration circuitry. |
| LO Input Power | -3 to +6 dBm - Compatible with low-power synthesizers; eliminates need for external LO amplifiers. |
| Baseband Bandwidth | DC–250 MHz - Supports wideband modulation formats including OFDM and 256-QAM with minimal group delay variation. |
| Supply Voltage & Current | +3.0 V @ 93 mA - Low-power operation suitable for compact, thermally constrained RF modules. |
| RF Output Match | 50 Ω matched - Eliminates external matching components at RF output, reducing BOM and layout complexity. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 3×3 mm, 16-pin QFN (LP3) with exposed thermal paddle; RoHS-compliant version HMC496LP3E uses matte Sn finish; MSL1 rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 4, 9, 12 | GND | RF/DC ground connections - must be soldered to PCB ground plane with multiple vias for optimal thermal and RF performance. |
| 2, 3 | LOP, LON | Differential LO input - supports single-ended drive (one pin driven, other terminated to 50 Ω) or true differential mode. |
| 5, 8, 13 | N/C | No internal connection - may be grounded without affecting RF or modulation performance. |
| 6, 7 | QN, QP | Differential Q-baseband input - high-impedance port; DC bias (1.0–1.6 V) tunes carrier suppression; 1.2 Vpp differential nominal. |
| 10, 11 | RFN, RFP | Differential RF output - internally matched to 50 Ω; requires series AC-coupling capacitor to block VCC from load. |
| 14, 15 | IP, IN | Differential I-baseband input - functionally identical to Q-path; independent bias and signal tuning enables I/Q imbalance correction. |
| 16 | VCC | Power supply input - supplies entire device at +2.7 to +3.3 V; 93 mA nominal current draw at +3.0 V. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Wide RF bandwidth | 4–7 GHz continuous coverage - replaces multiple narrowband modulators in multi-band radio platforms. |
| Integrated 50 Ω RF output match | Zero external components required at RF output - reduces PCB area and insertion loss in transmit chain. |
| Flexible LO drive | Accepts -3 to +6 dBm single-ended or differential - interfaces directly with PLL/VCO outputs without buffer amplification. |
| Adjustable I/Q DC bias | 1.0–1.6 V per baseband pair - enables factory or system-level carrier suppression optimization over temperature and frequency. |
| Low-noise SiGe process | -157 dBm/Hz noise floor - preserves EVM in high-order QAM systems (e.g., 802.11ac/ax) without additional filtering. |
Applications
| Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) | U-NII Band Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Point-to-multipoint base station transmitters operating in 5.25–5.85 GHz U-NII-2/3 bands for rural broadband access. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct quadrature modulator converting baseband OFDM symbols to RF carrier with minimal image distortion. Use Value: 34 dBc carrier suppression and -157 dBm/Hz noise floor maintain ACLR >45 dB in 80 MHz channels under full load. |
Use Scenario: Indoor enterprise access points supporting IEEE 802.11a/h with DFS compliance in 5 GHz spectrum. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF upconverter in zero-IF transmitter architecture, accepting I/Q baseband from WLAN MAC/PHY SoC. Use Value: DC–250 MHz baseband bandwidth accommodates 160 MHz 802.11ac signals with <1% EVM degradation at +2 dBm output. |
| C-Band Microwave Radios | WLAN Backhaul Links |
Use Scenario: 6–7 GHz licensed microwave links delivering 1 Gbps Ethernet transport over 10+ km paths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage modulator in dual-conversion or direct-conversion radio, handling 256-QAM waveforms. Use Value: 40 dBc uncalibrated sideband suppression ensures adjacent-channel interference remains below -70 dBm/Hz at 10 MHz offset. |
Use Scenario: Outdoor mesh node radios using 5.8 GHz ISM band for non-line-of-sight backhaul between cell sites. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband modulator enabling adaptive modulation (QPSK to 64-QAM) based on real-time link quality. Use Value: Single +3.0 V supply and 93 mA current simplify thermal design in sealed, fanless enclosures with strict power budgets. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar direct quadrature modulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADL5375-05 | 5.0–6.0 GHz RF range; higher +5.5 dBm P1dB; requires +5 V supply; 7 × 7 mm LFCSP package. | Better suited for high-output, wide-dynamic-range macro base stations; less compact than HMC496LP3. | Select ADL5375-05 when >+3 dBm output or wider instantaneous bandwidth is required; not drop-in compatible due to supply and footprint differences. |
| TRF3705 | 4.5–6.0 GHz RF range; lower -152 dBm/Hz noise floor; 3.3 V supply; 5 × 5 mm QFN package. | Optimized for battery-powered portable radios; lower integration (requires external LO buffer). | Choose TRF3705 for ultra-low-power handheld designs where noise floor margin is secondary to current consumption. |
Compared with ADL5375-05 and TRF3705, the HMC496LP3 offers the widest RF bandwidth (4–7 GHz), smallest footprint (3×3 mm), and lowest LO drive requirement (-3 to +6 dBm), making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-band microwave radios requiring minimal external support circuitry.
Availability
HMC496LP3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fixed wireless access, U-NII band radios, and C-band microwave radios requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC496LP3 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
Hittite Microwave Corporation, acquired by Analog Devices in 2014, specialized in high-frequency RFICs for wireless infrastructure and defense applications.
The HMC496LP3 belongs to Hittite's wideband direct quadrature modulator product line, engineered for simplified RF front-end design in 4–7 GHz digital communication systems without external IF stages or image-reject filters.
FAQ
What is the RF frequency range supported by the HMC496LP3?
The HMC496LP3 supports a continuous RF frequency range of 4.0–7.0 GHz, verified across all operating conditions. This range covers C-band microwave, U-NII-2/3, and 802.11a WLAN bands. Performance metrics-including output power, noise floor, and suppression-are specified across sub-bands (4.9–5.4 GHz, 5.4–5.9 GHz, 5.9–6.4 GHz) and confirmed at band edges per test data in the datasheet.
Does the HMC496LP3 require external matching components at the RF output?
No, the HMC496LP3 features an internally matched 50 Ω differential RF output (RFP/RFN), eliminating the need for external matching networks. A series AC-coupling capacitor is required to block DC from the RF load, but no baluns, transformers, or impedance-tuning elements are necessary-reducing bill-of-materials count and layout complexity.
Can the HMC496LP3 operate with single-ended LO drive?
Yes, the HMC496LP3 accepts single-ended LO drive on either LOP or LON pin while terminating the other to 50 Ω. The device is characterized for -3 to +6 dBm LO power in this mode, and datasheet plots confirm consistent carrier suppression and noise performance versus differential drive-enabling compatibility with common single-ended synthesizers.
What is the baseband input bandwidth of the HMC496LP3?
The HMC496LP3 supports a baseband input bandwidth of DC to 250 MHz typical, achieved with 10 pF shunt capacitors per I/Q path as shown in the reference schematic. This bandwidth accommodates 802.11ac 160 MHz signals and wideband OFDM waveforms without significant amplitude or phase roll-off.
How is carrier suppression optimized in the HMC496LP3?
Carrier suppression in the HMC496LP3 is optimized by adjusting the DC bias voltage (Vbbdc) on the I and Q baseband input pairs (IP/IN and QP/QN) within 1.0–1.6 V. Datasheet test conditions specify 1.3 V nominal, and fine-tuning this voltage-typically by <15 mV offset-improves uncalibrated carrier suppression to 34 dBc across temperature and frequency.
HMC496LP3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Modulator
- LO Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 7GHz
- RF Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 7GHz
- P1dB:
- 3dBm
- Noise Floor:
- -157dBM/Hz
- Output Power:
- 2dBm
- Current - Supply:
- 93 mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.3V
- Test Frequency:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFN (3x3)
HMC496LP3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC496LP3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC496LP3 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 HMC496LP3 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC496LP3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC496LP3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC496LP3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC496LP3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC496LP3?
HMC496LP3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC496LP3 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 HMC496LP3?
For technical support, including HMC496LP3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC496LP3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC496LP3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC496LP3 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 HMC496LP3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC496LP3?
All HMC496LP3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC496LP3, 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 HMC496LP3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC496LP3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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