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Analog Devices Inc. HMC496LP3E
- Part No.:
- HMC496LP3E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Modulators
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC496LP3E.pdf
- Description:
- RF MODULATOR 4GHZ-7GHZ 16VFQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,832
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Product details
Overview
HMC496LP3E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) 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. Its 3×3 mm QFN package supports compact microwave radio and WLAN transmitters requiring low-LO-power, single-supply operation.
For engineers reviewing the HMC496LP3E datasheet, HMC496LP3E pinout, HMC496LP3E application, or HMC496LP3E equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, calibrated vs. uncalibrated suppression behavior, baseband bias optimization guidance, LO drive flexibility (differential or single-ended), and real-world performance across temperature and supply voltage variations.
Technical Context
The HMC496LP3E implements a SiGe-based direct-conversion quadrature modulator architecture with fully differential I/Q baseband inputs (IP/IN, QP/QN) and differential RF output (RFP/RFN). It operates without external matching on the 50 Ω RF port and accepts LO input from -3 to +6 dBm in either differential or single-ended mode.
Carrier and sideband suppression are tunable via DC bias adjustment on I/Q ports (Vbbdc = 1.0–1.6 V) and amplitude/phase trimming of baseband signals; calibrated suppression reaches 40 dBc sideband and >45 dBc IM3 at 5.2 GHz. Performance is specified over -40 °C to +85 °C with stable 93 mA current draw from 2.7–3.3 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 4.0–7.0 GHz - Full-band operation without tuning; supports C-band microwave radios and U-NII/WLAN 5 GHz bands. |
| Output Noise Floor | -157 dBm/Hz typical - Enables high dynamic range in wideband receivers and low-error-rate digital modulation. |
| Carrier Suppression | 34 dBc uncalibrated - Reduces DC offset sensitivity; improves EVM in 802.11a and WLL transmitters. |
| LO Input Power | -3 to +6 dBm - Eliminates need for LO buffer amplifiers in cost-sensitive SMT designs. |
| Supply Voltage & Current | +3.0 V @ 93 mA - Single low-current rail simplifies power delivery; compatible with standard 3.3 V LDOs. |
| Baseband Bandwidth | DC–250 MHz - Supports complex modulation schemes (e.g., 64-QAM) with minimal group delay distortion. |
| Package | 3×3 mm QFN-16 - Exposed paddle enhances thermal dissipation; MSL1 rating supports lead-free reflow at 260 °C. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 3×3 mm, 16-pin QFN with exposed thermal paddle (RoHS-compliant matte Sn finish, MSL1, peak reflow 260 °C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 4, 9, 12 | GND | RF/DC ground terminals - must connect to PCB ground plane with multiple vias; critical for noise floor and return loss stability. |
| 2, 3 | LOP, LON | Differential LO input - supports single-ended drive (one pin driven, other terminated to 50 Ω); enables flexible LO source integration. |
| 5, 8, 13 | N/C | No connection - may be grounded without performance impact; no internal circuitry attached. |
| 6, 7 | QN, QP | Differential Q baseband input - high-impedance; DC bias (1.2–1.4 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 RF path. |
| 14, 15 | IP, IN | Differential I baseband input - identical biasing and signal requirements as Q channel; independent amplitude/phase trim enables sideband optimization. |
| 16 | VCC | Power supply input - 3.0 V nominal; draws 93 mA; decoupling near pin essential for RF stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Wideband 4–7 GHz RF operation | Eliminates band-switching components in multi-standard radios; covers entire U-NII-2/3 and C-band microwave allocations. |
| Uncalibrated 34 dBc carrier suppression | Reduces post-modulation filtering complexity; maintains <1% EVM in 802.11a OFDM without calibration circuitry. |
| Low -157 dBm/Hz noise floor | Preserves SNR in wideband receivers; supports 20+ MHz channel bandwidths without noise-limited performance. |
| Dual-mode LO drive (-3 to +6 dBm) | Accepts direct output from low-power synthesizers or VCOs; avoids costly LO amplification stages. |
| Single 3.0 V supply @ 93 mA | Reduces BOM count and board area; compatible with common system power rails and low-dropout regulators. |
Applications
| Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) | U-NII-2/3 Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Point-to-multipoint base station transmitter operating in 5.25–5.35 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Direct quadrature modulator converting baseband I/Q signals to RF; replaces double-upconversion architectures. Use Value: 34 dBc uncalibrated carrier suppression minimizes adjacent-channel interference; 4–7 GHz coverage eliminates need for band-specific modulators. |
Use Scenario: Enterprise WLAN access point supporting IEEE 802.11a/h with DFS and TPC compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF upconverter in transmit chain; interfaces with BB ASIC or FPGA DAC outputs. Use Value: DC–250 MHz baseband bandwidth accommodates full 20 MHz OFDM channels; low 93 mA supply current reduces thermal load in dense AP deployments. |
| C-Band Microwave Radios | HiperLAN/2 Systems |
Use Scenario: 5.925–6.425 GHz backhaul radio requiring high linearity and spectral purity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage modulator driving power amplifier; handles 16-QAM and higher-order constellations. Use Value: +4 dBm P1dB and +17 dBm OIP3 ensure clean output under high crest factor signals; 3×3 mm QFN eases RF layout in constrained outdoor enclosures. |
Use Scenario: European broadband wireless terminal operating in 5.15–5.35 GHz and 5.47–5.725 GHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quadrature modulator in compact client-side RF front-end. Use Value: Differential LO and baseband inputs reject common-mode noise; RoHS-compliant matte Sn finish ensures compatibility with lead-free manufacturing. |
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 | Wider 700 MHz–1.0 GHz IF range; 3.3 V supply; 120 mA current; 5×5 mm LFCSP. | Optimized for sub-6 GHz cellular infrastructure; lower RF frequency ceiling (1.0 GHz max). | Select for LTE/FDD-TDD baseband-to-RF conversion where HMC496LP3E's 4–7 GHz range exceeds requirement. |
| HMC6300 | Integrated LO synthesizer + PA; 24–44 GHz operation; 5 V supply; 300 mA current; 7×7 mm package. | Full mmWave transceiver solution; not pin- or functionally compatible. | Select when moving beyond C-band into E-band; requires complete RF architecture redesign. |
Compared with ADL5375-05 and HMC6300, the HMC496LP3E uniquely balances wide C-band coverage (4–7 GHz), ultra-low noise (-157 dBm/Hz), and minimal external component count in a 3×3 mm footprint-making it optimal for cost- and size-constrained microwave radio and WLAN OEM designs.
Availability
HMC496LP3E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fixed wireless access, U-NII radios, and C-band microwave radios requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and proven production lifecycle support.
Supply support for HMC496LP3E 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 and integrates its high-frequency RFIC portfolio into precision analog and RF solutions for communications and defense markets.
The HMC496LP3E belongs to Hittite's legacy SiGe wideband modulator product line, engineered specifically for compact, high-performance microwave transmitters in licensed and unlicensed 4–7 GHz spectrum.
FAQ
What is the RF frequency range supported by the HMC496LP3E?
The HMC496LP3E supports an RF frequency range of 4.0 to 7.0 GHz, covering the full C-band and key U-NII-2/3 and WLAN 5 GHz allocations. This range is validated across temperature and supply voltage variations, with consistent output power and noise floor performance. The HMC496LP3E does not require external tuning components to operate across this band.
Can the HMC496LP3E be driven with a single-ended LO signal?
Yes, the HMC496LP3E accepts single-ended LO drive on either LOP or LON pin while terminating the other to 50 Ω. Its differential LO input architecture allows this flexibility without performance degradation. The HMC496LP3E maintains specified carrier suppression and noise floor when driven with -3 to +6 dBm single-ended LO power, simplifying integration with common VCOs and synthesizers.
How is carrier suppression optimized on the HMC496LP3E?
Carrier suppression on the HMC496LP3E is optimized by adjusting the DC bias voltage (Vbbdc) applied to the I and Q baseband input pairs (IP/IN and QP/QN), typically within 1.0–1.6 V. Fine-tuning this voltage-often to <15 mV offset-improves uncalibrated suppression to 34 dBc. The HMC496LP3E datasheet provides test conditions and calibration procedures for achieving >45 dBc with manual I/Q skew adjustment.
What is the recommended baseband input configuration for the HMC496LP3E?
The HMC496LP3E requires differential baseband inputs (IP/IN and QP/QN) with 1.2 Vpp peak-to-peak swing and DC bias between 1.2–1.4 V. External 10 pF shunt capacitors set the DC–250 MHz bandwidth. The HMC496LP3E's high-impedance inputs simplify interface with DACs or BB processors, and its bias-adjustable architecture enables optimization across temperature and frequency bands.
Does the HMC496LP3E require external RF matching components?
No, the HMC496LP3E's RF output port (RFP/RFN) is internally matched to 50 Ω across 4–7 GHz, eliminating the need for external matching networks. A series AC-coupling capacitor is required to block VCC from the RF path, but no baluns, transformers, or stubs are needed. This feature reduces bill-of-materials cost and PCB area, distinguishing the HMC496LP3E from discrete modulator solutions.
HMC496LP3E 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)
HMC496LP3E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC496LP3E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC496LP3E 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 HMC496LP3E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC496LP3E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC496LP3E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC496LP3E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC496LP3E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC496LP3E?
HMC496LP3E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC496LP3E 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 HMC496LP3E?
For technical support, including HMC496LP3E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC496LP3E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC496LP3E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC496LP3E 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 HMC496LP3E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC496LP3E?
All HMC496LP3E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC496LP3E, 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 HMC496LP3E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC496LP3E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC496LP3E Tags
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