Analog Devices Inc. HMC550E
- Part No.:
- HMC550E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Switches
- Package:
- SOT-23-6
- Datasheet:
-
HMC550E.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF SWITCH SPST 6GHZ SOT23-6
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,276
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Product details
Overview
HMC550E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC single-pole single-throw (SPST) failsafe RF switch in SOT26 package, operating from DC to 6 GHz with 0.7 dB typical insertion loss, +52 dBm input IP3, and 200 nA on-state current. It serves as a low-power RF path controller in battery-operated RFID tags and ISM-band portable transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC550E datasheet, HMC550E pinout, HMC550E application, or HMC550E equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, failsafe control behavior, SOT26 terminal mapping, thermal limits, and real-world use cases in automotive telematics and WiMAX front-ends.
Technical Context
The HMC550E implements a monolithic GaAs MMIC topology with reflective-open "Off" state at both RF1 and RF2 ports, requiring external DC blocking capacitors. Its failsafe architecture ensures default "On" conduction (RF1–RF2 path closed) when Vdd and Vctl are unpowered.
It supports CMOS-compatible control voltages (Vctl = 0/+3.3 V), operates across 1.2–5 V Vdd, and maintains RF performance over −40°C to +85°C with 150°C/W thermal resistance. Switching speed is 40 ns rise/fall and 50 ns turn-on/turn-off.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC to 6 GHz - enables IF and RF switching in RFID, WLAN, and automotive radar bands without band-specific redesign. |
| Insertion Loss | 0.7 dB typ. - minimizes signal attenuation in low-power portable transmit paths, preserving SNR in battery-constrained systems. |
| Input IP3 | +52 dBm - supports high-linearity operation with two-tone +17 dBm inputs, critical for multi-carrier ISM/WiMAX transmitters. |
| Isolation | 25 dB @ DC–2 GHz - suppresses leakage between RF paths in duplexed or TDD architectures where Tx/Rx isolation is essential. |
| On-State Current | 200 nA - enables ultra-low-quiescent-power operation, extending battery life in ETC tags and sensor nodes. |
| Switching Speed | 40 ns tRISE/tFALL - suitable for fast TDD frame switching in WiBro and LTE-U applications with tight timing margins. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for under-hood automotive telematics and industrial outdoor wireless modules. |
Pinout & Package
Package: RoHS-compliant SOT26 plastic package with 100% matte Sn lead finish, MSL1 rating, and max peak reflow temperature of 260 °C. All ground leads (Pins 2 and 5) must be soldered directly to PCB RF ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3 | RF1, RF2 | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF ports; require external DC blocking capacitors to prevent bias disruption and define low-frequency cutoff. |
| 2, 5 | GND | RF ground terminals; must connect directly to solid ground plane to maintain impedance integrity and minimize radiation loss. |
| 4 | Vdd | Supply voltage input (1.2–5 V); powers internal GaAs circuitry and sets maximum allowable Vctl swing per datasheet limits. |
| 6 | Vctl | Control voltage input; logic "High" (>1.8 V) disables RF path; unpowered or low state enables failsafe "On" conduction. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Failsafe "On" at power loss | Ensures RF continuity during brownout or sleep mode-critical for safety-critical automotive telematics and emergency beacon links. |
| Ultra-low on-state current | 200 nA enables >10-year battery life in passive RFID tags and maintenance-free IoT sensors. |
| Wide Vdd compatibility | 1.2–5 V operation allows direct interface with Li-ion, coin-cell, and 3.3 V/5 V system rails without LDO overhead. |
| Reflective-open "Off" state | Eliminates need for shunt termination resistors, reducing BOM count and PCB area in compact portable RF front-ends. |
| CMOS logic compatibility | Vctl thresholds align with standard 3.3 V CMOS outputs, enabling direct drive from microcontrollers without level-shifting. |
Applications
| RFID Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) | ISM-Band Portable Transceivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered vehicle-mounted tag transmitting at 915 MHz in highway toll lanes with intermittent power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPST RF path selector routing antenna signal to transmitter output while maintaining failsafe connectivity during MCU sleep cycles. Use Value: 200 nA quiescent current extends tag battery life beyond 5 years; 0.7 dB loss preserves link budget over 10 m range. |
Use Scenario: Handheld industrial scanner operating in 2.4 GHz ISM band with duty-cycled Tx/Rx bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF switch isolating PA output from LNA input during transmit mode to prevent damage and desensitization. Use Value: 25 dB isolation at 2.4 GHz prevents PA leakage from saturating LNA; 40 ns switching synchronizes cleanly with 1 ms TDD frames. |
| Automotive Telematics Antenna Sharing | WiMAX Base Station Front-End |
Use Scenario: In-vehicle infotainment unit sharing single GPS/GLONASS antenna among multiple receivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Failsafe SPST switch ensuring GPS signal path remains active during ignition-off states or MCU reset events. Use Value: Default "On" behavior guarantees continuous GNSS lock during vehicle startup; −40°C to +85°C rating matches under-dash environment. |
Use Scenario: Fixed wireless access node supporting 3.5 GHz WiMAX with dual-Tx diversity and shared antenna architecture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF path selector enabling dynamic antenna port assignment between two transmitters without external relays. Use Value: +52 dBm IP3 handles composite WiMAX signals up to 27 dBm P0.1dB; SOT26 footprint reduces board space vs. legacy SOIC switches. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar SPST RF switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qorvo QM11036 | Higher frequency (DC–7 GHz), higher IP3 (+55 dBm), but requires external bias network and lacks failsafe "On" behavior. | Preferred for 5G NR sub-6 GHz base stations needing extended bandwidth and linearity; unsuitable where power-loss continuity is mandatory. | Select QM11036 only when failsafe operation is unnecessary and 7 GHz coverage is required. |
| Skyworks SKY13370-374LF | Lower insertion loss (0.45 dB), smaller 2×2 mm DFN package, but rated only to 4.2 GHz and consumes 1 µA on-state current. | Better for compact 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi 6 clients where size and loss dominate; not viable for 5.8 GHz WiBro or 6 GHz automotive radar. | Choose SKY13370-374LF for space-constrained 2.4–4.2 GHz designs prioritizing loss over failsafe reliability. |
Compared with QM11036 and SKY13370-374LF, the HMC550E uniquely combines failsafe "On" behavior, 6 GHz bandwidth, and sub-µA current draw-making it irreplaceable in battery-powered ETC tags and automotive GNSS modules where continuity and longevity are non-negotiable.
Availability
HMC550E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RFID electronic toll collection, ISM-band portable transceivers, and automotive telematics applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for HMC550E 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 RF portfolio into precision analog and RF solutions for communications, defense, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC550E belongs to Hittite's GaAs MMIC SPST switch product line, designed specifically for low-power, failsafe RF path control in battery-operated and automotive-grade wireless systems.
FAQ
What is the failsafe behavior of the HMC550E?
The HMC550E defaults to "On" (low insertion loss between RF1 and RF2) when Vdd and Vctl are unpowered. This failsafe state ensures RF continuity during power interruptions, making it ideal for automotive telematics and emergency RFID tags where signal loss could compromise functionality. The HMC550E achieves this via internal GaAs topology that conducts without applied bias.
Does the HMC550E require external DC blocking capacitors?
Yes, the HMC550E requires external DC blocking capacitors at both RF1 and RF2 pins because its RF ports are DC-coupled. These capacitors prevent DC bias from disrupting connected components and set the low-frequency cutoff-e.g., a 100 pF capacitor yields ~32 MHz lower limit. The HMC550E datasheet specifies this as mandatory for proper operation.
What is the maximum RF input power the HMC550E can handle?
The HMC550E supports +34 dBm absolute maximum RF input power under powered conditions (Vctl = 0/+3.3 V), and +35 dBm hot-switch power level. At typical operating conditions (Vdd = 3.3 V), its P0.1dB compression point is +23 to +27 dBm across 0.5–6 GHz. Exceeding these levels risks permanent GaAs degradation, so the HMC550E must be used within published limits.
Can the HMC550E operate from a 1.8 V supply?
Yes, the HMC550E supports Vdd from 1.2 V to 5 V, including 1.8 V. At 1.8 V, its control voltage thresholds scale accordingly: Vctl "Low" must be <0.4 V and "High" >0.8 V to ensure reliable switching. This flexibility allows direct integration with 1.8 V microcontrollers and low-voltage battery systems without level shifters-confirming the HMC550E's suitability for ultra-low-power designs.
How does the HMC550E compare to the HMC550 in terms of packaging and compliance?
The HMC550E uses RoHS-compliant low-stress injection-molded plastic with 100% matte Sn lead finish and MSL1 rating (260 °C peak reflow), whereas the HMC550 uses Sn/Pb solder and has a 235 °C reflow limit. Both share identical electrical specs and SOT26 footprint, but the HMC550E is required for lead-free manufacturing. The HMC550E marking "550E" distinguishes it on-package for traceability.
HMC550E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-6
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- WiMax, WLAN
- Topology:
- Reflective
- Circuit:
- SPST
- Frequency Range:
- 0Hz ~ 6GHz
- Isolation:
- 25dB
- Insertion Loss:
- 0.7dB
- Test Frequency:
- 2GHz
- P1dB:
- -
- IIP3:
- 52dBm
- Features:
- -
- Impedance:
- 50Ohm
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.2V ~ 5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-6
HMC550E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC550E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC550E 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 HMC550E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC550E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC550E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC550E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC550E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC550E?
HMC550E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC550E 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 HMC550E?
For technical support, including HMC550E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC550E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC550E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC550E 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 HMC550E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC550E?
All HMC550E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC550E, 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 HMC550E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC550E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC550E Tags

-
BGS13SN8E6327XTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BGS12WN6E6327XTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BGS12P2L6E6327XTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
BGS12PN10E6327XTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
NJG1801K75-TE1
Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc.

-
BGS14PN10E6327XTSA1
Infineon Technologies

-
SKY13348-374LF
Skyworks Solutions Inc.

-
4259-63
pSemi

-
PE42421SCAA-Z
pSemi

-
AS179-92LF
Skyworks Solutions Inc.

-
SKY13351-378LF
Skyworks Solutions Inc.

-
AS215-92LF
Skyworks Solutions Inc.
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