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Analog Devices Inc. HMC792LP4E
- Part No.:
- HMC792LP4E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC792LP4E.pdf
- Description:
- RF ATT 0.25-15.75DB 50OHM 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,244
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Product details
Overview
HMC792LP4E from Hittite Microwave Corporation is a GaAs MMIC 6-bit digital attenuator in a 4×4 mm QFN package, delivering 0.25 dB LSB resolution, 15.75 dB attenuation range (DC–6 GHz), and low insertion loss of 1.8 dB at 2.0 GHz. It serves as a precision RF/IF signal-level control device in base station transceivers and test instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the HMC792LP4E datasheet, HMC792LP4E pinout, HMC792LP4E application, or HMC792LP4E equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, dual-mode (serial/parallel) interface timing, ACG capacitor implementation guidance for DC–700 MHz operation, and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging details essential for RF front-end design and layout validation.
Technical Context
The HMC792LP4E implements a broadband GaAs MMIC architecture with integrated CMOS/TTL-compatible control logic supporting three-wire SPI (SERIN/CLK/LE) and 6-bit parallel (D0–D5) interfaces. Its dual power-up state selection (via PUP1/PUP2 or D0–D5) enables deterministic initialization without external sequencing.
It achieves near-DC operation using six external ACG pins (ACG1–ACG6) tied to ground through user-selected capacitors-required below 700 MHz and optional above that frequency. The device maintains ±0.2 dB typical step error and +55 dBm input IP3 across –40°C to +85°C operating temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Attenuation Range | 0 to 15.75 dB in 0.25 dB steps - enables fine-grained RF gain control for calibration and dynamic range management |
| Frequency Range | DC to 6 GHz - supports IF, cellular, WiMAX, and microwave radio bands without external matching |
| Insertion Loss | 1.8 dB @ 2.0 GHz - minimizes signal path degradation in cascaded RF stages |
| Input IP3 | +55 dBm - ensures linearity under high-power two-tone conditions in transmitter chains |
| Supply Voltage | +3 V or +5 V - simplifies integration with mixed-signal control logic and analog bias rails |
| Switching Speed | 110 ns tRISE/tFALL - supports fast AGC and TDD-based channel switching |
| Package | 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN - enables compact RF PCB layout with exposed paddle for thermal and RF grounding |
Pinout & Package
Package: RoHS-compliant 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN with exposed thermal paddle; requires soldering all ground leads (Pins 5, 14, and paddle) to PCB RF ground per Hittite land pattern guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| P/S | Parallel/Serial Mode Select | High = serial mode (SERIN/CLK/LE active); Low = parallel mode (D0–D5 active) |
| CLK | Serial Clock Input | Positive-edge-triggered SPI clock; min. period 100 ns |
| SERIN | Serial Data Input | MSB-first 6-bit word; data latched on LE high |
| LE | Latch Enable | High enables output update; pulse width ≥10 ns required in latched parallel mode |
| RF1 / RF2 | RF Input / Output Ports | DC-coupled 50 Ω ports; require external blocking capacitors for AC-coupled applications |
| ACG1–ACG6 | AC Ground Terminals | External capacitors mandatory for DC–700 MHz operation; optional above 700 MHz |
| SEROUT | Serial Data Output | 6-cycle delayed echo of SERIN - enables daisy-chaining of multiple Hittite serial devices |
| D0–D5 | Parallel Control Inputs | Direct 6-bit attenuation word; latched when LE transitions high in parallel mode |
| PUP1 / PUP2 | Power-Up State Select | Two-pin encoding defines default attenuation at power-on (e.g., 0 dB, –8 dB, –15.75 dB) |
| Vdd | Supply Voltage | +3 V or +5 V; draws only 1.4–1.6 mA - suitable for low-power RF subsystems |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 0.25 dB LSB resolution | Enables precise RF level adjustment for calibration loops and closed-loop AGC systems |
| User-selectable power-up state | Eliminates need for boot-time controller initialization via PUP1/PUP2 or D0–D5 configuration |
| Serial output port (SEROUT) | Supports cascading up to 16 Hittite serial components without additional GPIO resources |
| DC–6 GHz bandwidth with no external matching | Reduces BOM count and layout area by removing baluns, transformers, or tuning stubs |
| ±0.2 dB typical step error | Ensures monotonic attenuation behavior critical for digital predistortion and spectral mask compliance |
Applications
| Cellular Base Station Transceivers | WiMAX / 4G LTE Test Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dynamic transmit power control in multi-carrier BTS RF front-ends operating from 700 MHz to 2.7 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary RF signal attenuator in digital pre-distortion feedback path and TRX calibration loop. Use Value: 0.25 dB LSB resolution and <110 ns switching enable real-time PA linearization and per-carrier power leveling. |
Use Scenario: Programmable signal attenuation in automated RF conformance test systems for IEEE 802.16 devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision level-setting element between signal generator and DUT input, controlled via GPIB-to-SPI bridge. Use Value: DC–6 GHz coverage eliminates band-specific attenuator swaps; SEROUT daisy-chaining simplifies multi-channel synchronization. |
| Microwave Radio & VSAT Outdoor Units | IF Signal Conditioning in Radar Receivers |
Use Scenario: Gain control in E-band (71–76 GHz) and V-band (57–66 GHz) transverter IF stages (1–6 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-gain compensation stage before downconversion, configured at startup via parallel interface. Use Value: +55 dBm IP3 prevents intermodulation distortion from adjacent channel leakage in high-density spectrum deployments. |
Use Scenario: Adaptive sensitivity control in pulsed-Doppler radar IF chains operating at 100–500 MHz intermediate frequencies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching attenuation block synchronized to pulse repetition interval for clutter suppression. Use Value: 110 ns tRISE/tFALL allows sub-microsecond attenuation updates between radar pulses without signal droop. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital RF attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qorvo QM11020 | 5-bit, 0.5 dB LSB, DC–8 GHz, +3.3 V only, no SEROUT or PUP pins | Lacks serial daisy-chain capability and programmable power-up state; optimized for higher-frequency 5G FR2 front-ends | Select when >6 GHz bandwidth is required and system-level initialization is handled externally |
| Analog Devices HMC624LP4E | 6-bit, 0.25 dB LSB, DC–4 GHz, +5 V only, no ACG pins - limited to AC-coupled >100 MHz use | Cannot operate down to DC; lacks ACG support for IF/low-frequency applications requiring true DC coupling | Select for cost-sensitive 1–4 GHz AC-coupled paths where DC offset tolerance is acceptable |
Compared with QM11020 and HMC624LP4E, the HMC792LP4E uniquely combines DC–6 GHz operation with ACG-enabled near-DC functionality, serial daisy-chaining, and dual-voltage support - making it the only option among the three for calibrated IF gain control in wideband test equipment and multiband infrastructure radios.
Availability
HMC792LP4E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, microwave radio, and RF test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for HMC792LP4E 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, now part of Analog Devices, specialized in high-performance RFICs and MMICs for defense, aerospace, and wireless infrastructure markets.
The HMC792LP4E belongs to Hittite's broadband digital attenuator product line, designed specifically for applications demanding DC-coupled, high-linearity, and digitally reconfigurable RF signal conditioning across multi-octave bandwidths.
FAQ
What is the minimum operating frequency of the HMC792LP4E?
The HMC792LP4E operates from true DC (0 Hz) when external ACG capacitors (C4–C6) are installed per the application circuit. Without those capacitors, performance is specified from 700 MHz upward. The device's DC-coupled RF1/RF2 ports and internal GaAs MMIC topology enable this extended low-frequency capability, unlike AC-coupled alternatives such as the HMC624LP4E.
Does the HMC792LP4E require external matching components?
No, the HMC792LP4E requires no external matching components. Its RF1 and RF2 ports are internally matched to 50 Ω across DC–6 GHz. Only external DC-blocking capacitors (for AC-coupled use) and ACG capacitors (for DC–700 MHz operation) are needed - both specified in the application note and evaluation board bill of materials.
How does the power-up state selection work on the HMC792LP4E?
The HMC792LP4E offers two independent power-up state methods: if LE is high at power-on, the D0–D5 pins define the initial attenuation per the truth table; if LE is low, PUP1 and PUP2 pins select one of eight predefined states (e.g., 0 dB, –8 dB, –15.75 dB). The latch settles ~200 ms after Vdd stabilization, ensuring deterministic behavior without software intervention.
Can the HMC792LP4E be used in a serial daisy-chain configuration?
Yes, the HMC792LP4E features a dedicated SEROUT pin that outputs the 6-bit serial word delayed by exactly six clock cycles. This allows seamless daisy-chaining of multiple HMC792LP4E units (or other Hittite serial devices) using a single microcontroller SPI interface - reducing GPIO count and simplifying firmware for multi-channel RF systems.
What is the role of the ACG1–ACG6 pins on the HMC792LP4E?
The ACG1–ACG6 pins are AC ground terminals requiring external capacitors to PCB ground. They enable stable DC–700 MHz operation by providing low-impedance return paths for internal bias networks. Above 700 MHz, the HMC792LP4E delivers identical RF performance with or without these capacitors - a key differentiator versus legacy digital attenuators that mandate them across full bandwidth.
HMC792LP4E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Attenuation Value:
- 0.25dB ~ 15.75dB
- Frequency Range:
- 0 Hz ~ 6 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Impedance:
- 50 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
HMC792LP4E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC792LP4E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC792LP4E 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 HMC792LP4E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC792LP4E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC792LP4E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC792LP4E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC792LP4E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC792LP4E?
HMC792LP4E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC792LP4E 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 HMC792LP4E?
For technical support, including HMC792LP4E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC792LP4E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC792LP4E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC792LP4E 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 HMC792LP4E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC792LP4E?
All HMC792LP4E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC792LP4E, 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 HMC792LP4E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC792LP4E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC792LP4E Tags
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