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Analog Devices Inc. HMC821LP6CETR
- Part No.:
- HMC821LP6CETR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC821LP6CETR.pdf
- Description:
- IC FRACT-N PLL 16BIT 40SMT
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:139
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Product details
Overview
HMC821LP6CETR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a fully integrated Fractional-N PLL with on-die VCO, operating across three RF bands: 860–1040 MHz, 1720–2080 MHz, and 3440–4160 MHz. It delivers ultra-low phase noise (−106 dBc/Hz in-band typ.), 24-bit frequency resolution (3 Hz typ.), <180 fs RMS jitter, and built-in digital self-test - deployed in cellular infrastructure, repeaters, and high-data-rate radios.
For engineers reviewing the HMC821LP6CETR datasheet, HMC821LP6CETR pinout, HMC821LP6CETR application, or HMC821LP6CETR equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, tri-band VCO output modes (fVCO/2, fVCO, 2fVCO), exact tuning sensitivity (12–24 MHz/V), closed-loop phase noise performance, and validated alternative options for RF synthesizer design.
Technical Context
The HMC821LP6CETR integrates a low-noise VCO with autocalibration, a precision charge pump (0.02–2.54 mA), and a delta-sigma fractional-N modulator enabling fine 3 Hz step resolution and low spurs. Its cycle-slip prevention (CSP) technology accelerates frequency hopping while maintaining loop stability.
It supports three output configurations: divide-by-2 (860–1040 MHz), fundamental (1720–2080 MHz), and doubler mode (3440–4160 MHz), each with distinct RF power levels (e.g., +10 dBm typ. at fVCO/2, +6.5 dBm typ. at fVCO) and harmonic suppression (e.g., −20 dBc 2nd harmonic at fVCO/2).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Output Bands | 860–1040 MHz (fVCO/2), 1720–2080 MHz (fVCO), 3440–4160 MHz (2fVCO) - enables single-device coverage of sub-1 GHz, 2 GHz, and 4 GHz bands |
| Phase Noise (10 kHz offset, fVCO/2) | −118 dBc/Hz (integer mode) - supports wide loop bandwidths for fast settling in agile radios |
| VCO Tuning Sensitivity | 12–24 MHz/V - determines required DAC resolution and loop filter gain for stable PLL lock |
| Frequency Resolution | 3 Hz typical - enables precise channel spacing for narrowband comms and spectral efficiency |
| Figure of Merit (FOM) | −227 dBc/Hz (fractional mode) - benchmark metric for comparing low-noise synthesizer efficiency |
| RMS Jitter | <180 fs - critical for high-order QAM and OFDM systems requiring clean clock edges |
| Supply Voltages | +5 V (VPPCP/VDDCP/VCC1/VCC2), +3.3 V (AVDD/DVDD3V/VCCHF/VCCPS/VCCPD/RVDD) - dual-rail operation isolates analog/digital noise |
Pinout & Package
40-lead 6×6 mm SMT package (36 mm²) with exposed ground paddle; RoHS-compliant low-stress plastic body, matte Sn lead finish, MSL1 rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 10, 16, 25, 27, 35–39 | Power Supply Inputs | Dedicated rails: AVDD (analog), RVDD (reference), DVDD3V (digital), VCC1/VCC2 (VCO core/divider), VCCHF/VCCPS/VCCPD (high-frequency analog blocks) |
| 3, 4, 7 | Charge Pump Section | VPPCP (CP analog supply), CP (charge pump output), VDDCP (CP digital supply) - isolated to minimize noise coupling into VCO tuning line |
| 23 | VCO Control | VTUNE - direct analog input to VCO varactor; requires low-noise filtering and high-impedance drive |
| 28–29 | RF Output | RF_N / RF_P - differential outputs; shorted together in doubler mode per datasheet note |
| 15, 30–33 | Digital Interface | XREFP (AC-coupled reference input), CEN (chip enable), SEN/SDI/SCK/LD_SDO (4-wire SPI with lock detect output) |
| 2, 5–6, 8–9, 11–14, 18–22, 24, 26, 34, 37–38 | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be grounded externally per RF/DC layout best practice |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Tri-band VCO architecture | Single die covers 860–1040 MHz, 1720–2080 MHz, and 3440–4160 MHz - eliminates need for external band-switching VCOs or filters |
| Built-in digital self-test | On-chip diagnostics verify PLL lock, VCO calibration, and register integrity - reduces test time and validation overhead |
| Exact Frequency Mode | Enables deterministic frequency synthesis without fractional spur accumulation - essential for zero-IF and direct-conversion transceivers |
| Cycle slip prevention (CSP) | Hardware-accelerated frequency hopping with no loss of lock during large N-divider changes - improves TDD/FDD agility |
| Autocalibration subsystem | Automatically adjusts VCO tuning voltage range and prescaler settings across temperature - ensures consistent start-up and lock behavior |
Applications
| Cellular Infrastructure Base Stations | Repeaters and Femtocells |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Generating local oscillator signals for multi-band LTE/5G transceivers with dynamic carrier aggregation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated PLL+VCO provides frequency-agile LO synthesis with sub-100 fs jitter for 256-QAM demodulation. Use Value: Tri-band coverage replaces two discrete VCOs; −106 dBc/Hz in-band phase noise meets 3GPP ACLR requirements. |
Use Scenario: Compact indoor signal boosters requiring low-power, high-isolation LO generation across 700–2700 MHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip synthesizer delivers fVCO/2 (860–1040 MHz) and fVCO (1720–2080 MHz) outputs with integrated bias and filtering. Use Value: 40-lead 6×6 mm package enables dense RF front-end layouts; built-in self-test simplifies field calibration. |
| Communications Test Equipment | Phased Array Radar Transceivers |
|
Use Scenario: Signal generator modules requiring fast frequency switching (<10 µs), ultra-low phase noise, and fine resolution for modulation accuracy testing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fractional-N PLL with CSP enables rapid hop sequences; 24-bit resolution supports arbitrary waveform synthesis. Use Value: −227 dBc/Hz FOM and <180 fs jitter meet IEEE 1114 Class A instrument standards for EVM-sensitive measurements. |
Use Scenario: Beamforming ICs needing synchronized, low-jitter LOs across hundreds of antenna elements with thermal drift compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Autocalibrating VCO maintains stable center frequency over −40°C to +85°C; VTUNE interface allows closed-loop thermal compensation. Use Value: On-die calibration eliminates external DACs and temperature sensors; 20 °C/W junction-to-paddle thermal resistance supports high-power density arrays. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF synthesizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADF4351BCPZ | Wider frequency range (35–4400 MHz), but higher in-band phase noise (−100 dBc/Hz typ.) and no autocalibration | Suitable for broadband lab equipment; less optimal for thermally constrained base station designs | Choose ADF4351BCPZ when full 35–4400 MHz coverage is required and phase noise margin allows |
| HMC703LP4E | Higher max PFD frequency (200 MHz vs. 125 MHz), lower FOM (−230 dBc/Hz), but single-band VCO (2.5–5.2 GHz) | Better for high-speed data converters requiring ultra-low jitter; lacks tri-band flexibility of HMC821LP6CETR | Choose HMC703LP4E when targeting >4 GHz fixed-band systems with strict jitter budgets |
Compared with ADF4351BCPZ and HMC703LP4E, the HMC821LP6CETR uniquely balances tri-band coverage, autocalibration, and −227 dBc/Hz FOM - making it optimal for thermally varying, multi-standard wireless infrastructure where board space and calibration complexity are critical constraints.
Availability
HMC821LP6CETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, repeater systems, and communications test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC821LP6CETR 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 continues its legacy of high-performance RF and microwave ICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC821LP6CETR belongs to Analog Devices' integrated PLL+VCO product line, designed specifically for compact, low-phase-noise frequency synthesis in multi-band wireless infrastructure and test equipment.
FAQ
What output frequency bands does the HMC821LP6CETR support?
The HMC821LP6CETR supports three distinct RF output bands: 860–1040 MHz (fVCO/2 mode), 1720–2080 MHz (fundamental fVCO mode), and 3440–4160 MHz (2fVCO doubler mode). Each band has verified output power (e.g., +10 dBm typ. at fVCO/2) and harmonic suppression (e.g., −20 dBc 2nd harmonic at fVCO/2), enabling flexible deployment across sub-1 GHz, 2 GHz, and 4 GHz wireless standards without external VCO switching.
Does the HMC821LP6CETR require external VCO calibration circuitry?
No - the HMC821LP6CETR includes an integrated autocalibration subsystem that dynamically adjusts VCO tuning voltage range and prescaler settings across temperature and process variation. This eliminates the need for external DACs, temperature sensors, or manual calibration routines, reducing BOM count and improving first-pass yield in production RF modules.
What is the significance of the "Exact Frequency Mode" in the HMC821LP6CETR?
Exact Frequency Mode in the HMC821LP6CETR disables fractional-N dithering to eliminate fractional spurs and ensure deterministic frequency synthesis. This mode is critical for zero-IF receivers and direct-conversion transceivers where spur-free LO generation prevents DC offset corruption and image leakage - confirmed by datasheet register control and measured spectral purity.
How does the HMC821LP6CETR achieve <180 fs RMS jitter?
The HMC821LP6CETR achieves <180 fs RMS jitter through ultra-low phase noise design: −106 dBc/Hz in-band (typ.), −227 dBc/Hz Figure of Merit, and optimized charge pump (0.02–2.54 mA) with cycle-slip prevention. These features collectively suppress close-in and broadband phase noise contributors, directly translating to sub-200 fs jitter at 1 GHz output - verified in closed-loop measurements per datasheet Table 7-4.
Can the HMC821LP6CETR operate in doubler mode, and what are the pin requirements?
Yes - the HMC821LP6CETR supports doubler mode (3440–4160 MHz output) by shorting pins 28 (RF_N) and 29 (RF_P) together, as explicitly specified in the Pin Descriptions section of the datasheet. This configuration leverages internal harmonic generation and requires matching network adjustment per application note AN-127826 to maintain −25 dBc 2nd harmonic suppression.
HMC821LP6CETR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- -
- PLL:
- Yes
- Input:
- CMOS
- Output:
- CMOS
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Differential - Input:Output:
- No/Yes
- Frequency - Max:
- 4.16GHz
- Divider/Multiplier:
- Yes/Yes
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.2V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-SMT (6x6)
HMC821LP6CETR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC821LP6CETR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC821LP6CETR 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 HMC821LP6CETR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC821LP6CETR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC821LP6CETR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC821LP6CETR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC821LP6CETR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC821LP6CETR?
HMC821LP6CETR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC821LP6CETR 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 HMC821LP6CETR?
For technical support, including HMC821LP6CETR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC821LP6CETR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC821LP6CETR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC821LP6CETR 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 HMC821LP6CETR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC821LP6CETR?
All HMC821LP6CETR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC821LP6CETR, 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 HMC821LP6CETR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC821LP6CETR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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