Analog Devices Inc. HMC822LP6CE

Overview

HMC822LP6CE from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a fully integrated Fractional-N Phase-Locked Loop with on-die VCO, operating across three RF bands: 665–825 MHz (÷2), 1330–1650 MHz (fundamental), and 2660–3300 MHz (×2). It delivers ultra-low phase noise (−105 dBc/Hz in-band typ.), <180 fs RMS jitter, and 24-bit frequency resolution (3 Hz typ. step size), serving as a high-performance clock synthesis and local oscillator solution in cellular infrastructure and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the HMC822LP6CE datasheet, HMC822LP6CE pinout, HMC822LP6CE application, or HMC822LP6CE equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, tri-band output behavior, fractional-N architecture details, real-world power supply requirements, and validated alternative options for RF synthesizer design.

Technical Context

The HMC822LP6CE integrates a tri-band VCO with autocalibration, a low-noise digital phase detector featuring cycle-slip prevention (CSP), a precision charge pump (0.02–2.54 mA), and a 24-bit fractional-N divider with advanced delta-sigma modulation. Its architecture enables ultra-fine frequency resolution while suppressing spurious content and enabling fast frequency hopping.

It supports three output modes-÷2, fundamental, and ×2-each with distinct RF output power levels (e.g., +9 to +13 dBm at fVCO/2, +2.5 to +10.5 dBm at fVCO) and harmonic suppression (e.g., −22 dBc 2nd harmonic in doubler mode). The device requires separate 5 V analog (VPPCP/VDDCP/VCC1/VCC2) and 3.3 V analog/digital (AVDD/DVDD3V/RVDD/etc.) supplies, with thermal resistance of 9 °C/W to ground paddle.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

40-lead 6×6 mm QFN package (RoHS-compliant, MSL1, exposed ground paddle); thermal resistance 9 °C/W junction-to-paddle. All ground leads and paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground per Hittite Application Note.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fractional-N PLL with integrated VCO applications.

Compared with HMC822LP6CE, HMC830LP6GE offers extended frequency agility at the cost of board area, while ADF4371BCPZ trades pin compatibility for integrated regulation and superior in-band phase noise - both require layout and firmware adaptation.

Availability

HMC822LP6CE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, communications test equipment, and phased array systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for HMC822LP6CE 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 maintains its high-frequency RF product lines with emphasis on performance-critical wireless infrastructure and defense applications.

The HMC822LP6CE belongs to the Hittite PLLs with Integrated VCOs family, designed specifically for compact, low-phase-noise frequency synthesis in multi-band wireless base stations and instrumentation where board space and spectral purity are constrained.

FAQ

What output frequency bands does the HMC822LP6CE support?

The HMC822LP6CE supports three distinct RF output bands: 665–825 MHz (via internal ÷2), 1330–1650 MHz (fundamental VCO output), and 2660–3300 MHz (via internal ×2 doubler). Each band has specified output power and harmonic suppression - for example, +9 to +13 dBm at fVCO/2 and −22 dBc 2nd harmonic in doubler mode. Band selection is controlled via register configuration and external RF path routing.

Does the HMC822LP6CE require external loop filter components?

Yes, the HMC822LP6CE requires an external passive loop filter between the charge pump (CP pin) and VTUNE (VCO tuning input). The filter topology and component values depend on desired loop bandwidth, phase margin, and reference frequency - Hittite's application note recommends contacting the factory for optimized values. No internal loop filter is integrated.

What is the significance of "Exact Frequency Mode" in the HMC822LP6CE?

Exact Frequency Mode dynamically adjusts the fractional-N divider ratio to eliminate long-term frequency error accumulation caused by rounding in standard fractional division. For the HMC822LP6CE, this ensures the output remains precisely locked to the target frequency over time - critical for applications like DDS replacement and high-accuracy signal generation where drift must be minimized.

How is the HMC822LP6CE powered, and what are the key supply requirements?

The HMC822LP6CE requires two independent supply domains: +5 V for analog charge pump and VCO core/buffers (VPPCP, VDDCP, VCC1, VCC2), and +3.3 V for digital, reference, and high-frequency analog sections (DVDD3V, RVDD, AVDD, VCCHF, VCCPS, VCCPD). Each rail has tight tolerance specs (±4% for 5 V, ±6% for 3.3 V) and dedicated decoupling - improper sequencing or insufficient filtering causes instability or degraded phase noise.

Can the HMC822LP6CE operate in all three RF bands simultaneously?

No, the HMC822LP6CE operates in only one RF band at a time - ÷2, fundamental, or ×2 - selected via register configuration and external RF path setup. Simultaneous multi-band output is not supported. However, fast reconfiguration (<100 µs typical lock time) allows rapid band switching in time-division systems such as TDD radios or multi-standard test equipment.