Analog Devices Inc. HMC830LP6GE

Overview

HMC830LP6GE from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a fractional-N phase-locked loop with integrated VCO, operating from 25 MHz to 3000 MHz, featuring 100 MHz maximum phase detector rate, <180 fs RMS jitter, –110 dBc/Hz in-band phase noise (typ), and 24-bit frequency resolution (3 Hz step size). It serves as a low-spur local oscillator or tunable reference source in RF infrastructure transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the HMC830LP6GE datasheet, HMC830LP6GE pinout, HMC830LP6GE application, or HMC830LP6GE equivalent, this device supports exact-frequency mode for zero-error synthesis, integrated VCO output divider (÷1/2/4/6…62), and dual-supply operation (3.3 V digital/analog + 5 V VCO/charge pump), critical for high-data-rate radio and spurious-sensitive LO design.

Technical Context

The HMC830LP6GE implements a delta-sigma modulator-based fractional-N architecture with an integrated fundamental VCO (1500–3000 MHz) and programmable output divider enabling full 25–3000 MHz coverage. Its phase detector operates up to 100 MHz in fractional Mode B, supporting wide loop bandwidths while maintaining spectral purity.

It integrates a 19-bit integer N-divider (16–524,287), 14-bit R-divider (1–16,383), and on-chip charge pump (0.02–2.54 mA) with input-referred phase noise of –143 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset (50 MHz ref). The VCO exhibits tuning sensitivity of 12.1–13.8 MHz/V across band and <2 MHz/V supply pushing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

40-lead, 6×6 mm LFCSP package (36 mm²) with exposed ground paddle; RoHS-compliant, MSL1, matte tin finish; thermal resistance θ_JC = 9 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADF4351BCPZ and LTC6946IUF-4#PBF, the HMC830LP6GE delivers superior in-band phase noise (–110 dBc/Hz), finer frequency resolution (3 Hz), and unique Exact Frequency Mode - making it the preferred choice for infrastructure-grade spurious performance where 25–3000 MHz continuous coverage and <180 fs jitter are mandatory.

Availability

HMC830LP6GE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, phased array radar, and communications test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for HMC830LP6GE 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, delivering precision analog, RF, and mixed-signal ICs for demanding communication and instrumentation applications.

The HMC830LP6GE belongs to Analog Devices' integrated PLL/VCO family designed specifically for ultra-low-phase-noise, wideband frequency synthesis in 4G/5G infrastructure, defense radar, and automated test equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum phase detector frequency supported by the HMC830LP6GE in fractional-N mode?

The HMC830LP6GE supports up to 100 MHz phase detector frequency in Fractional Mode B, provided the minimum N value constraint is met (e.g., PFD rate ≤ f_VCO/20). This enables wide loop bandwidths for fast lock times and improved reference spur suppression. The HMC830LP6GE datasheet specifies this limit under "Electrical Specifications" with temperature and process guarantees across –40°C to +85°C.

Does the HMC830LP6GE support exact zero-error frequency synthesis?

Yes, the HMC830LP6GE features an "Exact Frequency Mode" enabled via its delta-sigma modulator, allowing generation of output frequencies with 0 Hz frequency error - critical for replacing DDS in spurious-sensitive applications. This mode is confirmed in the General Description and validated in Figures 15–17 of the HMC830LP6GE datasheet showing performance at 704 MHz, 2113.5 MHz, and 2591 MHz.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the HMC830LP6GE use?

The HMC830LP6GE uses a 40-lead, 6×6 mm LFCSP package with exposed ground paddle, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and MSL1 rating. Its junction-to-case thermal resistance is 9 °C/W, and absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 °C. These specs are documented in the "Package Information" and "Absolute Maximum Ratings" sections of the official HMC830LP6GE datasheet.

How does the HMC830LP6GE achieve ultra-low phase noise below 100 kHz offset?

The HMC830LP6GE achieves –110 dBc/Hz typical in-band phase noise through optimized charge pump design, low-noise VCO core (12–14 MHz/V tuning gain), and integrated loop filter compatibility supporting >70 kHz bandwidths. Its figure of merit (–227 dBc/Hz) and flicker noise floor (–268 dBc/Hz) are measured per IEEE Std 1139 and published in the Electrical Specifications tables.

Can the HMC830LP6GE generate frequencies as low as 25 MHz directly?

Yes, the HMC830LP6GE generates 25 MHz directly using its integrated VCO output divider (e.g., ÷62 mode at 1550 MHz VCO), eliminating need for external dividers. This capability is explicitly stated in the General Description and verified in Figure 22 ("Low Frequency Performance") showing phase noise at 25 MHz, 55.55 MHz, and 100 MHz outputs.