Analog Devices Inc. HMC830LP6GETR

Overview

HMC830LP6GETR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a wideband fractional-N phase-locked loop with integrated VCO, serving as a tunable RF synthesizer for LO generation and clock synthesis in high-performance wireless systems. It delivers 25–3000 MHz output frequency, supports up to 100 MHz phase detector rate, achieves –110 dBc/Hz in-band phase noise (typ), <180 fs RMS jitter, and 24-bit frequency resolution (3 Hz typ step size).

For engineers reviewing the HMC830LP6GETR datasheet, HMC830LP6GETR pinout, HMC830LP6GETR application, or HMC830LP6GETR equivalent, this device is selected for ultra-low spurious, high-frequency reference generation where spectral purity, fine frequency resolution, and integrated VCO simplification are critical - especially in cellular infrastructure, test equipment, and phased array transceivers.

Technical Context

The HMC830LP6GETR integrates a fundamental VCO (1500–3000 MHz) with an on-chip output divider (÷1/2/4/6…/62), enabling full 25–3000 MHz coverage without external components. Its delta-sigma modulator operates in Fractional Mode A (up to 80 MHz PFD) or Mode B (up to 100 MHz PFD), supporting wide loop bandwidths while maintaining low in-band phase noise.

It features dual supply domains: 5 V for VCO core, charge pump, and dividers; 3.3 V for digital logic, prescaler, phase detector, and analog biasing. The RF output is differential (RF_P/RF_N), internally matched to 50 Ω, and supports programmable output power control (0–9 dB in 3 dB steps) and mute function.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

40-lead, 6 × 6 mm LFCSP package (RoHS-compliant, matte Sn finish, MSL1), with exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground per Hittite layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADF4351BCPZ and LMS8001-Q48, the HMC830LP6GETR provides superior in-band phase noise, exact frequency synthesis capability, and dedicated VCO tuning control - making it optimal for infrastructure-grade wireless systems where spectral purity and deterministic frequency accuracy are non-negotiable.

Availability

HMC830LP6GETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, communications test equipment, and phased array radar systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for HMC830LP6GETR 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 portfolio, emphasizing precision analog, RF, and microwave ICs for demanding communications and defense applications.

The HMC830LP6GETR belongs to the Hittite PLL-with-Integrated-VCO family, designed specifically for wideband, low-phase-noise frequency synthesis in 4G/5G infrastructure, test instrumentation, and electronic warfare systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum phase detector frequency supported by the HMC830LP6GETR?

The HMC830LP6GETR supports up to 100 MHz phase detector frequency in Fractional Mode B, provided the minimum N-divider value is respected (e.g., PFD ≤ f_VCO/20). In Fractional Mode A, the limit is 80 MHz; in Integer Mode, it reaches 125 MHz. These rates directly impact loop bandwidth selection and reference spur suppression capability in the HMC830LP6GETR design.

Does the HMC830LP6GETR require an external loop filter?

Yes, the HMC830LP6GETR requires an external passive loop filter connected to the CP pin to stabilize the PLL and shape phase noise performance. Recommended configurations include 4-pole active or passive topologies; example values for 74 kHz and 90 kHz loop bandwidths are documented in the "Loop Filter Configuration Table" of the HMC830LP6GETR datasheet.

Can the HMC830LP6GETR generate frequencies below 100 MHz with low phase noise?

Yes, the HMC830LP6GETR generates frequencies as low as 25 MHz using its internal VCO divider (e.g., ÷62 at 1550 MHz yields 25 MHz). Measured phase noise at 25 MHz output is –142 dBc/Hz @100 kHz offset, validated in Figure 22 of the HMC830LP6GETR datasheet - confirming suitability as a tunable low-frequency reference source.

What is the purpose of the BIAS pin on the HMC830LP6GETR?

The BIAS pin provides a precision 1.920 V ±20 mV internal reference voltage for biasing external circuitry, but it cannot drive external loads. It must be measured with a high-impedance meter (≥10 GΩ); standard 10 MΩ DVMs will read erroneously. This rail ensures stable operation of external loop filter op-amps or tuning diodes referenced to the HMC830LP6GETR's internal analog ground.

How does the Exact Frequency Mode function in the HMC830LP6GETR?

Exact Frequency Mode uses the HMC830LP6GETR's delta-sigma modulator to eliminate residual fractional-N spurs by dynamically adjusting the divide ratio to achieve zero-Hz frequency error. Enabled via register configuration, it guarantees precise output frequencies (e.g., 2113.5 MHz or 2591 MHz) without post-synthesis calibration - a key advantage over conventional fractional-N synthesizers.