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Analog Devices Inc. HMC838LP6CE
- Part No.:
- HMC838LP6CE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC838LP6CE.pdf
- Description:
- IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,323
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Product details
Overview
HMC838LP6CE from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a fully integrated Fractional-N PLL with on-die VCO, operating across three RF bands: 795–945 MHz, 1590–1890 MHz, and 3180–3780 MHz. It delivers ultra-low phase noise (−111 dBc/Hz typ. in-band), <180 fs RMS jitter, and 24-bit fractional resolution (3 Hz typ. step size), enabling precise frequency synthesis in cellular infrastructure and high-data-rate radios.
For engineers reviewing the HMC838LP6CE datasheet, HMC838LP6CE pinout, HMC838LP6CE application, or HMC838LP6CE equivalent, this device supports fast frequency hopping via cycle-slip prevention, tri-band harmonic generation (fo/2, fo, 2fo), and digital self-test - critical for 4G repeaters, phased arrays, and DDS replacement designs.
Technical Context
The HMC838LP6CE implements an advanced delta-sigma modulator for fine frequency resolution and low spurious output, paired with a low-noise digital phase detector (PD) and precision charge pump. Its autocalibration subsystem enables stable VCO tuning across voltage and temperature without external components.
It supports three output modes - fundamental (fo), divide-by-2 (fo/2), and doubler (2fo) - each with independent power levels (e.g., +10 dBm typ. at fo/2, +7.5 dBm at fo) and distinct harmonic suppression (e.g., −25 dBc 2nd harmonic at fo/2). Loop bandwidth flexibility allows optimization for microphonics rejection or settling speed.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Output Bands | 795–945 MHz (fo/2), 1590–1890 MHz (fo), 3180–3780 MHz (2fo) - enables single-device coverage of LTE Band 13/17/25/41 and 5G n41/n77 |
| Phase Noise (10 kHz offset, fo) | −118 dBc/Hz typ. - supports wide loop bandwidths (>100 kHz) for sub-10 µs frequency hop settling |
| Fractional Resolution | 3 Hz typ. (24-bit) - permits exact channel spacing alignment without integer boundary spurs |
| VCO Tuning Sensitivity | 8–16 MHz/V - enables stable closed-loop control with standard DAC-based tuning voltage sources |
| RMS Jitter (12 kHz–20 MHz) | <180 fs - meets stringent timing requirements for high-order QAM (e.g., 1024-QAM) transceivers |
| Figure of Merit (FOM) | −227 dBc/Hz - benchmark-grade spectral purity for carrier aggregation and multi-band radios |
| Reference Input Range | 10–200 MHz AC-coupled - accommodates crystal oscillators, TCXOs, or clock generators without external dividers |
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, 35, 36, 39, AVDD, RVDD, DVDD3V, VCCHF, VCCPS, VCCPD | Analog/Digital Supply Inputs | Dedicated 3.3 V rails for reference, digital logic, HF analog, prescaler, and phase detector - require separate decoupling to minimize supply-induced phase noise |
| 3, 7, 25, 27, VPPCP, VDDCP, VCC1, VCC2 | Charge Pump & VCO Analog Supplies | 5 V supplies isolated from digital domains; VCC1/VCC2 bias VCO core and buffer independently for optimal power efficiency vs. output band |
| 4, CP | Charge Pump Output | Low-impedance current source/sink driving external loop filter; gain step size 20 µA enables precise loop dynamics tuning |
| 15, XREFP | Reference Oscillator Input | AC-coupled 1–3.3 Vpp input accepting 10–200 MHz crystals or buffered clocks; internal 5 pF capacitance simplifies interface |
| 17, CEN | Chip Enable | Active-high logic control for full power-down (10 µA standby); enables rapid system-level sleep/wake cycling |
| 23, VTUNE | VCO Tuning Voltage Input | High-impedance analog input (2 V nominal) calibrated internally; supports open-loop tuning or closed-loop PLL operation |
| 28–29, RF_N / RF_P | Differential RF Output | 50 Ω matched outputs supporting fo/2, fo, or 2fo modes; shorted together in doubler mode per datasheet requirement |
| 30–33, SEN/SDI/SCK/LD_SDO | Serial Control Interface | 3-wire SPI-compatible port (CMOS) for register configuration, lock detection, or general-purpose I/O - no external pull-ups required |
| 40, BIAS | Internal Reference Bypass | 1.92 V ±20 mV precision bias node; must be measured with ≥10 GΩ meter; not for external loading |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Tri-band VCO with autocalibration | Eliminates manual VCO tuning and external calibration circuitry across −40°C to +85°C |
| Cycle-slip prevention (CSP) in PD | Reduces frequency hop time by >3× vs. conventional PLLs without compromising lock stability |
| Built-in digital self-test | Verifies functional integrity of PLL, VCO, and serial interface without external test equipment |
| Exact Frequency Mode | Enables direct programming of target frequency (Hz resolution) without manual N/R divider calculation |
| Harmonic suppression architecture | Delivers −25 dBc 2nd harmonic at fo/2 and −50 dBc 5th harmonic at fo/2 - reduces need for external filtering |
Applications
| Cellular Infrastructure Transceiver | Phased Array Radar Beamformer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating local oscillator signals for dual-polarized MIMO radio units in macrocell base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary frequency synthesizer providing synchronized, low-jitter LOs for up/down-conversion across multiple bands (700 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 3.5 GHz). Use Value: Tri-band operation eliminates need for multiple PLLs; −118 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 kHz offset ensures EVM < 2.5% for 256-QAM modulation. |
Use Scenario: Coherent LO distribution to 64+ T/R modules in active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-module PLL generating phase-aligned 10–12 GHz LOs via 2fo mode from 5–6 GHz VCO output. Use Value: <180 fs RMS jitter maintains beam pointing accuracy; digital self-test enables in-field health monitoring of each module. |
| Communications Test Equipment | High-Speed Data Radio (Point-to-Point) |
Use Scenario: Signal generation in vector signal analyzers requiring ultra-low spurious and fast frequency switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core synthesizer in RF front-end, delivering clean, programmable tones from 800 MHz to 3.7 GHz with sub-Hz resolution. Use Value: −227 dBc/Hz FOM and 3 Hz step size enable accurate adjacent-channel leakage ratio (ACLR) measurements per 3GPP standards. |
Use Scenario: Carrier generation in 10 Gbps millimeter-wave backhaul radios using OFDM with 4096-point FFT. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-phase-noise LO source for IQ modulator/demodulator, operating at 3.4–3.8 GHz (2fo mode). Use Value: −109 dBc/Hz closed-loop phase noise at 100 kHz offset ensures BER < 1e−12 under multipath fading conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fractional-N PLL with integrated VCO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADF4355BCPZ | Wider frequency range (137.5 MHz–6.8 GHz), higher power consumption (220 mA total), no built-in self-test | Supports wider IF/LO coverage but requires external filtering for harmonics >−20 dBc | Preferred when broader frequency agility is needed and board space allows larger decoupling network |
| LMS8001TR | Integrated transceiver (RF frontend + ADC/DAC), lower phase noise only at <2 GHz, no 2fo mode | Targets SDR platforms; lacks standalone PLL flexibility and tri-band VCO architecture | Chosen for compact software-defined radios where integration outweighs spectral purity requirements |
Compared with ADF4355BCPZ and LMS8001TR, the HMC838LP6CE offers superior phase noise at 1.7/3.4 GHz bands, native 2fo operation for mmWave extension, and on-chip diagnostics - making it optimal for infrastructure-grade radios demanding reliability and measurement-grade purity.
Availability
HMC838LP6CE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, phased array radar, and high-speed data radio applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC838LP6CE 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 ICs for communications, defense, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC838LP6CE belongs to Analog Devices' integrated PLL/VCO product line, designed specifically for demanding wireless infrastructure and test equipment where spectral purity, multi-band agility, and diagnostic capability are critical.
FAQ
What output frequency bands does the HMC838LP6CE support?
The HMC838LP6CE supports three discrete RF bands: 795–945 MHz (fo/2 mode), 1590–1890 MHz (fo mode), and 3180–3780 MHz (2fo mode). Each band is generated from the same VCO core using internal dividers or doublers, enabling single-chip coverage of key LTE and 5G FR1 bands without external frequency multipliers or switches.
Does the HMC838LP6CE require external loop filter components?
Yes, the HMC838LP6CE requires an external passive loop filter between the CP pin (Pin 4) and VTUNE (Pin 23). The charge pump output drives this filter to generate the VCO tuning voltage; filter design determines loop bandwidth, phase margin, and transient response. Recommended topologies and component values are provided in the Hittite Application Note for HMC838LP6CE.
How is the HMC838LP6CE's "Exact Frequency Mode" implemented?
The HMC838LP6CE's Exact Frequency Mode allows direct entry of target output frequency in Hz (e.g., 1745234567 Hz) via its SPI interface. The device automatically calculates optimal N, R, and fractional word values - eliminating manual divider arithmetic and reducing risk of integer boundary spurs during configuration. This mode is enabled via Register 0x0E [7].
What is the purpose of the BIAS pin (Pin 40) on the HMC838LP6CE?
Pin 40 (BIAS) provides access to an internal 1.92 V ±20 mV precision reference voltage used for biasing critical analog blocks. It is not intended to drive external loads; measurement requires a ≥10 GΩ input impedance meter (e.g., Agilent 34410A). Connecting external capacitance or resistance degrades PLL performance and is strictly prohibited.
Can the HMC838LP6CE operate in all three output modes simultaneously?
No, the HMC838LP6CE operates in only one RF output mode at a time - fo/2, fo, or 2fo - selected via configuration registers. Mode selection changes internal divider/doubler paths and output matching networks; simultaneous operation would cause signal contention and violate absolute maximum ratings on RF_P/RF_N pins.
HMC838LP6CE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- -
- PLL:
- Yes
- Input:
- Clock
- Output:
- Clock
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Differential - Input:Output:
- No/Yes
- Frequency - Max:
- 3.78GHz
- 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-QFN (6x6)
HMC838LP6CE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC838LP6CE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC838LP6CE 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 HMC838LP6CE reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC838LP6CE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC838LP6CE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC838LP6CE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC838LP6CE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC838LP6CE?
HMC838LP6CE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC838LP6CE 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 HMC838LP6CE?
For technical support, including HMC838LP6CE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC838LP6CE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC838LP6CE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC838LP6CE 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 HMC838LP6CE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC838LP6CE?
All HMC838LP6CE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC838LP6CE, 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 HMC838LP6CE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC838LP6CE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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