Analog Devices Inc. HMC870LC5TR-R5
- Part No.:
- HMC870LC5TR-R5
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Modulators
- Package:
- 32-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC870LC5TR-R5.pdf
- Description:
- RF MODULATOR 0HZ-20GHZ 32TFQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC870LC5TR-R5 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC pHEMT distributed driver amplifier optimized for MZ optical modulator biasing in high-speed fiber-optic transmitters. It delivers 17 dB gain, 8 Vp-p saturated output swing, ±0.5 dB gain flatness from DC to 20 GHz, and 300 fs additive RMS jitter at 10 Gbps - enabling 10/40 Gbps NRZ/RZ and DQPSK modulation in metro and long-haul systems.
For engineers reviewing the HMC870LC5TR-R5 datasheet, HMC870LC5TR-R5 pinout, HMC870LC5TR-R5 application, or HMC870LC5TR-R5 equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, package mapping, functional pin roles, real-world optical driver use cases, and validated alternative options for modulator interface design, RF layout, and supply-voltage scalability.
Technical Context
The HMC870LC5TR-R5 implements a broadband distributed amplifier architecture using GaAs pHEMT technology, supporting DC–20 GHz operation with internally 50 Ω-matched RF I/Os. Its gain flatness (±0.5 dB), low group delay variation (±15 ps over 1–12 GHz), and sub-300 fs jitter stem from optimized transmission-line matching and bias stability across temperature.
It features three independent control interfaces: Vgg adjusts drain current (Idd = 100–165 mA), Vctl scales output amplitude (2.5–8 Vp-p), and cross-point adjustment enables eye symmetry tuning. The device operates from +3.3 V to +7 V Vdd, with power dissipation scaling from 0.33 W to 1.115 W - directly supporting variable drive requirements without redesign.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC to 20 GHz - supports full-bandwidth NRZ, RZ, and DQPSK modulation without external equalization. |
| Small-Signal Gain | 17.5 dB typical (1–8 GHz) - sufficient to drive high-Vπ lithium niobate modulators with margin. |
| Saturated Output Swing | 8 Vp-p at Vdd = 7 V - meets 10/40 Gbps MZ modulator voltage swing requirements. |
| Additive RMS Jitter | 300 fs at 22.5 Gbps - ensures <0.1 UI jitter contribution in 10+ Gbps serial links. |
| Supply Voltage Range | +3.3 V to +7 V - enables scalable power/performance trade-off: 0.33 W @ 3.3 V, 1.115 W @ 7 V. |
| Input/Output Return Loss | ≥20 dB (1–10 GHz) - minimizes reflection-induced intersymbol interference in high-speed PCB traces. |
| Rise/Fall Time | 20 ps (20%–80%) - preserves signal integrity for >22 Gbps PRBS patterns. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 32-lead, 5×5 mm leadless surface-mount ceramic (alumina) package with exposed ground paddle; RoHS-compliant gold-over-nickel plating; MSL3 rating; thermal resistance 59.4 °C/W (channel-to-ground).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Vctl | Output swing control input; 0–2 V adjustment range sets Vp-p from 2.5 V to 8 V. |
| 5 | RFIN | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF input; requires AC coupling per recommended operation. |
| 6, 20 | GND | RF/DC ground terminals; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with multiple vias. |
| 13 | Vgg | Gate bias control; -2 V to 0 V adjusts Idd from 0 to 165 mA and fine-tunes cross-point. |
| 15, 16, 29, 30 | ACGx | Low-frequency termination points; require external bypass capacitors for stable bias. |
| 21 | RFOUT & Vdd | Combined RF output and drain supply node; Vdd applied via broadband bias tee or external network. |
| 1, 3, 4, 7–12, 14, 17–19, 22–28, 31, 32 | N/C | No-connect pins; externally grounded per measurement conditions and thermal management. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adjustable output amplitude | 2.5–8 Vp-p via Vctl (0–2 V), enabling compatibility with diverse MZ modulator Vπ values. |
| Cross-point control | Vgg tuning (-2 V to 0 V) adjusts eye symmetry for optimal extinction ratio in NRZ/RZ formats. |
| Wide supply range | +3.3 V to +7 V operation allows power/performance optimization: 0.33 W at 3.3 V, 1.115 W at 7 V. |
| Internally matched 50 Ω I/Os | Eliminates external matching networks for DC–20 GHz, reducing layout complexity and insertion loss. |
| Low additive jitter | 300 fs RMS at 22.5 Gbps ensures minimal timing degradation in coherent and intensity-modulated systems. |
Applications
| 10 Gbps NRZ MZ Modulator Driver | 40 Gbps DQPSK Transmitter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving lithium niobate Mach-Zehnder modulators in 10 Gbps Ethernet or OTU-2 line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity voltage-mode driver providing precise 8 Vp-p swing and 300 fs jitter-limited timing. Use Value: Enables >30 dB extinction ratio and BER <10−12 without post-equalization or retiming. |
Use Scenario: Dual-path driver stage in 40 Gbps differential quadrature phase-shift keying transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronized dual-channel amplification with matched gain flatness (±0.5 dB) and group delay (±15 ps). Use Value: Maintains phase coherence between I/Q arms, critical for EVM <8% in DP-QPSK systems. |
| 10 Gbps RZ Transmission | Broadband Test Equipment Gain Block |
Use Scenario: Generating return-to-zero optical pulses in ultra-low-jitter clock distribution or OTDR subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-rise (20 ps), low-jitter driver delivering clean RZ waveform with adjustable duty cycle. Use Value: Achieves <51.5% nominal duty cycle and <1.75 ps RMS jitter for sub-UI pulse fidelity. |
Use Scenario: Wideband gain stage in vector network analyzers, bit error rate testers, and optical sampling scopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flat-gain (±0.5 dB), low-noise (NF <6 dB) amplifier covering DC–20 GHz with 50 Ω I/O. Use Value: Extends dynamic range and bandwidth of instrumentation without calibration drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar optical modulator driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1099LP5E | Wider bandwidth (DC–28 GHz), higher P1dB (+23 dBm), but fixed 5 V supply only; no Vctl or Vgg adjustment. | Lacks output swing and cross-point control; suited for fixed-drive, ultra-wideband test setups, not adaptive modulator biasing. | Choose HMC1099LP5E only when 28 GHz bandwidth is mandatory and supply/voltage flexibility is unnecessary. |
| LMH5401RTVT | Si-based, 18 GHz bandwidth, 7.5 Vp-p max, integrated Vdd regulator; requires external Vgg/Vctl circuitry. | Higher power consumption (1.8 W), lower jitter floor (>400 fs), and larger 5-mm QFN package vs. 5×5 mm ceramic. | Prefer LMH5401RTVT if cost-sensitive Si process, integrated regulation, or JEDEC-standard packaging is prioritized over jitter and thermal performance. |
Compared with HMC870LC5TR-R5, HMC1099LP5E trades configurability for bandwidth, while LMH5401RTVT sacrifices jitter and thermal efficiency for integration and manufacturability - making HMC870LC5TR-R5 the optimal choice for precision, low-jitter, voltage-scalable MZ driver designs.
Availability
HMC870LC5TR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for metro/long-haul optical transceivers, coherent transmitter modules, and high-speed test equipment requiring stable component supply, controlled thermal resistance, and guaranteed MSL3 handling compliance.
Supply support for HMC870LC5TR-R5 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/microwave product lines, including GaAs MMIC drivers, with focus on optical, defense, and test instrumentation markets.
The HMC870LC5TR-R5 belongs to Hittite's optical modulator driver family, designed specifically for high-speed fiber-optic infrastructure where low jitter, wide bandwidth, and scalable output drive are essential for MZ modulator interfacing.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency of the HMC870LC5TR-R5?
The HMC870LC5TR-R5 has a small-signal bandwidth extending to 20 GHz (3-dB cutoff), with usable gain flatness from DC to 20 GHz. It supports 22.5 Gbps NRZ and 40 Gbps DQPSK modulation, and its rise/fall time of 20 ps confirms full-bandwidth capability. Operation beyond 20 GHz is not specified or guaranteed.
Does the HMC870LC5TR-R5 require external matching networks?
No. The HMC870LC5TR-R5 features internally matched 50 Ω RF input (RFIN) and output (RFOUT) ports across DC–20 GHz, eliminating the need for external matching components. However, AC coupling is required at the input, and proper grounding of all N/C pins and the exposed paddle is mandatory for RF stability and thermal performance.
How is output voltage swing adjusted on the HMC870LC5TR-R5?
Output voltage swing on the HMC870LC5TR-R5 is adjusted via the Vctl pin (Pin 2), which accepts 0–2 V DC. At Vctl = 1 V, nominal 8 Vp-p swing is achieved with Vdd = 7 V. Reducing Vctl lowers swing down to 2.5 Vp-p; increasing Vctl beyond 1 V further extends swing within rated limits - confirmed by measured data up to 8.3 Vp-p at 22.5 Gbps.
What is the thermal resistance and recommended heatsinking for the HMC870LC5TR-R5?
The HMC870LC5TR-R5 has a channel-to-ground thermal resistance of 59.4 °C/W. For continuous operation at Vdd = 7 V (1.115 W dissipation), a heatsink maintaining case temperature ≤85 °C is required. The exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a multi-via thermal pad connected to an internal ground plane - evaluation board mounting to an aluminum heatsink is explicitly recommended in the datasheet.
Can the HMC870LC5TR-R5 drive both NRZ and RZ optical modulation formats?
Yes. The HMC870LC5TR-R5 is validated for 10 Gbps NRZ, 10 Gbps RZ, and 40 Gbps DQPSK formats. Eye diagrams confirm clean 11.25 Gbps RZ output with 51.5% duty cycle and <1.75 ps RMS jitter at Vdd = 5 V, and 22.5 Gbps NRZ operation with 8.27 Vp-p swing and 22.5 dB SNR - meeting industry requirements for both intensity and phase-modulated systems.
HMC870LC5TR-R5 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Modulator Driver
- LO Frequency:
- -
- RF Frequency:
- 0Hz ~ 20GHz
- P1dB:
- -
- Noise Floor:
- -
- Output Power:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 7V
- Test Frequency:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-QFN (5x5)
HMC870LC5TR-R5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC870LC5TR-R5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC870LC5TR-R5 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 HMC870LC5TR-R5 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC870LC5TR-R5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC870LC5TR-R5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC870LC5TR-R5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC870LC5TR-R5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC870LC5TR-R5?
HMC870LC5TR-R5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC870LC5TR-R5 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 HMC870LC5TR-R5?
For technical support, including HMC870LC5TR-R5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC870LC5TR-R5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC870LC5TR-R5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC870LC5TR-R5 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 HMC870LC5TR-R5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC870LC5TR-R5?
All HMC870LC5TR-R5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC870LC5TR-R5, 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 HMC870LC5TR-R5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC870LC5TR-R5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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