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Analog Devices Inc. HMC941LP4TR
- Part No.:
- HMC941LP4TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC941LP4TR.pdf
- Description:
- RF ATTENUATOR 0.5-15.5DB 24VFQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,181
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Product details
Overview
HMC941LP4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC 5-bit digital attenuator IC operating from 0.1 to 33 GHz, delivering 0.5 dB LSB steps up to 15.5 dB total attenuation, with ≤4.5 dB typical insertion loss (0.1–18 GHz), +45 dBm input IP3, and ±0.3 dB typical step accuracy - deployed in fiber optics transceivers and microwave radio front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC941LP4 datasheet, HMC941LP4 pinout, HMC941LP4 application, or HMC941LP4 equivalent, this page provides verified RF performance data, control interface logic, thermal and biasing requirements, package layout guidance, and validated alternative options for broadband mmWave signal conditioning designs.
Technical Context
The HMC941LP4 implements a monolithic GaAs-based 5-bit switched-resistor attenuator architecture with five independent TTL/CMOS-compatible control inputs (P0–P4), each toggling between 0 V and +5 V to select bit states (0.5/1/2/4/8 dB). It operates with dual supply rails (+5 V on Vdd, –5 V on Vss) and requires external DC blocking capacitors on RF1/RF2 due to DC-coupled 50 Ω ports.
Its broadband performance is maintained across –40 °C to +85 °C via matched GaAs FET switching elements, achieving ≥12 dB return loss at both RF ports across full frequency range and <90 ns switching time (tON/tOFF), enabling use in fast-agile test instrumentation and phased-array T/R modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 0.1–33.0 GHz - supports full-band mmWave 5G FR2, satellite comms, and radar bands without band switching. |
| Attenuation Range & Step | 0.5–15.5 dB in 0.5 dB LSB increments - enables precise gain control in closed-loop RF power management systems. |
| Insertion Loss | ≤4.5 dB (0.1–18 GHz), ≤6.5 dB (26.5–33 GHz) - low loss preserves system noise figure and dynamic range. |
| IIP3 | +45 dBm (0.5–33 GHz) - high linearity prevents intermodulation distortion in multi-carrier base stations. |
| Return Loss | ≥12 dB (RF1 & RF2, all states, 0.1–33 GHz) - ensures stable impedance match into 50 Ω systems without external tuning. |
| Switching Time | tON/tOFF ≤90 ns (50% CTL to 10/90% RF) - supports >10 MHz update rates in real-time adaptive receivers. |
| Supply Currents | Idd = 2.5–6.5 mA, Iss = –7.0 to –3.0 mA - low quiescent power simplifies bias network design in SWaP-constrained modules. |
Pinout & Package
16 mm² leadless SMT plastic package (MSL1, Sn/Pb finish), thermally enhanced with exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground plane per Hittite land pattern AN-xxx guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vss | Negative bias rail (–5 V); must be decoupled locally and connected to ground plane via multiple vias. |
| 5, 14 | RF1, RF2 | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF I/O ports; require external DC blocking capacitors if DC potential ≠ 0 V. |
| 18 | Vdd | Positive bias rail (+5 V); requires local 100 nF + 10 µF decoupling adjacent to pin. |
| 20–24 | P0–P4 | Bit control inputs (0.5/1/2/4/8 dB); TTL/CMOS compatible (0 V / +5 V), no pull-up/down required. |
| 2–4, 6–13, 15–17, 19 | N/C | No internal connection; must be externally grounded per RF layout best practices to minimize parasitic coupling. |
| GND (bottom paddle) | RF/DC Ground Reference | Thermal and electrical reference; must be fully soldered to solid ground plane with ≥8 thermal vias. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 0.5 dB LSB resolution | Enables fine-grained RF power leveling in optical modulator bias control and receiver AGC loops. |
| ±0.3 dB typical step error | Reduces calibration overhead in automated test equipment (ATE) and production line RF alignment. |
| +45 dBm input IP3 | Supports high-power LTE/5G NR carrier aggregation without spectral regrowth in active antenna systems. |
| –40 °C to +85 °C operation | Validated for deployment in outdoor microwave backhaul radios and space-qualified payloads (non-radiation hardened). |
| 16 mm² leadless SMT footprint | Minimizes board area in dense mmWave front-end modules while enabling repeatable reflow assembly. |
Applications
| Fiber Optic Transceiver | Microwave Point-to-Point Radio |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Dynamic optical modulation depth control in 100G+ coherent transceivers using analog IQ modulators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision RF attenuation element in the RF drive path prior to the optical modulator, compensating for laser bias drift and temperature-induced gain variation. Use Value: Enables <±0.3 dB attenuation stability over temperature, maintaining EVM <4% under varying link conditions without recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Transmit power leveling in 24–33 GHz E-band wireless backhaul radios with adaptive modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Closed-loop gain control device in the PA output stage, adjusting attenuation in response to RSSI feedback to maintain constant EIRP. Use Value: Delivers 15.5 dB range with <90 ns settling, supporting real-time power adjustment during MCS changes in IEEE 802.16.3-compliant links. |
| Phased Array Radar T/R Module | 5G mmWave Test Instrumentation |
|
Use Scenario: Amplitude weighting across antenna elements in AESA radar beamforming networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally controlled amplitude scaler per channel, synchronized with phase shifter control for sidelobe suppression. Use Value: Achieves ≥12 dB return loss across 0.1–33 GHz, preventing mutual coupling-induced pattern distortion in wideband scanning arrays. |
Use Scenario: Programmable signal conditioning in vector network analyzer (VNA) receiver front-ends and signal generator outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade attenuator in reference path and DUT stimulus path, supporting traceable power level sweeps. Use Value: Provides 0.5 dB resolution and ±0.3 dB step accuracy traceable to NIST standards, reducing measurement uncertainty in mmWave S-parameter characterization. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar broadband RF attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1054LP4E | Same 5-bit architecture, but 0.01–20 GHz range and +38 dBm IIP3; RoHS-compliant matte Sn finish. | Limited to sub-20 GHz systems; lower linearity reduces suitability for high-order QAM in 5G FR2. | Choose for cost-sensitive 6–18 GHz radar designs where 33 GHz coverage is unnecessary. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | 0.1–40 GHz GaN-based 6-bit attenuator with 0.25 dB LSB, +50 dBm IIP3, and integrated SPI interface. | Requires serial control instead of parallel TTL; higher integration adds latency unsuitable for analog AGC loops. | Prefer when digital bus control, extended bandwidth, or higher power handling (>30 dBm) is mandatory. |
Compared with HMC941LP4, HMC1054LP4E trades 13 GHz upper-frequency margin and 7 dB IIP3 for RoHS compliance and lower cost, while QM11036 adds SPI control and bandwidth at the expense of analog-friendly parallel interface simplicity and faster settling.
Availability
HMC941LP4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for fiber optic transceivers, microwave radio front-ends, and radar T/R modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and mmWave frequency ranges.
Supply support for HMC941LP4 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, specializing in GaAs, GaN, and SiGe MMIC solutions for defense, aerospace, and communications.
The HMC941LP4 belongs to Hittite's legacy broadband digital attenuator family, engineered for wideband mmWave signal conditioning in mission-critical RF systems where precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the absolute maximum RF input power rating for the HMC941LP4?
The HMC941LP4 has an absolute maximum RF input power rating of +27 dBm across 0.1–33.0 GHz. Exceeding this level risks permanent damage to GaAs FET switching elements. Operation at +27 dBm is only permissible at room temperature with adequate thermal sinking; derating is required above +25 °C per the 6.8 mW/°C thermal derating curve specified in the datasheet.
Does the HMC941LP4 require external DC blocking capacitors on RF1 and RF2?
Yes, the HMC941LP4 requires external DC blocking capacitors on both RF1 and RF2 because its RF ports are DC-coupled and internally biased. If the connected circuitry presents a DC potential other than 0 V, direct connection will disrupt bias conditions and degrade RF performance. A minimum 100 pF capacitor rated for RF use is recommended per port.
What is the meaning of "N/C" pins on the HMC941LP4 pinout, and how should they be handled?
"N/C" (No Connect) pins on the HMC941LP4 - pins 2–4, 6–13, 15–17, and 19 - have no internal connection but must be externally grounded to the PCB RF ground plane. This practice minimizes parasitic coupling, improves thermal conduction, and stabilizes RF return paths. Leaving them floating degrades return loss and may cause instability above 20 GHz.
Can the HMC941LP4 operate with single-supply biasing (e.g., only +5 V)?
No, the HMC941LP4 requires dual-supply biasing: +5 V on Vdd (pin 18) and –5 V on Vss (pin 1). Single-supply operation is not supported. The –5 V rail is essential for proper gate biasing of the GaAs FET switches; omitting it results in catastrophic failure or complete loss of attenuation control functionality.
Is the HMC941LP4 pin-compatible with the HMC941LP4E variant?
Yes, the HMC941LP4 and HMC941LP4E share identical pinout, package dimensions, and electrical specifications. The only differences are RoHS compliance (matte Sn vs. Sn/Pb finish), MSL peak reflow temperature (260 °C vs. 235 °C), and marking format. Both are drop-in replacements in existing layouts, provided reflow profile matches the respective MSL rating.
HMC941LP4TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Attenuation Value:
- 0.5dB ~ 15.5dB
- Frequency Range:
- 100 MHz ~ 33 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Impedance:
- 50 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
HMC941LP4TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC941LP4TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC941LP4TR 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 HMC941LP4TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC941LP4TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC941LP4TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC941LP4TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC941LP4TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC941LP4TR?
HMC941LP4TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC941LP4TR 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 HMC941LP4TR?
For technical support, including HMC941LP4TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC941LP4TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC941LP4TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC941LP4TR 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 HMC941LP4TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC941LP4TR?
All HMC941LP4TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC941LP4TR, 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 HMC941LP4TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC941LP4TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC941LP4TR Tags
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PAT0510S-C-3DB-T10
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PAT1220-C-10DB-T5
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PAT1220-C-5DB-T5
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