Analog Devices Inc. HMC986-SX
- Part No.:
- HMC986-SX
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Switches
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
HMC986-SX.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF SWITCH SPDT 50GZ DIE 1=2PC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC986-SX from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs pHEMT MMIC reflective SPDT switch die operating from 0.1 to 50 GHz, delivering 1.9 dB insertion loss and 31 dB isolation at 40 GHz with 0/-3V to 0/-5V complementary control, designed for RF signal routing in high-frequency test equipment and EW subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the HMC986-SX datasheet, HMC986-SX pinout, HMC986-SX application, or HMC986-SX equivalent, this page provides verified wideband RF switch specifications, die-level package mapping, truth-table–driven control behavior, and application-specific performance data across temperature and bias conditions.
Technical Context
The HMC986-SX implements a reflective SPDT topology using GaAs pHEMT process technology, enabling broadband operation without external matching components. Its complementary control inputs (V1/V2) drive two independent switch paths-RFC↔RF1 and RFC↔RF2-with no DC path between RF ports.
RF performance remains stable across -3V and -5V control voltage ranges, with return loss ≥20 dB over full 0.1–50 GHz band in "on" state. Switching is characterized by 10 ns tON/tOFF and 1 ns tRISE/tFALL, supporting high-speed reconfiguration in radar T/R modules and switching matrices.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 0.1–50 GHz continuous band: supports single-device coverage from HF through W-band without band-switching. |
| Insertion Loss | 1.9 dB at 40 GHz: enables low-loss signal routing in millimeter-wave test fixtures and ECM front-ends. |
| Isolation | 31 dB at 40 GHz: prevents cross-coupling between active and terminated RF paths in multi-channel systems. |
| Switching Speed | 10 ns tON/tOFF: allows sub-100 MHz reconfiguration rates for agile frequency-hopping or beam-steering control. |
| Control Voltage | 0/-3V to 0/-5V complementary logic: compatible with standard negative-voltage GaAs driver ICs and avoids level-shifting circuitry. |
| Die Size | 0.98 × 0.75 × 0.1 mm: fits compact RF module layouts and enables dense integration in phased-array tile assemblies. |
| Operating Temp | -55°C to +85°C: qualified for military comms, airborne radar, and ground-based EW platforms with extended thermal cycling. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Bare die in WP-13 waffle pack; 0.102 mm (4 mil) thick GaAs substrate with gold backside metallization (grounded); overall dimensions 0.98 × 0.75 mm ±0.05 mm.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RF1, RFC, RF2 | RF signal ports | DC-coupled 50 Ω matched ports; require external blocking capacitors if DC potential differs from 0 V; measured with GSG interface. |
| V1, V2 | Complementary control inputs | V1 high + V2 low selects RFC→RF1; V1 low + V2 high selects RFC→RF2; both high/low states are invalid per truth table. |
| Pads 1,3,4,6,7,9 | RF signal grounds | Connected to backside ground; used for Ground-Signal-Ground (GSG) RF interconnect to minimize parasitic inductance. |
| Pads 10,13 | Control signal ground returns | Optional ground returns for V1/V2 bias lines; improve control signal integrity in high-speed switching applications. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Reflective SPDT architecture | Eliminates need for external termination resistors on "off" port, reducing board area and insertion loss in compact RF modules. |
| Wideband 0.1–50 GHz operation | Single device replaces multiple narrowband switches in broadband instrumentation, lowering BOM count and calibration complexity. |
| 1.9 dB insertion loss @ 40 GHz | Preserves signal-to-noise ratio in receiver front-ends and maintains output power efficiency in transmitter switching paths. |
| 31 dB isolation @ 40 GHz | Enables simultaneous transmit/receive (T/R) isolation in radar duplexers without additional circulators or filters. |
| 10 ns switching speed | Supports real-time channel selection in electronic warfare jamming waveforms and fast-scan test system architectures. |
Applications
| Wideband Switching Matrix | Electronic Warfare Subsystem |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-density RF switching matrix in automated test equipment routing signals between 0.1–50 GHz sources, analyzers, and DUTs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reflective SPDT switch die providing low-loss, high-isolation path selection under TTL-compatible negative-voltage control. Use Value: Enables single-instrument coverage across microwave and millimeter-wave bands without mechanical relays or multi-chip solutions. |
Use Scenario: Front-end T/R switching in compact EW jammers operating across S-, C-, X-, Ku-, and K-bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-acting RF path selector routing antenna signals between LNA and PA chains during pulse-mode operation. Use Value: Delivers 31 dB isolation at 40 GHz to suppress self-jamming and 10 ns switching for rapid frequency agility. |
| Military Radar T/R Module | High-Speed Data Infrastructure |
|
Use Scenario: Transmit/receive switching in AESA radar tile modules requiring minimal size, weight, and power (SWaP). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Die-level SPDT switch integrated into multilayer LTCC or alumina substrate with GSG RF interface. Use Value: 0.98 × 0.75 mm footprint reduces tile size; 1.9 dB loss preserves EIRP and receiver sensitivity. |
Use Scenario: Signal path selection in 5G mmWave base station beamformer IC test interfaces and channel emulation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband RF switch enabling dynamic reconfiguration of test stimulus paths up to 50 GHz. Use Value: 0.1–50 GHz bandwidth supports FR2 validation; 10 ns switching aligns with OFDM symbol timing constraints. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wideband reflective SPDT switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1087-SX | Same GaAs pHEMT process, 0.1–40 GHz range, 2.1 dB IL @ 40 GHz, 28 dB isolation @ 40 GHz. | Narrower upper frequency limit; lower isolation limits use in high-dynamic-range EW receivers. | Select when 40 GHz max frequency suffices and cost optimization is prioritized over W-band extension. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | GaAs pHEMT SPDT, 0.05–40 GHz, 2.3 dB IL @ 40 GHz, 26 dB isolation @ 40 GHz, +5 V/0 V control. | Positive-control interface requires level-shifting; 4 dB higher IL and 5 dB lower isolation than HMC986-SX at 40 GHz. | Choose for +5 V logic compatibility where W-band coverage and ultra-low loss are noncritical. |
Compared with HMC1087-SX and QM11036, the HMC986-SX uniquely extends usable bandwidth to 50 GHz while maintaining <2 dB insertion loss and >30 dB isolation-critical for next-generation test systems and W-band radar/EW hardware where spectral purity and path loss directly impact system noise figure and jamming effectiveness.
Availability
HMC986-SX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wideband switching matrices, electronic warfare subsystems, and military radar T/R modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and frequency ranges.
Supply support for HMC986-SX 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 portfolio, specializing in GaAs, GaN, and SiGe MMICs for defense, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.
The HMC986-SX belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC switch family, engineered specifically for wideband, high-isolation, low-loss RF signal routing in test equipment, radar, and electronic warfare systems.
FAQ
What is the control voltage requirement for reliable operation of the HMC986-SX?
The HMC986-SX requires complementary control voltages of 0 V (low) and -3 V to -5 V (high) applied to V1 and V2 pins. Both inputs must be driven within this range; operation outside ±0.2 V for low and beyond -5.5 V for high violates absolute maximum ratings. The HMC986-SX exhibits identical RF performance at both -3 V and -5 V high states, allowing flexibility in driver IC selection without recalibration.
Does the HMC986-SX require external DC blocking capacitors on its RF ports?
Yes, the HMC986-SX RF ports (RF1, RFC, RF2) are DC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω, so external DC blocking capacitors are mandatory if the connected RF transmission line carries non-zero DC potential. The HMC986-SX datasheet measurements were performed using Ground-Signal-Ground (GSG) probe interfaces with proper DC blocking, and omitting them risks bias disruption and degraded return loss.
What is the maximum RF input power the HMC986-SX can handle at 40 GHz?
At 40 GHz, the HMC986-SX supports +25 dBm input power for 0.1 dB compression and +10 dBm for 1.0 dB compression under -5 V control. These values are specified for continuous-wave (CW) signals; pulsed operation may allow higher peak power depending on duty cycle and thermal management. The HMC986-SX hot-switch power rating at 40 GHz is +23 dBm, defining safe reconfiguration under RF load.
How is the HMC986-SX packaged and what handling precautions apply?
The HMC986-SX is supplied as a bare die in WP-13 waffle pack, with gold backside metallization grounded to the PCB. It is an electrostatic-sensitive device (ESD): handling requires nitrogen storage after opening, vacuum collet edge-only pickup, and avoidance of surface contact due to fragile air bridges. The HMC986-SX must be mounted eutectically or with conductive epoxy onto a grounded plane, and wirebonded using 1-mil gold wire with strict bond length <12 mils.
Can the HMC986-SX be used in a series-switch configuration?
No-the HMC986-SX is a reflective SPDT switch, meaning its "off" port presents a high-impedance (open-circuit) termination rather than a series-connected path. It is not designed for in-line insertion; attempting series use causes severe mismatch and return loss degradation. The HMC986-SX must be used in shunt/reflective topologies, such as RFC-to-RF1/RF2 routing, as validated in its functional diagram and application schematics.
HMC986-SX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Radar
- Topology:
- Reflective
- Circuit:
- SPDT
- Frequency Range:
- -
- Isolation:
- -
- Insertion Loss:
- -
- Test Frequency:
- -
- P1dB:
- 25dBm (typ) IP1dB
- IIP3:
- 40dBm (typ)
- Features:
- -
- Impedance:
- 50Ohm
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- Die
HMC986-SX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC986-SX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC986-SX 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 HMC986-SX reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC986-SX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC986-SX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC986-SX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC986-SX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC986-SX?
HMC986-SX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC986-SX 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 HMC986-SX?
For technical support, including HMC986-SX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC986-SX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC986-SX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC986-SX 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 HMC986-SX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC986-SX?
All HMC986-SX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC986-SX, 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 HMC986-SX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC986-SX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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