Texas Instruments LMH2120UM/NOPB

Overview

LMH2120UM/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 6 GHz linear RMS RF power detector IC designed for accurate envelope-independent power measurement in cellular transmit chains. It delivers ±0.5 dB linear conformance over 40 dB dynamic range (−35 dBm to +5 dBm), operates from 2.7 V to 5 V, and features shutdown control via EN pin - enabling precise closed-loop PA power control in LTE/W-CDMA base stations and handsets.

For engineers reviewing the LMH2120UM/NOPB datasheet, LMH2120UM/NOPB pinout, LMH2120UM/NOPB application, or LMH2120UM/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include RMS detection accuracy across modulated signals (W-CDMA/LTE), temperature-insensitive output voltage (−40°C to +85°C), 6-bump DSBGA package integration, and compatibility with directional couplers or resistive dividers in RF front-end monitoring paths.

Technical Context

The LMH2120UM/NOPB implements true RMS detection using an analog squaring/integration architecture that inherently rejects modulation-dependent errors - critical for high-PAR signals like OFDMA and W-CDMA Release 8. Its transfer function is defined by slope (1 dB/dB) and intercept (e.g., −5.5 dBm at 1900 MHz), enabling calibration-free system integration when referenced to known input power.

It integrates internal 50 Ω RF termination at RFIN, provides high-impedance tri-state output during shutdown (EN = LOW), and maintains <±0.5 dB linearity variation across temperature - achieved via on-die compensation of process and thermal drift in the detector core and output buffer.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LMH2120UM/NOPB is housed in a 6-bump, 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm, 0.4 mm pitch DSBGA package with bottom-side solder balls. Thermal pad is not present; PCB layout requires minimum 0.2 mm solder mask clearance around each bump.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF power detection applications.

Compared with ADL5511ACPZ-R7 and MAX2016ETE+, the LMH2120UM/NOPB uniquely combines 6 GHz bandwidth, true RMS linearity, and integrated termination - making it the only choice for uncalibrated, modulation-agnostic power control in 5G FR1 infrastructure and premium handsets.

Availability

LMH2120UM/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LTE base station design, 5G small-cell deployment, and smartphone RF front-end development requiring stable component supply, full production traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LMH2120UM/NOPB 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with over 50 years of RF IC innovation.

The LMH2120UM/NOPB belongs to TI's high-accuracy RF power detector product line, engineered specifically for modulation-robust transmit power control in 4G/5G wireless infrastructure and mobile terminals.

FAQ

What is the maximum RF input frequency supported by the LMH2120UM/NOPB?

The LMH2120UM/NOPB supports RF input frequencies from 50 MHz up to 6 GHz, as validated in TI's SNWS021C datasheet across multiple bands including 50 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz, and 5800 MHz. Performance metrics such as linearity error and intercept remain specified up to 6 GHz, confirming full-band operational capability for 5G FR1 applications.

Does the LMH2120UM/NOPB require external RF matching components?

No, the LMH2120UM/NOPB does not require external RF matching components. Its RFIN pin (B1) features an internally matched 50 Ω input impedance across the full 50 MHz–6 GHz range, as confirmed by measured S11 data in Figure 11 of the datasheet. This eliminates the need for external series/shunt elements, simplifying layout and preserving high-frequency signal integrity.

How does the LMH2120UM/NOPB handle modulated signals like LTE or W-CDMA?

The LMH2120UM/NOPB uses true RMS detection architecture, delivering ≤0.29 dB input-referred error for LTE signals and ≤0.16 dB for W-CDMA (Release 6–8) across its operating range. This modulation independence is inherent to its analog squaring/integration design - unlike log or peak detectors - so no firmware-based correction or per-standard calibration is needed for compliant 3GPP transmit power control.

What is the output behavior of the LMH2120UM/NOPB during shutdown mode?

When EN is driven LOW, the LMH2120UM/NOPB enters shutdown mode with output (OUT) placed in high-impedance state - verified by I_OUT,SD ≤80 nA leakage at 2 V. This prevents discharge of external filter capacitors and avoids loading downstream ADC inputs, enabling clean power-gating in battery-sensitive designs without additional analog switches.

Can the LMH2120UM/NOPB operate from a 1.8 V supply?

No, the LMH2120UM/NOPB cannot operate from a 1.8 V supply. Its absolute minimum supply voltage is 2.7 V, and operating ratings specify 2.7 V to 5 V only. Attempting 1.8 V operation falls outside Absolute Maximum Ratings and will result in undefined functionality, including failure to achieve specified linearity, dynamic range, or enable logic thresholds.