Texas Instruments LMH6522SQ/NOPB

Overview

LMH6522SQ/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a quad digitally controlled variable gain amplifier (DVGA) with four independent 31 dB-range 1 dB-step attenuators and fixed-gain differential output amplifiers. It delivers 26 dB voltage gain, −3 dB bandwidth of 1.4 GHz, OIP3 of 49 dBm at 200 MHz, and noise figure of 8.5 dB. It drives high-performance ADCs in wideband IF sampling receivers for cellular base stations.

For engineers reviewing the LMH6522SQ/NOPB datasheet, LMH6522SQ/NOPB pinout, LMH6522SQ/NOPB application, or LMH6522SQ/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel enable control (High/Low Power/Shutdown), SPI or parallel digital interface, differential 100 Ω input / 20 Ω output impedance, and thermal performance in the 54-pin WQFN package.

Technical Context

The LMH6522SQ/NOPB integrates four fully differential signal paths, each comprising a digitally programmable 5-bit attenuator (0–31 dB in 1 dB steps) followed by a fixed 26 dB gain amplifier with differential outputs. Gain step accuracy is ±0.1 dB (0–23 dB range) and phase shift is ±2° between adjacent steps.

Each channel supports three power states via its dedicated enable pin: shutdown (<0.4 V), low-power mode (0.6–1.9 V), and high-power mode (≥2.2 V). The device operates from a single 4.75–5.25 V supply, achieves 17 dBm P1dB, and maintains OIP3 ≥44 dBm across all power modes and temperatures (−40°C to +85°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LMH6522SQ/NOPB is housed in a thermally enhanced 54-pin WQFN package (10 mm × 5.5 mm × 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad internally bonded to ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled variable gain amplifier applications.

Compared with ADL5330ACPZ-R7 and MAX19723ETX+, the LMH6522SQ/NOPB offers superior OIP3 (+4–7 dBm), wider bandwidth (+300 MHz), and true per-channel power state control-critical for thermal management and dynamic range optimization in dense RF modules.

Availability

LMH6522SQ/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, wideband test equipment, and direct-conversion transceiver designs requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and guaranteed industrial temperature operation.

Supply support for LMH6522SQ/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 high-performance signal chain solutions for industrial, communications, and automotive markets.

The LMH6522SQ/NOPB belongs to TI's high-speed amplifier product line, engineered specifically for wideband IF sampling and automatic gain control in wireless infrastructure and instrumentation applications demanding precision, linearity, and thermal robustness.

FAQ

What is the maximum differential output voltage swing supported by the LMH6522SQ/NOPB?

The LMH6522SQ/NOPB supports up to 10 VPPD (differential) output voltage swing at frequencies below 10 MHz. At 200 MHz, the specified maximum is 4 VPPD under typical test conditions (RL = 200 Ω, VOUT = 4 dBm per tone). This swing is enabled by its low-impedance differential output stage and single 5 V supply operation. The LMH6522SQ/NOPB achieves this while maintaining OIP3 ≥49 dBm and HD3 ≤ −75 dBc.

Does the LMH6522SQ/NOPB require external biasing for its enable pins?

No, the LMH6522SQ/NOPB enable pins (ENBA–ENBD) feature internal self-bias circuitry. When left floating or driven high-impedance, they settle to ~1.37 V - the Low Power Mode threshold. Only two logic levels are needed externally: <0.4 V for shutdown and ≥2.2 V for High Power Mode. This eliminates external bias resistors and simplifies digital interface design for the LMH6522SQ/NOPB.

Can the LMH6522SQ/NOPB be used with a 3.3 V digital interface?

Yes, the LMH6522SQ/NOPB digital inputs (including MODE, A0–A4, B0–B4, etc.) are compatible with 3.3 V CMOS logic. VIH is specified as 2.0–5.0 V and VIL as 0–0.4 V, ensuring reliable recognition of 3.3 V logic highs. Its digital interface also supports TTL, 2.5 V CMOS, and 5 V CMOS - making it interoperable with diverse FPGA, ASIC, and microcontroller platforms controlling the LMH6522SQ/NOPB.

How does gain step accuracy vary across the attenuation range of the LMH6522SQ/NOPB?

Gain step accuracy for the LMH6522SQ/NOPB is ±0.1 dB for adjacent steps between 0 dB and 23 dB attenuation, and ±0.5 dB across the full 31 dB range. Channel-to-channel gain matching is ±0.15 dB at maximum gain. These specifications ensure predictable, repeatable gain control essential for closed-loop AGC systems - a core functional requirement explicitly validated for the LMH6522SQ/NOPB in its datasheet.

What thermal considerations apply to the LMH6522SQ/NOPB in continuous high-power operation?

The LMH6522SQ/NOPB has θJA = 23°C/W on a JEDEC 4-layer board and θJC = 4.7°C/W to its exposed thermal pad. At full High Power Mode (485 mA, 2.43 W), junction temperature rise is ~56°C above ambient. With TA = +85°C, TJ reaches ~141°C - within the 150°C absolute max. Robust thermal design requires low-thermal-resistance PCB layout, soldering the exposed pad, and minimizing local ambient hot spots to sustain reliability of the LMH6522SQ/NOPB.