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Qorvo QPC3614SR
- Part No.:
- QPC3614SR
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
QPC3614SR.pdf
- Description:
- 75-OHM, 6-BIT, 0.5DB STEP, SERIA
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,238
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Product details
Overview
QPC3614SR from Qorvo is a 75Ω, 6-bit digital step attenuator (DSA) operating from 5 MHz to 2000 MHz with 0.5 dB step resolution, 31.5 dB total attenuation range, and 1.2 dB insertion loss at 1 GHz. It serves as a precision RF gain-control element in CATV optical node and MDU amplifier signal paths, supporting serial, latched parallel, and direct parallel control modes.
For engineers reviewing the QPC3614SR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its 75Ω impedance match, overshoot-free transient switching (<500 ns), high linearity (IIP3 = 65 dBm @ 1 GHz), and dual-mode negative voltage generation (internal NVG or external VSS).
Technical Context
The QPC3614SR implements a patented monolithic GaAs pHEMT circuit architecture enabling overshoot-free attenuation state transitions across its full 31.5 dB range. Its three configurable control interfaces-serial (DATA/CLK/LE), latched parallel (C16–C0.5 + LE), and direct parallel (C16–C0.5 with LE held high)-allow flexible integration into AGC loops and tilt control systems.
It operates from +2.7 V to +5.5 V VDD and −5.5 V to −4.5 V VSS, with RF ports DC-groundable externally and no DC voltage present on RFIN/RFOUT. Power-up defaults to maximum attenuation (31.5 dB), and thermal resistance is 67°C/W (junction-to-case).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 5 MHz to 2000 MHz - supports full CATV spectrum including DOCSIS 4.0 upstream/downstream bands. |
| Attenuation Range & Step | 0.5 dB steps over 31.5 dB total - enables precise channel-level tilt correction and return path balancing. |
| Insertion Loss | 1.2 dB at 1 GHz - minimizes cascaded noise figure impact in multi-stage amplifier designs. |
| IIP3 | 65 dBm typical at 1 GHz - ensures high dynamic range in dense QAM256 composite signals (e.g., 190-channel MER >40 dB). |
| Switching Speed | <500 ns typical (150 ns typical to 10%/90% RF) - supports fast AGC response without transient distortion. |
| Control Interfaces | Serial (SPI-like), latched parallel, and direct parallel - allows compatibility with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and legacy logic systems. |
| Impedance | 75 Ω matched input/output - eliminates external matching networks in cable infrastructure equipment. |
Pinout & Package
QPC3614SR is housed in a 20-pin, 4.2 mm × 4.2 mm × 0.90 mm QFN package with exposed backside paddle for RF/DC grounding. The package uses NiPdAu contact plating and complies with MSL3 per J-STD-020.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 15–20 | Parallel Control Bits (C16, C8, C4, C2, C1, C0.5) | Direct binary-weighted attenuation programming; LSB = C0.5 (0.5 dB), MSB = C16 (16 dB). |
| 2, 14 | RFIN / RFOUT | 75 Ω RF ports; DC-groundable externally; no DC bias required - simplifies bias tee integration. |
| 3, 4, 5 | DATA / CLK / LE | Serial interface inputs; LE edge-triggered latch for serial and latched parallel modes. |
| 6, 9 | VDD | +2.7 V to +5.5 V supply pins; dual VDD routing reduces supply noise coupling. |
| 10, 11, 18 | GND | Dedicated ground terminals; backside paddle must be vias-connected to internal ground plane. |
| 12 | VSS | −5.5 V to −4.5 V negative supply; tie to GND to enable internal negative voltage generator (NVG). |
| 13 | PBAR/S | Mode select: low = parallel, high = serial - sets control interface without external configuration logic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Overshoot-free transient switching | Patented architecture eliminates RF output glitches during attenuation changes - critical for error-free QAM transmission. |
| DC-groundable RF ports | RFIN and RFOUT have no DC voltage; can be tied directly to system ground - eliminates blocking capacitors in 75Ω signal chains. |
| Configurable negative supply | VSS pin supports either internal NVG (via GND tie) or external −5 V - enables flexibility in power architecture design. |
| Three control modes | Serial, latched parallel, and direct parallel - accommodates resource-constrained MCUs and high-speed FPGA-based AGC systems. |
| Power-up default state | Maximum attenuation (31.5 dB) at power-on - prevents RF overload during system initialization. |
Applications
| Optical Node Signal Conditioning | MDU Amplifier Tilt Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Attenuation adjustment in downstream RF path of fiber-deep optical nodes to compensate for fiber length variation and splitter losses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 75Ω DSA placed between laser driver and RF output stage to maintain flat group delay and minimize MER degradation. Use Value: 0.5 dB step resolution and 65 dBm IIP3 preserve 40+ dB MER in 190-channel QAM256 signals across 57–1215 MHz. |
Use Scenario: Dynamic tilt compensation in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) distributed amplifiers to equalize frequency response across long coaxial drops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inter-stage DSA inserted between gain blocks to apply frequency-dependent attenuation slope via parallel control bits. Use Value: Overshoot-free switching prevents transient-induced pixelation during automatic tilt updates in live video distribution. |
| Return Path AGC Loop | Pre-amplifier Input Protection |
|
Use Scenario: Upstream return path automatic gain control in HFC networks to stabilize ingress noise and burst signal levels entering CMTS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial-controlled DSA in feedback loop of low-noise pre-amplifier to adjust gain based on RSSI measurements. Use Value: <500 ns switching speed enables sub-millisecond AGC response while maintaining CCN >49 dB under composite loading. |
Use Scenario: Front-end attenuation before broadband pre-amplifier to prevent saturation from strong ingress or impulse noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed or manually set DSA at receiver input to limit worst-case input power to ≤30 dBm P0.1dB. Use Value: 31.5 dB max attenuation and +30 dBm RFIN input rating protect amplifier stages without degrading noise figure below 1.2 dB IL. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital step attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QPC3610TR13 | Same 75Ω, 6-bit, 0.5 dB step architecture but rated 5–1218 MHz; lower IIP3 (62 dBm typ @ 1 GHz); no VSS pin (single-supply only). | Limited to DOCSIS 3.1 downstream; unsuitable for full 1.2–1.8 GHz DOCSIS 4.0 band or return-path AGC above 1.2 GHz. | Select QPC3614SR when full 5–2000 MHz coverage, higher linearity, or dual-supply flexibility is required. |
| ADL5240ACPZ-R7 | 50Ω, 6-bit, 0.25 dB step; 10–4000 MHz; requires external 50Ω matching; higher supply current (2.5 mA); no internal NVG. | Designed for test equipment and 50Ω wireless infrastructure; incompatible with 75Ω CATV signal chains without impedance transformation. | Choose QPC3614SR for drop-in 75Ω CATV/MDU deployment; ADL5240 requires redesign for impedance and power delivery. |
Compared with QPC3610TR13 and ADL5240ACPZ-R7, the QPC3614SR uniquely combines 75Ω native impedance, 2000 MHz bandwidth, internal negative voltage generation, and overshoot-free switching - making it the only option qualified for next-generation optical node and DOCSIS 4.0 return-path AGC designs without layout or matching compromises.
Availability
QPC3614SR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for optical node signal conditioning, MDU amplifier tilt control, and return-path AGC applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant 75Ω RF performance.
Supply support for QPC3614SR 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
Qorvo is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in RF solutions for infrastructure, defense, and mobile markets, with leadership in GaAs and GaN technologies.
The QPC3614SR belongs to Qorvo's broadband CATV attenuator product line, engineered specifically for high-linearity, low-distortion gain control in 75Ω HFC and fiber-deep network equipment.
FAQ
What is the default attenuation state of the QPC3614SR at power-up?
The QPC3614SR powers up in maximum attenuation mode (31.5 dB) regardless of control interface used. This behavior is hardwired and ensures RF protection during system initialization. To override this, apply valid parallel control bits (C16–C0.5) before power application while holding LE low - the device will latch that state at turn-on. This default is confirmed in the "Default Power-up State" section of Rev. E datasheet.
Does the QPC3614SR require an external negative voltage supply?
No - the QPC3614SR includes an internal negative voltage generator (NVG). Tie the VSS pin to ground to enable it; no external −5 V source is needed. However, if system-level noise or efficiency requirements demand it, VSS can accept an external −4.5 V to −5.5 V supply instead. This dual-mode capability is explicitly documented in the "Pad Configuration and Description" and "Recommended Operating Conditions" sections.
Can the RF ports of the QPC3614SR be DC grounded in-circuit?
Yes - both RFIN (Pin 2) and RFOUT (Pin 14) are DC-coupled with no internal DC bias. They may be directly connected to system ground via external traces or capacitors, eliminating the need for DC-blocking components in 75Ω signal paths. This feature is stated in the "Key Features" list and verified in the "Pad Configuration" table under each pin's description.
What is the maximum RF input power the QPC3614SR can handle?
The QPC3614SR supports +30 dBm maximum RF input power at the RFIN pin under 85°C case temperature conditions. At higher temperatures, derating applies per the "Electrical Specifications" table footnote (2). This rating is validated for continuous-wave and composite QAM signals, and aligns with its use in high-power optical node and amplifier stages.
How does the QPC3614SR achieve overshoot-free switching?
The QPC3614SR uses a patented GaAs pHEMT circuit architecture that synchronizes RF path switching with control signal transitions, eliminating voltage spikes or ringing at RFOUT during attenuation changes. This is measured and guaranteed across all 64 states (0–31.5 dB) and confirmed in the "Key Features" and "Performance Plots" sections of the datasheet - critical for maintaining MER >40 dB in live video distribution.
QPC3614SR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Attenuation Value:
- 31.5dB
- Frequency Range:
- 5 MHz ~ 1.5 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Impedance:
- 75 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
QPC3614SR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for QPC3614SR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for QPC3614SR 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 QPC3614SR reliable?
The price and inventory of QPC3614SR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for QPC3614SR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for QPC3614SR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for QPC3614SR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for QPC3614SR?
QPC3614SR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your QPC3614SR 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 QPC3614SR?
For technical support, including QPC3614SR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your QPC3614SR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that QPC3614SR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All QPC3614SR 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 QPC3614SR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of QPC3614SR?
All QPC3614SR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with QPC3614SR, 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 QPC3614SR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for QPC3614SR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
QPC3614SR Tags
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