Qorvo QPC4614SR
- Part No.:
- QPC4614SR
- Manufacturer:
- Qorvo
- Category:
- Attenuators
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
QPC4614SR.pdf
- Description:
- 75-OHM, 6-BIT, 0.5DB STEP, SERIA
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,974
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
QPC4614SR from Qorvo is a 75Ω, 6-bit digital step attenuator (DSA) designed for RF signal conditioning in broadband CATV and fiber node systems. It delivers 31.5 dB attenuation range in precise 0.5 dB steps, 1.2 dB insertion loss at 1 GHz, and high linearity with IIP3 of 69.5 dBm at 850 MHz - enabling accurate AGC and tilt control in optical nodes and MDU amplifiers.
For engineers reviewing the QPC4614SR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this device supports serial, latched parallel, and direct parallel control modes; features DC-groundable RF ports; offers programmable negative voltage generation; and operates across 5–2000 MHz in a compact 20-pin 4×4 mm QFN package.
Technical Context
The QPC4614SR implements a patented circuit architecture that ensures overshoot-free transient switching performance during attenuation state transitions. Its 6-bit control interface maps to discrete attenuation states (0–31.5 dB) via C0.5–C16 parallel bits or D0–D5 serial data, with LE-triggered latching for stable inter-stage control.
It operates from +2.7 to +5.5 V VDD and −5.5 to −4.5 V VSS, drawing only 200 µA IDD and 100 µA ISS in steady state. RF ports are impedance-matched to 75 Ω, require no DC blocking, and support external grounding - critical for return-path and pre-amplifier attenuation in cable infrastructure.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Attenuation Range | 31.5 dB total range in 0.5 dB discrete steps - enables fine-grained RF level control for AGC and tilt compensation. |
| Frequency Range | 5–2000 MHz - covers full DOCSIS 4.0 upstream/downstream, HFC return path, and point-to-point microwave bands. |
| Insertion Loss | 1.2 dB at 1 GHz - minimizes signal degradation in cascaded amplifier stages and optical node front-ends. |
| IIP3 | 69.5 dBm typical at 850 MHz - maintains high dynamic range under multi-carrier conditions in dense CATV environments. |
| Switching Speed | 150 ns - ensures rapid settling for real-time gain adjustment without transient distortion in closed-loop systems. |
| Control Interface | Serial, latched parallel, and direct parallel modes - provides flexibility for microcontroller-based or FPGA-driven system integration. |
| RF Port Impedance | 75 Ω matched - eliminates need for external matching networks in standard cable plant designs. |
Pinout & Package
QPC4614SR is housed in a thermally enhanced 20-pin 4 × 4 mm QFN package with exposed backside paddle for RF/DC grounding. The package complies with MSL Level 2 and supports lead-free reflow up to 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 15–20 | Parallel Control Bits (C16, C8, C4, C2, C1, C0.5) | Direct binary-weighted inputs for 6-bit attenuation word; enable immediate state change in direct parallel mode. |
| 2, 14 | RFIN / RFOUT | 75 Ω RF input/output ports; DC-groundable externally - simplifies bias tee integration and eliminates DC blocking caps. |
| 3, 4, 5, 13 | DATA, CLK, LE, PBAR/S | Serial bus interface: DATA/CLK drive attenuation word; LE latches value; PBAR/S selects serial (H) or parallel (L) mode. |
| 6, 9 | VDD | +2.7 to +5.5 V supply pins - dual VDD inputs reduce supply routing inductance and improve PSRR. |
| 12 | VSS | −5.5 to −4.5 V negative supply - can be grounded to enable internal negative voltage generator (NVG) or driven externally. |
| 10, 11, 18 | GND | Dedicated ground terminals - minimize ground loop noise and ensure stable RF return path. |
| 7, 8 | NC | No-connect pins - must remain unconnected per design; no internal connection or function. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Overshoot-free switching | Patented architecture eliminates transient overshoot during attenuation changes - preserves signal integrity in sensitive analog front-ends. |
| DC-groundable RF ports | RFIN and RFOUT have no DC voltage - allows direct connection to system ground or bias tees without blocking capacitors. |
| Configurable negative supply | VSS pin can enable internal NVG (via GND tie) or accept external −5 V - simplifies power design in mixed-voltage systems. |
| Power-up default | 31.5 dB maximum attenuation on power application - ensures fail-safe signal suppression until firmware initializes control. |
| Three control modes | Serial, latched parallel, and direct parallel - accommodates resource-constrained MCUs (serial), deterministic timing (latched), or minimal latency (direct). |
Applications
| Optical Node Attenuation | MDU Amplifier Tilt Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precise RF level management in hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) optical nodes handling downstream broadcast and upstream DOCSIS traffic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digital step attenuator placed between optical receiver and RF amplifier stage to compensate for fiber length variation and temperature drift. Use Value: 0.5 dB step resolution and 69.5 dBm IIP3 maintain MER > 40 dB across 5–1215 MHz with flat frequency response. |
Use Scenario: Dynamic tilt correction in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) distributed amplifiers serving 16–64 units over varying coax lengths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Inter-stage attenuator inserted between gain blocks to equalize high-frequency roll-off and preserve channel balance. Use Value: 31.5 dB range and 150 ns switching speed allow real-time tilt adjustment during network load changes without signal interruption. |
| Return Path AGC | Pre-amplifier Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Automatic gain control in upstream return-path amplifiers where ingress noise and bursty traffic cause wide dynamic range fluctuations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Return attenuation element in feedback loop of AGC-controlled LNA, responding to RSSI measurements from downstream demodulator. Use Value: Low 1.2 dB insertion loss preserves SNR, while 5–2000 MHz bandwidth supports full DOCSIS 4.0 upstream spectrum (5–204 MHz) and extended return bands. |
Use Scenario: Input-level optimization ahead of high-gain RF amplifiers in headend or hub site equipment to prevent compression and intermodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pre-amplifier attenuator placed before first gain stage to set optimal input power for P1dB and IP3 operation. Use Value: 35 dBm P1dB and 69.5 dBm IIP3 ensure linear operation even when compensating for +31 dBm max input power at 85 °C case temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital step attenuator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| QPC4610TR13 | Same 75 Ω, 6-bit, 0.5 dB step architecture but rated for 5–1200 MHz - narrower bandwidth than QPC4614SR's 2000 MHz. | Limited to legacy DOCSIS 3.1 deployments; cannot support extended upstream bands beyond 1215 MHz. | Select QPC4610TR13 only if system bandwidth is capped below 1200 MHz and cost sensitivity outweighs future-proofing. |
| ADL5240ACPZ-R7 | 50 Ω, 6-bit, 31.5 dB range but specified for 100–4000 MHz - incompatible impedance and broader frequency coverage. | Requires external 75→50 Ω matching networks; introduces insertion loss and return loss degradation in CATV infrastructure. | Choose ADL5240ACPZ-R7 only for 50 Ω test equipment or wireless infrastructure; not suitable for drop-in replacement in HFC systems. |
Compared with QPC4614SR, QPC4610TR13 sacrifices 800 MHz bandwidth for marginally lower cost, while ADL5240ACPZ-R7 mandates impedance transformation and lacks 75 Ω native compatibility - making QPC4614SR the only qualified solution for DOCSIS 4.0-ready optical nodes and MDU amplifiers.
Availability
QPC4614SR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for optical node deployment, MDU amplifier manufacturing, and return-path AGC subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant 75 Ω RF signal conditioning.
Supply support for QPC4614SR 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 global leader in RF solutions for infrastructure, defense, and mobile applications, specializing in high-performance GaAs and GaN components for demanding broadband systems.
The QPC4614SR belongs to Qorvo's broadband CATV attenuator product line, engineered specifically for HFC network reliability, DOCSIS 4.0 readiness, and thermal-stable operation in active optical nodes and distributed amplifiers.
FAQ
What is the default attenuation state of the QPC4614SR at power-up?
The QPC4614SR powers up in maximum attenuation mode (31.5 dB) by default in both serial and parallel control configurations. This fail-safe behavior ensures signal suppression until firmware explicitly sets the desired attenuation level. To override this, apply the required parallel control bits (C0.5–C16) before power application while holding LE low - as documented in the Default Power-up State section of the datasheet.
Does the QPC4614SR require external DC blocking capacitors on its RF ports?
No, the QPC4614SR does not require external DC blocking capacitors on RFIN or RFOUT. Its RF pads have no DC voltage and are designed to be DC grounded externally - a key feature that simplifies PCB layout, reduces component count, and avoids insertion loss penalties associated with series capacitors. This capability is confirmed in the Key Features list and Pad Configuration table of the QPC4614SR datasheet.
Can the QPC4614SR operate with only a positive supply voltage?
Yes, the QPC4614SR can operate using only a positive VDD supply (+2.7 to +5.5 V) by grounding the VSS pin (Pin 12), which activates its internal negative voltage generator (NVG). This eliminates the need for an external −5 V rail in most designs. However, if higher efficiency or lower noise is required, VSS may be driven externally with −4.5 to −5.5 V - as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table.
What is the meaning of "PBAR/S" on Pin 13 of the QPC4614SR?
PBAR/S on Pin 13 is the mode select input: logic low (≤0.63 V) configures the QPC4614SR for parallel control (C0.5–C16), while logic high (≥1.17 V) selects serial mode (DATA/CLK/LE). This pin determines how the device interprets incoming control signals and must be set prior to initialization. Its dual-function designation reflects hardware-configurable interface flexibility - a feature explicitly defined in the Pad Configuration and Description table of the QPC4614SR datasheet.
How does the QPC4614SR achieve overshoot-free switching performance?
The QPC4614SR achieves overshoot-free switching through a patented circuit architecture that synchronizes attenuation state transitions with internal bias sequencing and RF path isolation timing. This prevents transient voltage spikes or ringing during step changes - a critical requirement for maintaining MER and CCN in DOCSIS 4.0 systems. The architecture is validated across all 64 attenuation states and frequencies up to 2000 MHz, as demonstrated in the Performance Plots section of the QPC4614SR datasheet.
QPC4614SR 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:
- 2 GHz ~ 5 GHz
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Impedance:
- 75 Ohms
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
QPC4614SR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for QPC4614SR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for QPC4614SR 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 QPC4614SR reliable?
The price and inventory of QPC4614SR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for QPC4614SR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for QPC4614SR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for QPC4614SR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for QPC4614SR?
QPC4614SR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your QPC4614SR 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 QPC4614SR?
For technical support, including QPC4614SR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your QPC4614SR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that QPC4614SR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All QPC4614SR 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 QPC4614SR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of QPC4614SR?
All QPC4614SR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with QPC4614SR, 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 QPC4614SR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for QPC4614SR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
QPC4614SR Tags

-
PAT0510S-C-3DB-T10
Susumu

-
PAT0510S-C-10DB-T10
Susumu

-
PAT0510S-C-2DB-T10
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-10DB-T5
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-6DB-T5
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-0DB-T5
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-3DB-T5
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-5DB-T5
Susumu

-
PAT1220-C-8DB-T5
Susumu

-
MAADSS0008TR-3000
MACOM Technology Solutions

-
MAATSS0018TR-3000
MACOM Technology Solutions

-
PE43205B-Z
pSemi
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
