Diodes Incorporated ZAMP003H6TC

Overview

ZAMP003H6TC from Zetex Semiconductors is a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) low-noise amplifier optimized for L-band and IF applications from 800 MHz to 2500 MHz, delivering 14.8 dB typical gain at 950 MHz, 5.5 dB noise figure, and 5.8 dBm IP3 at 1 GHz - deployed in satellite LNB receivers requiring ultra-low current (6.8 mA) and 50 Ω impedance matching.

For engineers reviewing the ZAMP003H6TC datasheet, ZAMP003H6TC pinout, ZAMP003H6TC application, or ZAMP003H6TC equivalent, this device offers rising gain compensation across frequency, unconditional stability (K > 1.8), and SC70-6 packaging with minimal external bias components - critical for space-constrained, low-power RF front-end designs.

Technical Context

The ZAMP003H6TC integrates a single-stage GaAs pHEMT amplifier with internal biasing, designed for 50 Ω input/output impedance without external matching networks. Its rising gain profile (14.0 dB at 950 MHz → 15.8 dB at 2150 MHz) directly compensates for interconnect and filter roll-off in broadband satellite receiver chains.

It operates unconditionally stable across its full 800–2500 MHz band with K-factor ≥1.8, supports 4.5–5.5 V supply, and achieves −6.5 dBm P1dB compression while maintaining 14 dB input return loss and 21 dB output return loss at 2150 MHz - enabling direct integration into cascaded LNB modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SC70-6 surface-mount package (2.00 mm × 1.25 mm × 0.90 mm max height) with exposed thermal pad; lead-free, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar wideband LNA applications.

Compared with QPL9547 and MGA-685T6, the ZAMP003H6TC uniquely balances ultra-low current (6.8 mA), rising gain, and integrated 50 Ω matching - making it the only option that meets LNB thermal, size, and cable-loss-compensation requirements simultaneously.

Availability

ZAMP003H6TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for satellite LNB receivers, set-top box tuners, and SMR base stations requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production volumes.

Supply support for ZAMP003H6TC 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

Zetex Semiconductors (now part of Diodes Incorporated) specialized in high-performance analog and RF components, with expertise in GaAs MMIC design and low-power RF solutions.

The ZAMP series was developed specifically for satellite and broadband communication front-ends, emphasizing ultra-low current consumption, rising gain profiles, and minimal external component count in compact packages.

FAQ

Is external matching required for the ZAMP003H6TC?

No external matching is required. The device features fully integrated 50 Ω input and output impedance across 800–2500 MHz, verified by 14 dB input return loss and 13–21 dB output return loss in datasheet measurements. Only DC-blocking capacitors (C1, C2) and local decoupling (C3, C4) are needed per application notes.

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage?

The absolute maximum supply voltage is 7 V, but the device is characterized and specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation. Operating above 5.5 V risks exceeding the 30 mA absolute maximum supply current limit and may degrade long-term reliability or noise performance.

Can the ZAMP003H6TC replace the ZAMP002 in existing designs?

Yes, with minor layout adjustments: both use SC70-6 and share identical pinout (GND-GND-IN-OUT-GND-VCC), but ZAMP003H6TC delivers higher gain (14.8 dB vs. 13.5 dB) and improved IP3 (+0.5 dBm). No schematic changes are needed beyond verifying decoupling capacitor placement.

Does the rising gain characteristic affect group delay flatness?

No - the rising gain is achieved via internal device sizing and bias optimization, not phase-shifting networks. Measured group delay variation remains <0.5 ns across 950–2150 MHz, preserving symbol integrity in DVB-S2/QPSK modulation schemes.