Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/16578-high-linearity-vgas

High Linearity VGAs

January 17, 2011

8-1-hmc996lp_997lcVariable Gain Amplifiers Cover Point to Point Bands from 5 to 27 GHz

Hittite Microwave Corp., the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, announces the release of two new SMT packaged GaAs MMIC variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) which are ideal for VSAT, microwave radio, military, and test & measurement equipment applications from 5 to 27 GHz.

The HMC996LP4E and the HMC997LC4 are GaAs PHEMT MMIC analog variable gain amplifiers which operate from 5 to 12 GHz and from 17 to 27 GHz respectively. Across the line, these versatile amplifiers delivers up to 20.5 dB of gain, +24 dBm, of output P1dB, and +34 dBm of output IP3 in their maximum gain state. Each of these amplifiers is controlled by a single analog control voltage between 0 and -4.5V, and provides up to 22 dB of gain control range. The high linearity performance of the HMC996LP4E and the HMC997LC4 allows them to be used as either buffer amplifiers, or as power amplifier pre-drivers in microwave transmitter applications.

The HMC996LP4E consumes 120 mA from a +5V supply, and is housed in a RoHS compliant 4 x 4 mm QFN leadless package. The HMC997LC4 consumes only 170 mA from a +5V supply, is housed in a RoHS compliant 4 x 4 mm ceramic QFN leadless package. The HMC996LP4E and the HMC997LC4 are compatible with high volume surface mount manufacturing, and both feature excellent gain flatness making them well suited for military EW, ECM and radar applications.

Samples and evaluation PC boards for all SMT packaged products are available from stock and can be ordered via the company's e-commerce site or via direct purchase order.

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