Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/16233-hmc913lc4b-sdlva

HMC913LC4B SDLVA

January 17, 2011


New 0.6 to 20 GHz SDLVA Features RF Limited Inputs & 250 V ESD Rating. 4 x 4 mm SMT Package is Ideal for Space & Power-Constrained Applications.

Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, has launched a new Successive Detection Log Video Amplifier (SDLVA) that operates over the full 0.6 to 20 GHz frequency range. Available in an extremely compact 4 x 4 mm surface mount package, the HMC913LC4B features RF limited input circuitry and carries a class 1A ESD rating (250 V HBM). The small size and wideband performance make the HMC913LC4B SDLVA ideal for designers with space and power-constrained applications including EW and ELINT receivers, DF radar, ECM, IFM systems, and missile guidance.

Also ideal for pulsed signal applications requiring high amplitude accuracy, the HMC913LC4B is the third product in Hittite’s family of broadband SDLVA devices that convert RF signals at their input to an output voltage that is proportional to the logarithm of the RF input signal amplitude. The HMC913LC4B employs a successive compression topology, which delivers a high logging range of 59 dB and allows for the processing of high level signals up to +5 dBm. During typical operation, the HMC913LC4B provides a nominal slope of 14 mV/dB and a typical intercept of -119 dBm at 10 GHz.

The HMC913LC4B is capable of processing RF pulses with amplitudes from -54 dBm to +5 dBm with less than 10 ns rise times, and with only 25 ns of recovery time. The HMC913LC4B exhibits frequency flatness of better than ±2 dB at -25 dBm input power, while logarithmic linearity is better than ±1 dB over the full -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range. The HMC913LC4B consumes only 290 mW from a single +3.3 V supply. Pin-compatible with the previously-released HMC613LC4B SDLVA, the HMC913LC4B provides an upgrade path for designers desiring an SDLVA function with input RF limiting, or improved ESD performance.

For high reliability, laboratory and military applications, the HMC-C052 hermetic, connectorized, wideband SDLVA module is also available. Specified for operation from -55 °C to +85 °C, the HMC-C052 operates from 1 to 20 GHz with a logging range of 59 dB, and exhibits frequency flatness of ±2 dB at -30 dBm input power.

Released datasheets for the HMC613LC4B, HMC913LC4B, and the HMC-C052 may be found at www.hittite.com. 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.