HMC470LP3E

Attenuators are passive devices that reduce the power of a signal without changing the signal itself. The HMC470LP3E is a surface-mountable, low-power made-to-order attenuator specifically designed for wireless applications. It offers superior performance and flexibility in a small, three-chip package.

The HMC470LP3E is a three-stage GaAs MMIC variable attenuator that operates from DC to 8 GHz. With its on-chip low loss inductors, the HMC470LP3E is able to achieve excellent return loss of greater than 15 dB over the entire frequency range and provide excellent linearity with low intermodulation products.

It features three parallel 3-bit wide-band MSBs that can be used to adjust the attenuation level from 0 to 11 dB in 1 dB steps. The HMC470LP3E attenuator also allows for the insertion of a two-bit, off-resonance control bit that can be used to adjust the overall attenuation level from 0 to 15 dB in 1 dB steps and to achieve further gain reduction. This means the HMC470LP3E can provide accurate and repeatable attenuation over a wide frequency range even in the presence of impedance mismatches.

The HMC470LP3E attenuator is designed for use in mobile and cellular, wireless access, satellite communication, microwave point-to-point and broadband applications. It can be used in any application requiring accurate and repeatable fixed or variable attenuation such as a power amplifier or frequency-control system. Its superior performance, small size, and low current consumption make it ideal for use in chip or module applications, as well as for integration into radio circuits requiring excellent return loss and power control.

The working principle of the HMC470LP3E is based on the fundamental principles of impedance and current flow. The adjustable device functions as an attenuator by varying input and output impedances through on-chip resistors, which are connected to a 28 pin surface mount device (one of the three chips). The adjustable parts of the device provide control over the damping and return loss characteristics of the mixer, in addition to adjusting its on-chip impedance.

By connecting the adjustable parts to the main chip, the 26-pin chip provides resistor values to create an open or closed circuit for the fixed attenuator, and adds to the overall resistance value of the variable attenuator. Through this control, the input and output impedances can be adjusted which in turn adjusts the amount of power that is allowed to pass through the attenuator. The 28-pin surface mount chip also provides an easy way to externally control the attenuation setting.

The HMC470LP3E attenuator is an effective and reliable solution for applications requiring precise attenuation with high return loss. It offers good linearity and low intermodulation products, making it an ideal choice for portable and wireless applications. With adjustable on-chip impedance and its small form factor, the HMC470LP3E attenuator is the perfect solution.