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For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 1
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
v03.0610
General Description
Features
Functional Diagram
The HMC668LP3(E) is a versatile, high dynamic range
GaAs MMIC Low Noise Amplier that integrates a low
loss LNA bypass mode on the IC. The amplier is ide-
al for receivers and LNA modules operating between
0.7 and 1.2 GHz and provides 0.9 dB noise gure,
16 dB of gain and +33 dBm IP3 from a single supply
of +5V @ 57mA. Input and output return losses are
excellent and no external matching components are
required. A single control line is used to switch be-
tween LNA mode and a low loss bypass mode. The
failsafe topology enables the LNA bypass path, when
no DC power is available. The HMC668LP3(E) offers
improved noise gure versus the previously released
HMC373LP3(E).
Noise Figure: 0.9 dB
Output IP3: +33 dBm
Gain: 16 dB
Failsafe Operation:
Bypass is enabled when LNA is unpowered
Single Supply: +3V or +5V
16 Lead 3x3mm QFN Package: 9 mm2
Typical Applications
The HMC668LP3(E) is ideal for:
• Cellular/3G and LTE/WiMAX/4G
• BTS & Infrastructure
• Repeaters and Femtocells
• Tower Mounted Ampliers
• Test & Measurement Equipment
Electrical Specications, TA = +25° C, Rbias = 0 Ohm
Parameter
LNA Mode Bypass Mode Failsafe Mode UnitsVdd = +3V Vdd = +5V
Min. Typ. Max. Min. Typ. Max. Min. Typ. Max. Min. Typ. Max.
Frequency Range 0.7 - 1.2 0.7 - 1.2 0.7 - 1.2 0.7 - 1.2 GHz
Gain 12 15 13 16 -2.5 -1.5 -2.5 -1.5 dB
Gain Variation Over Temperature 0.03 0.016 0.0008 0.0008 dB / °C
Noise Figure 0.85 1.1 0.9 1.1 dB
Input Return Loss 12 13 12 12 dB
Output Return Loss 13 14 13 13 dB
Reverse Isolation 22 23 - - dB
Power for 1dB Compression
(P1dB)[1] 13 13 22 24 dBm
Third Order Intercept (IP3)[2] 27 33 26 26 dBm
Supply Current (Idd) 32 40 57 70 0.05 - mA
Switching Speed (90% -10%)
LNA Mode to Bypass Mode
Bypass Mode to LNA Mode
200 - ns
ns
85 85
[1] P1dB for LNA Mode is referenced to RFOUT while P1dB for Bypass and Failsafe Modes are referenced to RFIN.
[2] IP3 for LNA Mode is referenced to RFOUT while IP3 for Bypass and Failsafe Modes are referenced to RFIN.
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 2
LNA - Gain vs. Temperature [1]
LNA - Broadband Gain & Return Loss
LNA - Gain vs. Temperature [2]
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
[1] Vdd = 5V [2] Vdd = 3V [3] Measurement reference plane shown on evaluation PCB drawing.
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
GAIN (dB)
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
Vdd=5V
Vdd=3V
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RESPONSE (dB)
S11
S21
S22
0.2
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.4
1.7
2
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
Vdd=5V
Vdd=3V
FREQUENCY (GHz)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
+85C
+25C
-40C
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
GAIN (dB)
LNA - Return Loss vs. Temperature [1]
LNA - Noise Figure vs. Temperature [3]
LNA - Output IP3 vs.
Temperature, Output Power @ 0 dBm
18
23
28
33
38
43
48
12
17
22
27
32
37
42
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
IP3 (dBm)
IP3 (dBm)
Frequency (GHz)
Vdd=5V
Vdd=3V
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
Input Return Loss
Output Return Loss
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 3
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
LNA - Reverse Isolation vs. Temperature [1]
LNA - Output P1dB vs. Temperature [2]
LNA - Output P1dB, Gain &
Noise Figure [3] vs. Vdd @ 900 MHz
LNA - Output P1dB vs. Temperature [1]
[1] Vdd = 5V [2] Vdd = 3V [3] Measurement reference plane shown on evaluation PCB drawing.
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
P1dB (dBm)
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
P1dB (dBm)
10
12
14
16
18
20
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
1.1
3 3.5 4 4.5 5
P1dB
Gain
NF
GAIN (dB) & P1dB (dBm)
NOISE FIGURE (dB)
Voltage Supply (V)
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
ISOLATION (dB)
LNA - Gain, P1dB,
Output IP3 vs. Current [2] @ 900 MHz
LNA - Gain, P1dB,
Output IP3 vs. Current [1] @ 900 MHz
8
10
12
14
16
18
26
30
34
38
42
46
35 40 45 50 55 60
GAIN (dB) , P1dB (dBm)
IP3 (dBm)
Idd (mA)
IP3
Gain
P1dB
6
8
10
12
14
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
15 20 25 30 35
GAIN (dB) , P1dB (dBm)
IP3 (dBm)
Idd (mA)
IP3
Gain
P1dB
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 4
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
Bypass Mode -
Input IP3 vs. Output Power @ 900 MHz
Bypass Mode -
Broadband Gain & Return Loss
Bypass Mode -
Insertion Loss vs. Temperature
Bypass Mode - Input IP3 vs. Temperature,
Output Power @ 5 dBm
16
20
24
28
32
36
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
IP3 (dBm)
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
GAIN (dB)
15
20
25
30
35
40
-10 -5 0 5 10 15
+25C
+85C
-40C
Pout (dBm)
IP3 (dBm)
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
S21
S11
S22
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RESPONSE (dB)
Bypass Mode -
Output Return Loss vs. Temperature
Bypass Mode -
Input Return Loss vs. Temperature
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 5
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
Failsafe Mode -
Input IP3 vs. Output Power @ 900 MHz
Failsafe Mode -
Broadband Gain & Return Loss
Failsafe Mode -
Insertion Loss vs. Temperature
Failsafe Mode -
Output Return Loss vs. Temperature
Failsafe Mode -
Input Return Loss vs. Temperature
Failsafe Mode - Input IP3 vs.
Temperature, Output Power @ 5 dBm
16
20
24
28
32
36
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
IP3 (dBm)
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
GAIN (dB)
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
+25C
+85C
-40C
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RETURN LOSS (dB)
15
20
25
30
35
40
-10 -5 0 5 10 15
+25C
+85C
-40C
Pout (dBm)
IP3 (dBm)
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
S21
S11
S22
FREQUENCY (GHz)
RESPONSE (dB)
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 6
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Truth Table
ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICE
OBSERVE HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Drain Bias Voltage (Vdd) +6 Vdc
Control Voltage (Vctl) +6 Vdc
RF Input Power
(RFIN)
LNA Mode
Bypass / Failsafe Mode
+5 dBm
+20 dBm
Channel Temperature 150 °C
Continuous Pdiss (T = 85 °C)
(derate 10.71 mW/°C above 85 °C) 0.70 W
Thermal Resistance
(channel to ground paddle) 93.33 °C/W
Storage Temperature -65 to +150° C
Operating Temperature -40 to +85° C
ESD Sensitivity (HBM) Class 1A
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
Typical Supply Current vs. Vdd
LNA Mode Vctl = Vdd = 3 to 5V
Bypass Mode Vctl= 0V, Vdd = 3 to 5V
Failsafe Mode Vctl = Vdd = N/C
Rbias Ω Idd (mA)
Vdd= 3V Vdd= 5V
0 32 57
15 26 49
47 20 37
180 [1] 10 20
[1] Recommended maximum Rbias
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 7
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
Outline Drawing
NOTES:
1. LEADFRAME MATERIAL: COPPER ALLOY
2. DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES [MILLIMETERS]
3. LEAD SPACING TOLERANCE IS NON-CUMULATIVE
4. PAD BURR LENGTH SHALL BE 0.15mm MAXIMUM.
PAD BURR HEIGHT SHALL BE 0.05mm MAXIMUM.
5. PACKAGE WARP SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.05mm.
6. ALL GROUND LEADS AND GROUND PADDLE
MUST BE SOLDERED TO PCB RF GROUND.
7. REFER TO HITTITE APPLICATION NOTE FOR
SUGGESTED LAND PATTERN.
Part Number Package Body Material Lead Finish MSL Rating Package Marking [3]
HMC668LP3 Low Stress Injection Molded Plastic Sn/Pb Solder MSL1 [1] 668
XXXX
HMC668LP3E RoHS-compliant Low Stress Injection Molded Plastic 100% matte Sn MSL1 [2] 668
XXXX
[1] Max peak reow temperature of 235 °C
[2] Max peak reow temperature of 260 °C
[3] 4-Digit lot number XXXX
Package Information
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 8
Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Function Description Interface Schematic
1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9,
11, 12, 13, 15 N/C
No connection required. These pins may be
connected to RF GND. Performance will not
be affected.
3 RFIN This pin is DC coupled.
Off-chip DC blocking capacitor required.
6 ACG AC Ground. Attach bypass capacitor per
application circuit.
7 RES External resistor pin for current control. See
table for external resistor value vs. bias current data.
10 RFOUT This pin is matched to 50 Ohms
14 Vdd Power Supply voltage pin. External bypass
capacitors required.
16 Vctl
Control voltage pin for LNA / Bypass
Modes. Setting voltage equal to VDD enables LNA
Mode. External Bypass capacitor required.
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 9
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
Application Circuit
For price, delivery and to place orders: Hittite Microwave Corporation, 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Order On-line at www.hittite.com
Application Support: Phone: 978-250-3343 or apps@hittite.com
AMPLIFIERS - LOW NOISE - SMT
7
7 - 10
Evaluation PCB
The circuit board used in the application should use
RF circuit design techniques. Signal lines should
have 50 Ohm impedance while the package ground
leads and exposed paddle should be connected
directly to the ground plane similar to that shown.
A sufficient number of via holes should be used to
connect the top and bottom ground planes. The
evaluation circuit board shown is available from
Hittite upon request.
Item Description
J1 - J2 PCB Mount SMA Connector
J3 - J4 DC Pin
C1 100 pF Capacitor, 0402 Pkg.
C2 8200 pF Capacitor, 0402 Pkg.
C3 10 nF Capacitor, 0603 Pkg.
C4 1 µF Capacitor, 0603 Pkg.
C5 100 pF Capacitor, 0603 Pkg.
L2 15 nH Inductor, 0402 Pkg.
R1 0 Ohm Resistor, 0402 Pkg.
U1 HMC668LP3(E) Amplier
PCB [2] 118911 Evaluation Board
[1] Reference this number when ordering complete evaluation PCB
[2] Circuit Board Material: Rogers 4350
List of Materials for Evaluation PCB 121922 [1]
HMC668LP3 / 668LP3E
v03.0610
GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNA w/
FAILSAFE BYPASS MODE, 700 - 1200 MHz
