Hittite Microwave Corp., supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication and military markets has introduced the first product in the new Automatic Gain Control product line. The HMC992LP5E combines a high performance analog Voltage Variable Attenuator (VVA) core with a high speed power detector in a compact 5 x 5 mm plastic package to offer a complete, compact Automatic Gain Controller (IF-AGC) solution. The HMC992LP5E is ideal for AGC implementation in the 50 to 800 MHz frequency range in LTE/WiMAX/4G, microwave radio, VSAT, test equipment and sensor applications.

The HMC992LP5E operates from 50 to 800 MHz and features a wide gain control range from -10 dB to +38 dB. The unique VVA core also provides a consistent gain slope vs. control voltage; a characteristic which enables easier implementation of AGC loops and provides a uniform transient response over the entire attenuation range.

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Generally, analog VVAs exhibit large dips at certain control voltages or degradation as the attenuation is increased. The HMC992LP5E differentiates itself from these traditional VVAs by providing a constant OIP3 of +40 dBm over the entire attenuation range. The integrated power detector features excellent temperature stability, and the HMC992LP5E provides highly accurate power control in AGC closed loop operation which is independent of part-to-part and temperature variations.

The HMC992LP5E provides a flexible architecture, and can be configured with one or two attenuators, depending upon the dynamic range requirements of the application. It can also be used as a standalone, high performance VVA in an open loop configuration or as a compact IF-AGC solution in closed loop operation.

Housed in a RoHS compliant 5x5 mm QFN leadless package, the HMC992LP5E requires only DC blocking capacitors and resistors, and is specified for operation from -40 °C to +85 °C. 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.