Hittite Extends PLL Fractional-N Synthesizers to 14 GHz. Two New Low Noise Synthesizer ICs Include Integrated Sweeper Function.

Chelmsford, MA, July 8, 2009 - Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, has introduced two new SMT packaged PLL Fractional-N Synthesizers which are ideal for automotive, broadband, cellular/3G, WiMAX/4G, microwave radio and test and measurement applications from 100 kHz to 14 GHz.

The HMC702LP6CE is a SiGe BiCMOS Fractional-N Frequency Synthesizer IC which operates in fractional or integer mode over a frequency range of 100 kHz to 14 GHz providing the ability to develop high performance phase locked loops for cellular basestations and point-to-point radio links using the same device. Primarily designed for ultra low phase noise applications, its internal architecture includes a 14 GHz 16-bit RF N-Divider, a 24-bit delta-sigma modulator, a very low noise digital phase frequency detector (PFD), and a precision controlled charge pump.

Ultra low in-close phase noise allows wider loop bandwidths for faster frequency hopping. The HMC702LP6CE also contains a built-in linear sweeper function, which allows it to perform frequency chirps with a wide variety of sweep times, polarities and dwells, all with an external or automatic sweep trigger. Other features include: a General Purpose Output (GPO) bus supporting the use of multiple VCOs; square wave and 50 Ohm sinusoidal crystal source buffers in the reference path; and full support for external step tuned VCOs. The HMC702LP6CE can be combined with many of Hittite's MMIC VCOs to create compact, state of the art PLL Synthesizer/VCOs.

For lower frequency applications, the HMC701LP6CE accepts VCO input frequencies from 100 kHz to 8 GHz (7 GHz Fractional), and is also housed in a footprint compatible 6x6 mm SMT Package.

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. Released data sheets are available on-line at www.hittite.com.