Hittite Microwave Corp., a supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication and military markets, has introduced the first product in their new limiting amplifier product line. The HMC750LP4E limiting amplifier is designed to support data transmission rates up to 12.5 Gbps and can operate over a wide range of input voltage levels while providing a constant-level differential output voltage swing. Ideal for meeting the rigorous requirements of OC-192 receivers, 10 Gbps ethernet and fiber channel receivers, the HMC750LP4E also functions well in broadband test and measurement applications.
The HMC750LP4E features 44 dB of differential gain and a 3 dB bandwidth of 11 GHz, making it ideal for use as a general purpose broadband amplifier. The amplifier also features an output level control pin, which permits adjustments to compensate for cable losses or to optimize signal levels. Input signals greater than 3 mV pp may be amplified to the fully saturated 880 mV pp differential signal level. Ideal for use as a post amplifier in OC-192 and STM-64 optical receivers, the HMC750LP4E features very low RMS jitter degradation of 0.2 ps, and very fast rise and fall times of 23 and 21 ps respectively. The HMC750LP4E also features 2 mV pp of input sensitivity, which enables the device to be used at the output of a Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA), such as Hittite’s recently released HMC690.
The HMC750LP4E also features an integrated DC offset cancellation loop that automatically adjusts the output offset of the device to 0 V. This feature is a significant advantage compared with other limiting amplifiers, since these devices must accommodate offset cancellation with two additional external DC control points.
All single-ended input signals to the HMC750LP4E are terminated with 50 Ohms to +5 V on-chip, and may be either AC or DC coupled. The outputs of the amplifier support single-ended or differential operation, and may be connected directly to a 50 Ohm terminated system referenced to +5 V; DC blocking capacitors may be used if the terminating system is 50 Ohms to a non +5 V supply. HMC750LP4E is specified for operation from -40° to +85°C, operates from a single +5 V supply, and is housed in a plastic RoHS compliant 4x4 mm SMT package.
