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HMMC-1015 DC–50 GHz Variable Attenuator

Data Sheets

Description

The HMMC-1015 is a monolithic, voltage variable, GaAs IC attenuator that operates from DC to 50 GHz. The distributed topology of the HMMC‑1015 minimizes the parasitic effects of its series and shunt FETs, allowing the HMMC-1015 to exhibit a wide dynamic range across its full bandwidth. An on‑chip DC reference circuit may be used to maintain optimum VSWR for any attenuation setting or to improve the attenuation versus voltage linearity of the attenuator circuit.

Applications

The HMMC-1015 is designed to be used as a gain control block in an ALC assembly. Because of its wide dynamic range and return loss performance, the HMMC-1015 may also be used as a broadband pulse modulator or single‑pole single‑throw, non‑reflective switch.

Operation

The attenuation value of the HMMC‑1002 is adjusted by applying negative voltage to V2. At any attenuation setting, optimum VSWR is obtained by applying negative voltage to V1. Applying negative voltage (V2) to the gates of the shunt FETs sets the source‑to‑drain resistance and establishes the attenuation level. Applying negative voltage (V1) to the gates of the series FETs optimizes the input and output match for different attenuation settings. In some applications, a single setting of V1 may provide sufficient input and output match over the desired attenuation range (V2). For any HMMC-1015 the values of V1 may be adjusted so that the device attenuation versus voltage is monotonic for both V1 and V2; however, this will slightly degrade the input and output return loss.

The attenuation and input/output match of the HMMC-1015 may also be controlled using only a single input voltage by utilizing the on‑chip DC reference circuit and the driver circuit shown in Figure 4. This circuit optimizes VSWR for any attenuation setting. Because of process variations, the values of VREF, RREF, and RL are different for each wafer if optimum performance is required. Typical values for these elements are given. The ratio of the resistors R1 and R2 determines the sensitivity of the attenuation versus voltage performance of the attenuator. For more information on the performance of the HMMC-1015 and the driver circuits previously mentioned, see WPTC’s Application Note, HMMC-1021 Attenuator: Attenuation Control, literature number 5991-3555EN. For more S‑parameter information, see WPTC’s Application Note, HMMC-1015 Attenuator: S‑Parameters, literature number 5991-3556EN.

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