Active bias controller die has high current

Ideal for amplifier power management and control in cellular infrastructure, microwave and millimeter-wave communications, fiber-optic, consumer, military, space, and test equipment applications, the HMC980 high-current, active-bias controller die offers a significant PCB area reduction by integrating negative voltage generator, automatic gate adjustment and power-up sequencing circuit blocks in a single monolithic device. The part can automatically adjust an amplifier’s gate voltage to achieve a constant bias current over part-to-part and temperature variations.

This auto-gate bias adjustment provides a significant advantage compared with discrete-based solutions since it eliminates manual calibration. It is designed to control amplifiers operating in Class A mode with bias currents up to 1.6 A and supply voltages from 5 to 16.5 V. In addition, the die occupies less than 3.2 mm2 of circuit area, requires a minimal number of external components, and incorporates an optional current alarm feature. It is also available in a 4 x 4-mm QFN plastic package as the HMC980LP4E. ($40.20 ea/10-99 — available now.)

By Christina Nickolas

Hittite Microwave , Chelmsford , MA
Sales 978-250-3343

www.hittite.com