Hittite Introduces New Wideband Fixed Attenuator Product Line

Chelmsford, MA 10/26/07 - Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, announces a new family of passive wideband fixed attenuator pads in die format that operate in the DC to 50 GHz frequency band. These innovative fixed attenuator chips are an ideal choice for use in a wide range of applications including microwave radio, military and space hybrid circuits, fiber optics, scientific instruments and general engineering prototypes.

The HMC650, HMC651, HMC652, HMC653, HMC654, HMC655, HMC656, HMC657and HMC658are a line of wideband fixed value 50 Ohm matched attenuator chips which offer relative attenuation levels of 0, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15 and 20 dB respectively. The HMC650and HMC651are through-line products with 0 dB of attenuation and lengths of 20 and 26 mils respectively, allowing designers the freedom to mechanically interchange 0 dB attenuation pads with any other pad within the hybrid design. The HMC650is interchangeable with HMC652, HMC653, HMC654, HMC655, HMC656, HMC657while the HMC651is interchangeable with the HMC658.

All of these wideband fixed attenuators can handle up to +25 dBm of RF input power, maintain excellent attenuation accuracy, and exhibit better than 15 dB return loss over the DC to 50 GHz frequency range. These passive through lines and attenuators are backside metallized with gold, and are suitable for eutectic or epoxy die attach. Ideal for microstrip, hybrid and multi-chip module applications where extremely flat attenuation and excellent VSWR versus frequency are required, these devices feature low inductance on-chip vias, and require no additional ground connections.

The HMC650, HMC651, HMC652, HMC653, HMC654, HMC655, HMC656, HMC657and HMC658may be purchased individually by their respective part number. Packaged versions of these fixed attenuator products will be introduced in the coming months. Individual die product samples 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.