MMIC Amplifiers
Product Line Overview

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PRODUCT GUIDE

17 	SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS& PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES3

INTRODUCTION

4MMIC AMPLIFIER FAMILIES

5

SELECTED APPLICATIONS

6LOW NOISE
PGA, PMA, PSA

7

LOW NOISE BYPASSTSS8LOW NOISE TRANSISTOR
SAV, TAV

23 	COMPANION PRODUCTS AND
OTHER RESOURCES

9LOW NOISE MODULES
RAMP, TAMP, YSF

10 UAL MATCHEDD
MERA, MGVA, MPGA, PHA-11/22

11

MEDIUM POWER
GVA, MGVA-91/92+

12

WIDEBAND MICROWAVE
GVA, AVA, AVM

13

WIDEBAND FIXED CURRENT
ERA, LEE, GALI

14

HI-REL CERAMIC
CMA

15

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
HXG, PHA, LHA, HELA16

DIGITAL VARIABLE GAIN
DVGA

18-19 CIRCUIT ARCHITECTURES20

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY

21

STRINGENT QUALIFICATION22ADVANCED PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

24 MODEL SEARCH AND				 WORLD WIDE TECH SUPPORT

Avago ATF Series amplifiers is a trademark of Avago Technologies.
X-Parameters is a registered trademark of Agilent Technologies. All other trademarks citedin this publication are the property of their respective owners. Neither Mini-Circuits nor
Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifiers are affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by the ownersof the above referenced trademarks. Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registeredtrademarks of Scientific Components Corporation.

MINI-CIRCUITSMMIC AMPLIFIERSCONTENTSINTRODUCTION
Over 170 Models from DC to 26.5 GHz
With over 170 different MMIC amplifier models covering frequency
bands from DC to 26.5 GHz, chances are Mini-Circuits has yourapplication covered. Utilizing GaAs semiconductor materials and PHEMT
and InGaP HBT process technologies, our designs offer a very wide
variety of performance characteristics to meet your needs including
low noise, flat gain, ultra-wideband, digital variable gain, and more. Withpackages as small as 0.08 x 0.05", our amplifiers can satisfy extremely
tight space requirements, and our ultra-reliable, hermetically sealed
ceramic designs stand up to the most extreme operating conditions.
This guide will provide you with a complete overview of our MMIC
amplifier product line and also highlight some of the key differencesin design approach between Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifiers and typical
products on the market. As one of the few suppliers in the industry
who own and manage their own packaging facilities,
Mini-Circuits is able to provide the highest quality, most consistent,
and most reliable products to our customers.
From here, we invite you to visit minicircuits.com and use Yoni2, ourpatented search engine that lets you search our entire engineering
database by performance criteria to find the models that meet yourrequirements. You’ll also find complete specs for individual models,
free samples of selected products, high accuracy simulation models,and everything you need to make an informed decision about theright amplifier for your needs.
We’re always here to support you. Get in touch with our applications
team to discuss any questions or special requirements you might have.
We hope this product guide provides a helpful reference for your work,
and we thank you for your interest in Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifiers!

Sincerely© Mini-Circuits 2015. All rights reserved.

Harvey Kaylie
Mini-Circuits CEO and FounderContact: Mini-Circuits Applications
Email: apps@minicircuits.com

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MMIC AMPLIFIERS

MMIC AMPLIFIER FAMILIESLow Noise
40 to 6000 MHz
Model Series: PGA, PMA, PSA
Low Noise Bypass
500 to 5000 MHz
Model Series: TSS
Low Noise Transistor
450 to 6000 MHz
Model Series: SAV, TAV
Low Noise Modules
50 to 3800 MHz
Model Series: RAMP, TAMP, YSF
Dual Matched
for Push-Pull Applications
DC to 4000 MHz
Model Series: MERA, MGVA,
MPGA, PHA-11/22
Medium Power869 to 2170 MHz
Model Series: GVA

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Wideband Microwave
DC to 26.5 GHz
Model Series: GVA, AVA, AVM
Wideband Fixed Current
DC to 8000 MHz
Model Series: ERA, LEE, GALIHi-Rel Ceramic
10 to 6000 MHz
Model Series: CMA
High Dynamic Range
5 to 6000 MHz
Model Series: HXG, PHA, LHA, HELA
Digital Variable Gain
50 to 3000 MHz
Model Series: DVGASELECTED APPLICATIONS▶ Point to Point Radio▶ SATCOM▶ Cellular▶ Portable Wireless
▶ PCS
▶ LTE
▶ WiMAX▶ GPS▶ Wireless Base Station Systems▶ UHF/VHF▶ CATV▶ Multi-Band Receivers▶ Test and Measurement▶ Instrumentation▶ Military EW▶ Avionics Systems▶ Radar▶ Isolation Amplifiers▶ Balanced Amplifiers▶ Optical Networks▶ And More!

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5

MMIC AMPLIFIERS

LOW NOISE

PGA/PMA/PSA

TSS

40 to 6000 MHz

500 to 5000 MHz

Overview
Ranging from 40 to 6000 MHz, Mini-Circuits’ low noise MMIC amplifier model families
provide noise figures as low as 0.38 dB, making them ideal for sensitive receiver applications.
Our selection provides various combinations of gain, P1dB, IP3, power consumption andsize to meet a wide range of system requirements.

Overview
Mini-Circuits’ low noise bypass amplifier TSS-53LNB+ features an internal switchable
bypass circuit to protect the LNA in the presence of high power signals, minimize noise
distortion and extend the usable dynamic range up to +48 dBm in bypass mode.
It provides very flat gain from 500 MHz to 5 GHz and comes housed in a tiny 3x3mm
MCLP package with very low operating power requirements.

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

PGA

PMA

Model Family

PSA

TSS

Characterization Test Circuit

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.06"
Voltage, 3 – 5V
Current, 60 – 116mA
50 & 75Ω

3 x 3 x 0.89 mm
Voltage, 3 – 5V
Current, 20 – 158mA

0.05 x 0.09 x 0.04"
Voltage, 3 – 5V
Current, 20 – 80mA

3 x 3 x 0.89 mm
Voltage, 5V, Current, 82mA
( In Thru Mode )Internal Bypass Switch
for Large Signals

FeaturesFeaturesFeaturesFeatures• 40-6000 MHz• 50-6000 MHz• 50-6000 MHz• Gain up to 39 dB• Gain up to 20 dB• 500 – 5000 MHz• Gain up to 26.5 dB• P1dB up to +23.2 dBm• P1dB up to +22.6 dBm• P1dB up to +22 dBm• IP3 up to +45 dBm• IP3 up to +40 dBm• IP3 up to +36.8 dBm• NF as low as 0.5 dB• NF as low as 0.38 dB• NF as low as 0.75 dB• F min as low as 0.25 dB*• Gain up to 22.8 dB• ±0.7 dB flatness over

700-2100 MHz• P1dB up to +21 dBm

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages• +48 dBm IP3 in bypass mode

PGA models are ideal foruse in driver amplifiers forcomplex waveform
up-converter paths, drivers
in linearized transit systems,
and secondary amplifiers inultra-high dynamic range
receivers. 75Ω Models coverprimary CATV applications,
including GPON, MOCA,
and DBS.

Combining low noise andhigh IP3, PMA-series amplifiers
provide the advantages ofboth sensitivity and two-tone
spur-free dynamic range, alongwith on-chip active bias circuits,
making them ideal for use in
low noise Receiver Front End,among other applications.

Mini-Circuits’ PSA-series
amplifiers are designed
specifically for applications
which require linear
performance, particularly
wideband, advanced digitalcommunications systems
such as LTE as well as critical
IF amplifier applications.

• NF as low as 1.2 dBmatch possible. Refer to Application Note AN60-040 on our website.

Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 ISO 14001 AS 9100®

See data sheet for details.

• +34 dBm IP3 in thru mode

*Defined as minimum noise figure when amplifier load is optimized for the best complex

6

LOW NOISE BYPASS

Advantages

It’s outstanding combination of
performance characteristics makes
the TSS-53LNB+ a candidate
for many high-performance
applications such as wireless basestation receivers and test andmeasurement systems. In addition,it’s flat gain over very wide frequency
range supports broadband andmulti-band usage, ideal for carrier
aggregation in LTE-Advanced( LTE-A ) systems, for example.

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7LOW NOISE MODULES

Overview
To allow designers the flexibility to develop their own bias and matching circuits to meettheir specific application requirements, Mini-Circuits offers a selection of tiny surface mounttransistors with ultra-low noise, high IP3 and wide bandwidth to use in a variety of Low Noise
Amplifier designs. Manufactured using PHEMT technology, these models operate on a single
positive supply voltage with a range of current consumption ratings. They’re available fromstock in both leaded and leadless packages for low cost. Covering frequencies from 450
to 6000 MHz, they offer versatile solutions for many applications including cellular, telecom,
instrumentation and other wideband applications.

Overview
To simplify circuit design and provide turnkey solutions for ensuring low systemsensitivity in demanding applications, Mini-Circuits offers a variety of low noise
amplifier modules with integrated bias, matching and stability circuits in asingle package. These models achieve outstanding noise figure performancewith various combinations of gain, dynamic range and output power to meetyour requirements for applications from 50 to 3800 MHz.

MMIC AMPLIFIERS

LOW NOISE TRANSISTOR
450 to 6000 MHz 50 Ω

Model Family

50 to 3800 MHz

Model Family

Model Family

SAV

TAV

Simplified
Schematic

RAMP

Model Family

TAMP

Model Family

YSF

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.18"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 70mA

0.59 x 0.39 x 0.12"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 20 – 120mA

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 118mA

FeaturesFeaturesFeatures• 50 – 3000 MHz• 400-3600 MHz• 800 – 3800 MHz• Gainup to 22 dB• P1dB up to +16.5 dBm• IP3 up to +30 dBm• NF as low as 1.1 dB• Gain up to 35 dB• NF as low as 0.55 dB• P1dB

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

TAV-series models
come housed in atiny leadless packagewith exposed metal
pad on the bottom
for superior
heat dissipation.

Mini-Circuits’ RAMP-33LN+
utilizes advanced PHEMT
technology to achieve low
noise and high IP3 over thefull bandwidth from 50 to 3000
MHz, supporting a wide variety of applications requiring
moderate output power andlow distortion. 1.1 dB noise
figure enables low sensitivity
for receiver applications, while+30 dBm IP3 performance can
improve spurious free dynamic
range. It comes housed in arugged metal case providing
excellent shielding fromnearby circuitry.

The TAMP-series of LNA modules
provides a variety of models
with different combinationsof low noise, gain, IP3 andoutput power to meet yoursystem requirements. They
provide excellent input andoutput matching without any
external elements and comehoused in metal packages
providing ruggedness andshielding.

With models providing
gain up to 20 dB andas flat as ±0.2 dB, theYSF family is ideal forany application whereconsistent performanceacross frequency
is a critical requirement.
Housed in a Mini-Circuits
System in Package™
(MSiP), these models
come with integrated
matching, bias, and DC
blocking all in a single
5x6mm case.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.04"
Voltage, 3V
Current, 15 – 60mA

3 x 3 x 0.89 mm
Voltage, 3V
Current, 15 – 60mA

FeaturesFeatures• 450 – 6000 MHz• 450 – 6000 MHz• Gain up to 23.2 dB• Gain• P1dB

up to +19.2 dBm
up to +33 dBm• Ultra low NF as low as 0.5 dB• F min as low as 0.14 dB• P1dB up to +19.1 dBm• IP3• IP3 up to +33 dBm

Advantages

Mini-Circuits SAV-series low
noise transistor amplifiermodels come packaged ina tiny SOT-343 (SC-70) styleleaded package and may be
used as a replacement for
Avago ATF-series models a,b .
ADS models available.

up to 23.8 dB

Recommended Application
Active Bias Circuit• NF as low as 0.5 dB

See data sheet for details.

* For band specific, drop-in modules, and as an alternative to designing circuits, please refer to Mini-Circuits
TAMP- and RAMP-series models which are based on SAV/TAV PHEMTs and include all DC blocking, bias,
matching and stabilization circuitry, without the need for any external components.
a. Suitability for model replacement within a particular system must be determined by and is solely the responsibilityof the customer based on, among other things, electrical performance criteria, stimulus conditions, application,compatibility with other components and environmental conditions and stresses.

• P1dB up to +21.5 dBm• IP3 up to +36 dBm• Gain
up to 20 dB• Ultra-flatgain

as flat as ±0.2 dB
up to +20.5 dBm• IP3 up to +37 dBm• NF as low as 2.5 dB

b. A vago ATF-series is used for identification and comparison purposes only.

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9MEDIUM POWER

Overview
Mini-Circuits offers a broad selection of dual-matched MMIC amplifiers for use in balanced andpush-pull amplifier applications. These models include two well-matched dice in a single package
making them excellent solutions for suppression of unwanted second harmonics and to achieve
very high dynamic range. With designs based on both InGaP HBT and PHEMT technologies,
our selection offers a variety of performance features for different needs.

Overview
For applications requiring high output power and high Power Added Efficiency (PAE), Mini-Circuits’
GVA-91+ and GVA-92+ amplifiers are capable of delivering 1W and ½ W output power, respectively,
and PAE up to 50%. These models employ matching circuits for targeted application bands.
Mini-Circuits has also developed a design using two matched GVA-91+ and -92+ dice in balanced
configuration enabling outstanding amplifier performance up to 1W over octave bands from 90
up to 4500 MHz and providing medium power capability for a range of wideband applications.

MMIC AMPLIFIERS

DUAL MATCHED

869 to 2170 MHz

DC to 4000 MHz

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

MERA

MGVA

MPGA

PHA-11/22

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 4.8 – 4.9V
Current, 65 – 80mA

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 69 – 82mA

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 63mA

FeaturesFeatures• DC - 4000 MHz• 40-3000 MHz• Gain up to 25 dB• Gainup to 21.4 dB• P1dB up to +19.6 dBm• IP3 up to +38 dBm• NF as low as 3.6 dB• P1dB up to +19 dBm• IP3

up to +35 dBm• NF as low as 2.7 dB

Model Family

GVA-91/92+

MGVA-91/92+

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 146mA

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.06"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 147mA

6 x 4.9 x 0.9 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 290mA

FeaturesFeaturesFeaturesFeatures• 40 - 3000 MHz• 50 - 3000 MHz• 869/2170 MHz• Balanced design• Gain up to 14.4 dB• Gain up to 16 dB• Gain up to 21.2 dB• Octave bands, 90- 4500 MHz• ±0.5dB Flatness from

• P1dB up to +22 dBm• P1dB up to +29.5 dBm• Gain up to 20 dB

100 – 2000 MHz• P1dB up to +21 dBm• IP3 up to + 37.8 dBm• NF as low as 1.9 dB• IP3 up to + 41.5 dBm• P3dB up to +30.6 dBm• P1dB up to +28 dBm• High IP2, up to +78 dBm• IP3 up to +43.6 dBm• P3dB up to 1W• NF as low as 1.9 dB• PAE up to 50%• IP3 up to +43 dBm

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Based on InGaPHBT technology,
MERA-series amplifiers
offer bandwidths aswide as DC to 4000
MHz with high gain,high dynamic range
and good gain flatness,
supporting applications
from UHF/VHF
to cellular and more.

Utilizing InGaPHBT technology,
MGVA-series models
provide high dynamic
range and good gain
flatness over the 40
to 3000 MHz band.
They support 50 and
75Ω applications
including Satcom,
optical networks,
CATV and more.

Fabricated using
PHEMT technology,
MPGA amplifiers are
an ideal choice forapplications where low
noise figure is a criticalrequirement. They offer
excellent gain flatness,and very high dynamic
range for applications
including Satcom,
optical networks, basestation infrastructure
and more.

Mini-Circuits’ PHA-11+
and PHA-22+ dual
matched amplifiermodels are ideal for
ultra-high dynamic
range applications
and are usable in both
50 and 75Ω systems
such as CATV, FTTH
and more.

With high Power Added
Efficiency, GVA power
amplifiers deliver highoutput power with low
DC power consumption.
They come housed in
an industry standard
SOT-89 package withvery good thermal
performance andexcellent repeatability
from lot to lot.

Utilizing two wellmatched dice inbalanced configuration,
MGVA series models
achieve output power
up to 1W over wideband
with excellent input andoutput return loss throughuse of 90˚ hybrids. They
offer high IP3 performanceand come in a thermallyefficient package forhigh reliability.

Balanced
Configuration
Balanced
Configuration

90˚

90˚

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Configuration
Push Push-Pull
Pull Configuration

180˚

180˚

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11WIDEBAND FIXED CURRENT

Overview
Covering applications from DC up to 26.5 GHz, our selection of wideband fixed voltage MMIC
amplifiers covers an extremely wide range of applications from DC to 26.5 GHz. With a variety
of models offering different performance features including flat gain, high linearity, and output
power up to 1/2W, chances are we have a model that meets your requirements. They all
operate on a single +5V supply and come in packages as small as 3x3mm.

Overview
To support systems where constant current is a requirement, Mini-Circuits offers over 60 fixed current
MMIC amplifier models off the shelf with wideband performance in a variety of case styles. Covering
applications from DC to 8000 MHz with a range of performance characteristics to meet different
system needs, these models make excellent solutions for replacements in legacy systems and any
design operating on fixed current power supply.

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.06"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 52 – 108mA

3 x 3 x 0.89 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 131mA

5 x 5 x 1 mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 559mA

0.06 x 0.18 dia."
Voltage, 3.2 – 5V
Current, 35 – 70mA

3 x 3 x 0.89 mm
Voltage, 3.5 – 4.9V
Current, 35 – 65mA

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.06"
Voltage, 3.3 – 5.8V
Current, 16 – 100mA

FeaturesFeaturesFeaturesFeaturesFeatures• 5 – 18 GHz

Features• DC – 12000 MHz• 13 – 26.5 GHz• Gain up to 24 dB• Gain• Gain up to 14 dB• DC – 8000 MHz• DC-8000 MHz• DC-8000 MHz• Gainup to 24.4 dB• P1dB up to +18.4 dBm• IP3 up to +36.5 dBm• NF as low as 2.2 dB• Gainup to 20.8 dB
up to +17.3 dBm• IP3 up to +33 dBm• NF as low as 2.4 dB• Gain• P1dB• P1dB

MMIC AMPLIFIERSWIDEBAND MICROWAVE

DC to 8000 MHz

DC to 26.5 GHz

GVA

AVA

• P1dB

up to +20.5 dBm• IP3 up to +42 dBm• NF as low as 3.7 dB

up to 14.7 dB,• P1dB up to +19 dBm• IP3 up to +27 dBm• NF as low as 4.3 dB• Excellent isolation, 37 dB

AVM• Excellent flatness, ± 1 dB
• P1dB up to +27 dBm• IP3 up to +32.1 dBm• NF as low as 7.5 dB

ERA

LEE

GALI

up to 25.6 dB
up to +21.9 dBm• IP3 up to +38 dBm• NF as low as 2.4 dB• Excellent directivity, 43 dB

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Advantages

Mini-Circuits’ GVA-series
amplifiers provide wideband
performance* with excellent
gain flatness and high dynamic
range, making them suitable
candidates for wideband
applications such as advanced
digital communications
systems and LTE.

High reverse isolation makes
the AVA-183A+ an ideal choice
for buffering broadband circuits.
It is an ideal LO driver amplifierand provides designers system
flexibility and margin when
integrating cascaded RF
components. This model
integrates the entire matching
network and the majority ofthe bias circuit inside thepackage, eliminating the needfor complicated external circuits.

Model AVM-273-HPK+
supports many applications
from 13 to 26.5 GHz withup to 0.5W RF output power.
Gain flatness of ±1.0 dB and 58
dB isolation make it an excellent
wideband buffer amplifier in P2P
radios, military EW and radar,
DBS, VSAT and more! Voltage
sequencing and DC control
module (included) provides thecorrect voltage sequence,
simplifying circuit designs.

Mini-Circuits’ ERA-series
amplifiers cover applications
from DC up to 8 GHz.
They are unconditionallystable, transient protected
and come enclosed in a
Micro-X package withexcellent thermal stability.

LEE-series amplifiers
provide super-flat output
power across wideband,making them versatile for awide variety of applications.
The 3x3mm MCLP molded
plastic package features
an exposed metal padon the bottom allowing
excellent heat dissipationand low inductance.

With 24 models offering avariety of combinations ofgain, P1dB, noise figure,IP3 and very low DC current,
these wideband gain blocks
are designed into a SOT-89
package providing low
thermal resistance, excellent
repeatability and high reliability.

* GVA-91+ and GVA-92+ specified from 869 to 2170 MHz; application circuits for different bandwidths available.

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HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

Overview
Mini-Circuits’ CMA-series ceramic MMIC amplifiers offer ultra-low noise, high IP3, high gain,
and outstanding flatness in a tiny ( 3 x 3 x 1.14mm) ceramic, hermetically sealed package.
Performance qualified to meet MIL requirements for gross leak, fine leak, thermal shock,mechanical shock, vibration, acceleration, and HTOL, these amplifiers provide ultra-highreliability in extreme operating environments.

Overview
Mini-Circuits’ high dynamic range amplifiers deliver industry-leading dynamic range with
OIP3 performance as high as +48 dBm. This translates into extremely linear performance inmulti-carrier and complex signal environments. Supporting both 50 and 75Ω systems with arange of supply voltages, these models provide outstanding combinations of intercept point
and power consumption for low cost compared to similar products on the market.

MMIC AMPLIFIERS

HI-REL CERAMIC

5 to 6000 MHz

10 to 6000 MHz

Model Family

CMA

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.05"
Voltage, 3 – 5V
Current, 55 – 158mA

ULTRA REL®

Test Description

Test Method / Process

Results

Hermeticity(fine and gross leak)

MIL-STD-202 Method 112,
Cond. C & D

PASS

Acceleration
30K, Y1 Direction

MIL-STD-883 Method
2001, Cond. E

PASS

Vibration
10 – 2000 Hz sine,

MIL-STD-202 Method
204, Cond. D

PASSMechanical shock

MIL-STD-202 Method 213
Cond. APASS

PIND
20G’s @ 130 Hz

MIL-STD-750 Method2052.2PASS

Temp Cycle
55C/+125C, 1000 cycles

MIL-STD-202 Method 107

PASS

Autoclave
121C, RH 100%,JESD22-A102C

PASS

HTOL
1000 hrs., 105C at rated

MIL-STD-202 Method
108, Cond. D

PASS

Bend Test
1000 hrs., 105C at rated

MIL-STD-202 Method 108,
Cond. D

PASS

Resistanceto soldering heat,
3x reflow, 260C peak

JESD22-B102

PASS

Drop Test

JESD22-B111

PASS

Adhesion Strength

Push Test>10 lb

PASS

Features• 10 – 6000 MHz• Gainup to 31.8 dB• P1dB up to +23.3 dBm• IP3 up to +36.5 dBm• NF as low as 0.5 dB
Advantages

A variety of CMA models
offers a range of performance
attributes to meet yoursystem requirements.
Spanning frequencies from10 to 6000 MHz they support
popular application bands
including PCS, LTE, WiMAX,
satellite IF, and more. CMA
amplifiers are bonded to a
multilayer LTCC substrate andthen hermetically sealed,resulting in low inductance,
repeatable performance, andexcellent reliability.

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14Model Family

Model Family

Model Family

PHA

LHA

0.25 x 0.27 x 0.09"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 144mA

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.06"
Voltage, 5V
Current, 146mA

3 x 3 x 0.9mm
Voltage, 5V
Current, 146mA

0.30 x 0.40 x 0.10"
Voltage, 12V
Current, 525mA
50 & 75Ω

FeaturesFeaturesFeaturesFeatures• 500 – 2400 MHz• 50 – 6000 MHz• 50 – 6000 MHz• Gainup to 15.3 dB• P1dB up to +23 dBm• IP3 up to +46.5 dBm• NF as low as 2.2 dB• Gain• Gain up to 16 dB• NF as low as 1.8 dB

5 – 1000 MHz
Gain up to 12 dB• P1dB up to +30 dBm• IP3 up to +48 dBm• NF as low as 3.5 dB

Advantages

Advantages

Advantaes

Advantages

HXG-series amplifiers
provide the unique
combination of very highIP3 and surprisingly low
noise performance,
making them usable as
output stage amplifiers
and also in receiver front
end circuitry. Mini-Circuits
System in Package®
(MSiP) technology
integrates the matching
networks with the amplifier
in a single, tiny ceramic
package, eliminating theneed for external matchingcomponents.

Mini-Circuits PHA-seriesmodels deliver very highIP3 across wide frequency
range without the needfor external matchingcomponents. Industry-leading
IP3 performance combinedwith low power consumption
makes these amplifiers ideal
for use in driver amplifiers
for complex waveform
up-converter paths, drivers
in linearized transmit systems,
and secondary amplifiers
in ultra-high dynamic
range receivers.

The LHA-1+ provides
ultra-high dynamic range
with industry leading IP3
performance and low noiseover wideband, supportinga wide variety of applications.
This model comes housed
in a 3 x 3mm MCLP packagewith good heat dissipationand low parasitics.

HELA-series amplifiers
are excellent low-cost
solutions for reducing
intermodulation products
in complex, multiple
carrier environments
such as CATV. Usable
in both 50 and 75Ω
systems, HELA amplifiers
incorporate a pair ofamplifiers to provide very
high IP3 performance,comparable to that offeed-forward amplifiers,
but at significantly
lower cost.

HXG

up to 17.2 dB• P1dB up to +22 dBm• IP3 up to +42 dBm• NF as low as 1.8 dB• P1dB up to +22.9 dBm• IP3 up to +40 dBm

Model Family

HELA

•
•

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MMIC AMPLIFIERS

DIGITAL VARIABLE GAIN
50 to 3000 MHz
Overview
Mini-Circuits’ DVGA-series digitally controlled variable gain amplifiers integrate an amplifier
with a digital step attenuator in a single, 5 x 5mm package. They provide gain as high as
30 dB and 31.5 dB gain control in 0.5 dB steps using 6-bit serial or parallel control interfaces.
The step attenuators used in DVGA amplifiers are produced using a unique combination
CMOS process on silicon, offering the performance of GaAs with the advantages of
conventional CMOS devices. They are immune to latch-up and provide ±0.1 dB attenuation
accuracy enabling very precise gain control.

Model Family

DVGA

SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS&PROCESS TECHNOLOGIESOverview of Semiconductor Materials: GaAs
Material
Electron Mobility (cm2/Vs)
Peak Drift Velocity (107 cm/s)
Band Gap (eV)Frequency Range (GHz)
Gain
Noise Figure
Production Maturity

GaAs
5,500 – 7,000
1.6 – 2.3
1.4
>75
HigherGood
6” Wafer

Multiple Configurations Available
Why GaAs?
• High electron mobility enables high frequencies and fast switching performance• Intrinsic GaAs is semi-insulating, making it an ideal substrate for stripline and high Q passives• Large band gap (1.4 eV) enables higher power operation

5 x 5 x 1 mm
Voltage, 3-5V
Current, 71 – 159mA
Features•R adiation hardness means GaAs is well accepted for both space and military applications• Commercial availability in 6” wafer makes it suitable for mass production•G aAs is widely accepted as the superior technology for the productionof high-frequency, high power and low noise products• 50 - 3000 MHz• Gainup to 29.5 dB• 31.5 dB gain control(0.5 dB steps)• P1dB up to +23.2 dBm• IP3 up to +35.7 dBm• NF as low as 3.1 dB

GaAs PHEMT

GaAs InGaP HBT

0.5/0.25./0.15µm
E-mode and D-mode

2 /1µmAdvantages

Products

Products

Combining medium and highgain with a wide range of gain
control makes DVGA models
ideal building blocks for any RF
chain where level setting control
is required in a small space.

• Low noise amplifiers• High linearity gain block• Distributed amplifiers• mmWave power amplifiers• High linearity gain block• Power amplifiers <6 GHz

FeaturesFeatures• High transition frequency (Ft)
• Low noise up to mmWave• E-Mode (single supply)• High linearity• High power density• Great power and efficiency• Low standby current• May operate as low as 1.2V

• High current gain
• High power density• Single supply• Consistent product performance• Proven technology for gain block andmedium power amplifiers.

Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 ISO 14001 AS 9100®

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Overview of Process Technologies

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17

MMIC AMPLIFIERSCIRCUIT ARCHITECTURES
Our MMIC amplifier designs employ a range of different circuit topologies togive our customers a wide variety of choices to meet their system requirements.
Whether the goal is to achieve wideband performance, high dynamic range,
ultra-low noise or other critical performance characteristics, the right circuitarchitecture allows our design engineers to strike the ideal balance ofparameters for your needs.

Darlington
Features• High current gain (β)• Superior IP3 bandwidth• Flat gain
• Great impedance match
Applications• IF gain block• Multi-purpose driver amplifiersDistributed
Features• Broadband performance• Good impedance match• Flat gain
• Excellent isolation
Applications• Radars• Point to point radio• Test instruments

CascodeFeatures• Improves input-output isolation• Reduces the Miller effect• Wide bandwidth• High gain
• High output impedance• High supply voltage• High IP3Applications• Low noise amplifiersMini-Circuits ISO 9001 ISO 14001 AS 9100®

18

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19

STRINGENT QUALIFICATION

Active Biasing

Comprehensive Test and Characterization

As changes in temperature can cause changes
in amplifier characteristics, temperature stability
is mandatory to maintain the performance of
the amplifier. Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifier
designs utilize an active biasing circuit consistingof components that have the same temperature
characteristics as the amplifier to improve
temperature stability. RF signals are isolated
from the active biasing circuit, preventing
degradation in RF performance.

Mini-Circuits uses state-of-the art RF measurement
equipment to characterize and qualify our
MMIC amplifier designs. Characterization andqualification testing such as S-parameter testing,power testing, noise figure testing, IP3 testing, andload and source pull testing allow our designers
to validate every amplifier design’s performanceand provide comprehensive performance
analysis for each model.

MMIC AMPLIFIERSQUALITY AND RELIABILITY• S-parameter test
• Power test
• Noise figure test
• IP3 test
• Load / source pull test

Protection Circuitry
ESD Protection Circuit
Designed-in ESD protection
circuitry provides an alternate,low-resistance path for ESD,
reducing current flow to
the critical circuit, andimproving ESD survivability
and product reliability.

Diode String
Power Clamp Circuit

Transient Current Protection Circuit
Voltage spikes may cause permanent
damage to MMIC amplifiers. Built-in transientcurrent protection circuitry prevents damage
caused by voltage spikes without degrading
the amplifier’s RF performance.

Junction Temperature Measurement

We also measure and monitor MMIC amplifier junction
temperature using embedded temperature sensing diodes
near the transistor junction on every design andevery production wafer to ensure we provide
the highest quality and reliability in our amplifiers.
Temperature Sensing Diodenear Transistor Junction

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Our amplifiers undergo extensive and stringent qualification testing to ensure every unit
delivers the quality you expect and reliability you can count on.
Protection
Circuit

Test

Standard

High Temperature Operating Life Test ( HTOL )JEDEC Standard, JESD22A-108

Moisture Sensitivity Test (Level 1)

JEDEC Standard, J-STD-020

Temperature Cycle Test

MIL-STD-883, Method 1010

Autoclave Test

JEDEC Standard, JESD22-A102

High Temperature Storage Test

JEDEC Standard, JESD22-A103

Scanning Acoustic Microscope Test

JEDEC Standard, J-STD-020C

Humidity Test

MIL-STD-202F Method 103B

Solderability Test

JEDEC Standard, JESD22-B102

Lead Integrity Test

MIL-STD-883, Method 2004

Whisker Growth Test

JEDEC Standard, JESD22-A121

ESD Sensitivity Test

ANSI/ESD-STM5.1-2007(HBM) STM5.2-1999 (MM)www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, NY 11235-0003 (718) 934-4500 sales@minicircuits.com

21

COMPANION PRODUCTS and OTHER RESOURCES

Thermal Management

Companion Products

MMIC AMPLIFIERS

ADVANCED PACKAGING TECHNOLOGYAt Mini-Circuits, we know temperature
has a direct impact on the operating
performance and reliability of amplifiers.
During material selection, we use moldcompound, lead frame materials andpackage designs with excellent heatdissipation properties that improve productperformance and long-term reliability.

90˚ Hybrids
Thermal Conductivity (W/m° K)
Material

Mini-Circuits

Competitors

Mold
Compound

1.5

0.88

Conductive
Epoxy

45

2.5

• 5 to 8000 MHz• Power handling up to 15W• Low
phase and amplitude unbalance• LTCC packages as small as 0805

Baluns• 4 kHz to 18 GHz• LTCC packages as small as 0805
• Insertion
loss as low as 0.5 dB• Low phase* and amplitude unbalance*relative to 180˚

Bias Tees• 0.1 to 10000 MHz• Isolation up to 44 dB• Insertion
loss as low as 0.35 dB• VSWR as low as 1.05:1

Limiters• 0.2 to 8200 MHz• Input powers from +5 to +37 dBm• Responsetime as fast as 2ns• Hi-rel ceramic packages available

LTCC Filters• DC to 18.3 GHz• Low pass, high pass, band pass,and diplexers• Sharp
rejection• Ceramic packages as small as 0603

Extensive Application Notes

As part of our commitment to providing you with best in class productinformation and application support, our online library of application
notes contains over 40 articles with detailed technical information
regarding uses of many of our amplifier models in different systems
and operating environments.

Go to:

www.minicircuits.com/applications/application_notes.html
You can also request an application note specifically for the work
you’re doing by reaching out to us at apps@minicircuits.com.
We’re here to support you!

Moisture Sensitivity Level 1
Our proprietary package design meets MSL Level 1 standards andeliminates the risk of package delamination, ensuring long term
product reliability under all operating and assembly conditions.

Advanced Simulation Models

Mini-Circuits has always provided customers with free S-Parameters for all models to support performancemodeling and simulation over linear power domains. To allow designers to accurately model the complete linear
and non-linear performance of their designs, Mini-Circuits now provides free X-Parameters® for three of ourmost popular MMIC amplifiers: PHA-1+, GVA-62+, and GVA-63+.
Made possible through our partnership with modeling and measurement specialists, Modelithics, this advanced
capability is ideal for use in systems with complex waveforms like LTE, OFDM and QAM, as well as for predictionof power compression, non-linear distortion, and other behaviors elusive to conventional simulations.

C-Scan Image

Package without
delamination under Scanning
Acoustic Microscopy Test

Mini-Circuits ISO 9001 ISO 14001 AS 9100®

22

Made possible through our partnership with modeling and measurement specialists, Modelitics, these
X-parameters models enable faster, more comprehensive feasibility assessments and more rapid transition fromprototype simulations to working designs. For more information…
A-Scan Image

Go to:

http://www.minicircuits.com/products/x_parameters.shtml

FREE X-Parameters-Based
Non-Linear Simulation Models for ADS
http://www.modelithics.com/mvp/Mini-Circuits.asp

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MMIC Amplifiers

PRODUCT GUIDE

Product Line Overview®

Find the Right Model for Your Needs in Seconds!
Why waste time searching for a needle in a haystack?

Instead of combing through tables and datasheets of hundreds of possible amplifier
U.S.
Patents
U.S.
Patents
options for the one that fits your requirements, visit minicircuits.com and use Yoni2 ®,
7739260, 7761442
77614427739260,
our patented RF product search engine.
Yoni2® searches thousands of actual test data points from our entire database of catalog models andnon-catalog engineering designs for the amplifiers that meet or exceed your criteria.
Just visit the Yoni2 ® page for amplifiers at the link below, enter your desired frequency range, performancerequirements and click Search. Within seconds, Yoni2 ® will present a list of components what match yourcriteria based on how they actually perform across your specific frequency band!

Go to:

www.minicircuits.com/products/Yoni_Amplifiers.shtml

Still didn’t find what you’re looking for? We may be able to create a custom design especiallyfor you. Reach out to us using the contact information below. We’re here to support you!

Direct Sales

Technical Support

Brooklyn
sales@minicircuits.com
1 718-934-4500
Missouri
sales@minicircuits.com
1 417-335-5935
Europesales@uk.minicircuits.com
44 1252-832600
Taiwanrobert@min-kai.com.tw
886 3 318 4450

Mini-Circuits

NORTH AMERICA
apps@minicircuits.com(718) 934-4500

EUROPEapps@uk.minicircuits.com
44 1252 832600

SINGAPORE, INDONESIAINDIAapps@minicircuits.com
91 44 2 2622575

MALAYSIA, THAILAND

sales@minicircuits.com.my(604) 646-2828

ISRAEL
app@ravon.co.il
972 4 8749100
TAIWAN & PHILIPPINES
robert@min-kai.com.tw

CHINAsales@minicircuits.com
0591-8787-0001
Oryuanzhong@minicircuits.com
20-8734 0992®

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