Tunable Differential Limiter

DLM-10SM

The DLM-10SM is a tunable, dual channel GaAs Schottky diode signal
limiter featuring excellent IP3, insertion loss, and return loss. The limitinglevel is adjustable with an off-chip bias network, and the two channels canbe used for differential or single-ended signals. The DLM-10SM isavailable in a lead-free, RoHS compliant QFN surface mount package
and is compatible with standard leaded and lead-free PCB reflow
soldering processes. The DLM-10SM is a superior alternative to discrete
diode limiting options.
Features Industry leading IP3, low insertion loss, and return loss
 Adjustable limiting level with off-chip bias network Single channel differential/Dual channel single ended
 RoHS Compliant
Electrical Specifications – Specifications guaranteed from -55 to +100°C, measured in a 50Ω system.
Parameter

Frequency Range (GHz)

Input Power(dBm)

Min-10Insertion Loss,
Grounded Bias (dB)
Input 1dB Compression,
Grounded Bias (dBm)

Max

0.75

1.5+101.4+15

3.75
10DC - 10Return Loss,
Grounded Bias (dB)

-10 to +920+1215Group Delay (ps)260

Model Number

DescriptionDLM-10SM
EVAL-DLM-10

Differential Tunable Limiter in 3mm QFN
Connectorized Eval Board, SMA-F

PROJECTION.114.114

Typ

INCH.013 Typ.003 Typ
10 11 12LM26025
XXYY9.059

1GroundPaddle

8.020 Typ273654.012 Typ

Pad #Function

123456789101112

RF In/Out_CH1
N/C
RF In/Out_CH2-DC Bias_CH2
N/C+DC Bias_CH2
RF In/Out_CH2
N/C
RF In/Out_CH1+DC Bias_CH1
N/C-DC Bias_CH1.031

215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com

Copyright © 2019 Marki Microwave, Inc. | Rev. A

Tunable Differential Limiter

DLM-10SMPage 2
Block Diagram+DC Bias CH1-DC Bias CH1

DLM-10SM
RF In/OutCH1

RF In/OutCH1

RF In/OutCH2

RF In/OutCH2

External
DC Coupling
Capacitors
Required+DC Bias Ch2-DC Bias CH2

Typical Performance
Insertion Loss - Grounded Bias (dB)

5GHz Gain - Grounded Bias (dB)*0-0.5-0.5-1-1.5-1-2-1.5-2.5-2-3-2.5-30-10dBm Input+9dBm Input+6dBm Input+12dBm Input

246Frequency (GHz)

Grounded+0.25V+0.5V-1V-3.5-4810-10Input Return Loss - Grounded Bias (dB)-505Input Power (dBm)

101520Output Return Loss - Grounded Bias (dB)

-10-10-15-15-20-20-25-25-30-30+12dBm Input+9dBm Input+6dBm Input-10dBm Input-35-400246Frequency (GHz)8+12dBm Input+9dBm Input+6dBm Input-10dBm Input-35-40100246810Frequency (GHz)215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com

Copyright © 2019 Marki Microwave, Inc. | Rev. A

Tunable Differential Limiter

DLM-10SMPage 35GHz Power Transfer*

3rd Harmonic Suppression - Grounded Bias (dBc)

20-20

15-30
+10dBm Input
0dBm Input-10dBm Input-4010-50

5-60
0-70-5-1VGrounded+0.25V+0.5V-10-15-10-50510Input Power (dBm)

15-80-90-100
2005Input 1 dB Compression Point (dBm)*

1015Frequency (GHz)202530

2nd Harmonic Suppression - Grounded Bias (dBc)

2017.5-40-1VGrounded+0.25V+0.5V

1512.5-50

10-60

7.55-70

2.5+10dBm Input0dBm Input-10dBm Input

0-80-2.5
2.557.5010510Frequency (GHz)

Frequency (GHz)

1520OIP3 - Grounded Bias (dBc)
5040302010f1 = 5GHz, f2 = 5.25GHz
0-10-505Input Power (dBm)

1015215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com

Copyright © 2019 Marki Microwave, Inc. | Rev. A

Tunable Differential Limiter

DLM-10SMPage 4
Example Application Circuit

BALUNV+12 11 1091
2 DLM-10SM 873RFinV-ADC(or otherdifferential IC)

4 5 6

1 uF cap on eachbias line
Differential/Two Channel Operation – The two limiting channels are not coupled together, so the device can be used as a single
channel, two channel, or differential limiter. If the second channel is not used, it should be connected to RF ground.
Grounded Operation – Pins 4,6, 10, and 12 can be connected directly to RF/DC ground for ease of use. This will give a limitinglevel of around 7 dBm. If a higher or lower limiting level is desired, please see biased operation.
Biased Operation – For lower limiting levels, the internal diodes can be slightly forward biased to decrease the threshold voltage. A
positive voltage should be applied to Pins 12 and 4, and an equal negative voltage should be applied to pins 6 and 10 for symmetriclimiting. To increase the liminting threshold, the diodes should be reversed biased. This means that a negative voltage should beapplied to pins 12 and 4, and an equivalent positive voltage should be applied to pins 6 and 10.
Biasing Circuitry – A voltage/current source that can both source and sink current must be used. Many voltage leveling circuits canonly supply current to set a minimum voltage. In this case the signal will cause the diodes to self-bias in limiting operation,increasing the bias threshold. The bias supply must be able to sink current to prevent self-biasing. A low impedance RF groundmust be provided by bypass capacitors to ground as close as possible to the bias pins. High frequency bypass capacitors areincluded on chip, so only low frequency (~1uF) capacitors are necessary. The DC power supply should be decoupled from thelimiter circuit through an RF choke and decoupling capacitors if necessary to eliminate power supply noise.

Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter

Maximum Rating

Forward Bias Voltage

0.5 V

Reverse Bias Voltage

4V

Maximum Input Power+27 dBm

ESD (Human Body Model)

Class 1A

Operating Temperature-55ºC to +85ºC

Storage Temperature-65ºC to +150ºC

NOTE:Specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact Marki Microwave for the most recent specifications and data sheets.

215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com

Copyright © 2019 Marki Microwave, Inc. | Rev. A

Revision History
Revision CodeA

Revision Date
January 2017
May 2019

CommentInitial Release
Added Max Power Handling, Updated
ESD rating

Marki Microwave reserves the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice. Marki Microwave makes nowarranty, representation, or guarantee regarding the suitability of its products for any particular purpose, nor does Marki Microwave assume any
liability whatsoever arising out of the use or application of any product.

www.markimicrowave.com
215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com

Copyright © 2019 Marki Microwave, Inc. | Rev. A