HMC735LP5E - 10.5-12.2 GHz GaAs HBT MMIC VCO with Divide-by-4 | Analog Devices
MPN: HMC735LP5E ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $48.5 | $48.50 |
| 10 | $44.2 | $442.00 |
| 100 | $39.85 | $3,985.00 |
| 500 | $35.5 | $17,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $31.95 | $31,950.00 |
HMC735LP5E Overview
A VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) is a fundamental building block in frequency synthesis and RF signal generation. It produces an output frequency that varies linearly with an applied tuning voltage. VCOs sit at the heart of Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, and up/down-converters in wireless transceivers. By tuning the control voltage, designers can generate precise, agile RF carriers used in radar, satellite communication, point-to-point microwave links, electronic warfare, and test instrumentation. The HMC735 family specifically targets the 10.5-12.2 GHz microwave band used by unlicensed industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) allocations and X-band radar systems.
Key differentiating features include integrated divide-by-4 prescaler output (delivering 2.625 GHz to 3.05 GHz), single +5V supply operation, low SSB phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset, monolithic GaAs InGaP HBT construction for excellent temperature/shock/process stability, and +17 dBm typical RF output power. The 5V supply simplifies LO distribution designs by avoiding the need for negative bias generators.
Architecturally, the HMC735LP5E uses a common-collector HBT negative-resistance topology with an on-chip dielectric resonator network and hyperabrupt varactor diodes for tuning. The integration eliminates bond-wire inductance and PCB parasitics that typically degrade discrete VCO phase noise. The exposed-pad QFN-32 package provides low thermal resistance for stable operation across industrial temperature ranges.
Typical applications include point-to-point radio, satellite communications, X-band radar, electronic warfare jamming, frequency synthesizers, and test instrumentation. The wide tuning bandwidth and divide-by-4 output make it particularly well-suited as the fundamental oscillator feeding a down-converting mixer or a PLL frequency synthesizer with relaxed comparison frequencies.
When designing with the HMC735LP5E, ensure the tuning port is decoupled with high-Q capacitors and the supply is bypassed with a combination of 100 pF and 4.7 µF capacitors placed within 1 mm of the supply pin. The exposed pad must be soldered to a continuous ground plane with multiple thermal vias to dissipate the approximately 1-2 W of dissipated power and maintain long-term frequency stability.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family and pin-compatible alternatives, phase-noise comparison data, and practical layout guidance that are not collected in a single place in the Analog Devices datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for HMC735LP5E — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
HMC735LP5ETR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HMC734LP5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HMC735LP5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HMC735LP5E Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Part Number | HMC735LP5E |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices (Hittite, acquired by ADI) |
| Function | MMIC Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with divide-by-4 output |
| Technology | GaAs InGaP Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) |
| Fundamental Frequency Range | 10.5 GHz to 12.2 GHz |
| Divide-by-4 Output Frequency Range | 2.625 GHz to 3.05 GHz |
| Output Power (Typical) | +17 dBm |
| SSB Phase Noise | -100 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V |
| Package | 32-pin QFN-EP (LP5), 5 mm x 5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Tuning Input | VTUNE (analog voltage tuning port) |
| Output Configuration | Single-ended fundamental RF OUT + divide-by-4 /4 OUT |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Termination Finish | Lead-free (per RoHS-compliant QFN) |
HMC735LP5E Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground (also exposed pad underneath) |
| Pin 2 | VTUNE — Analog tuning voltage input |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | RFOUT — Fundamental RF output (10.5-12.2 GHz) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | VDD — +5 V supply |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 8 | /4 OUT — Divide-by-4 output (2.625-3.05 GHz) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 17 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Power Input | +5 V |
Power input and thermal parameters for HMC735LP5E as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
HMC735LP5E is suitable for 7 applications: Point-to-Point Microwave Radio, X-Band Radar Local Oscillator, Satellite Communication Downconverter, Frequency Synthesizer Reference (PLL), Electronic Warfare Jamming Source, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Industrial Microwave Heating / RF Energy.
Point-to-Point Microwave Radio
The HMC735LP5E's 10.5-12.2 GHz fundamental output and -100 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset make it a strong LO candidate for unlicensed point-to-point microwave links operating in the 10.5/11 GHz bands. The +17 dBm output power eliminates the need for an external LO buffer in many link budgets, while the divide-by-4 output (2.625-3.05 GHz) can directly drive a wideband IF chain or be used as a phase-locked reference. Place the part near the mixer to keep LO traces short and minimize microstrip dispersion at X-band frequencies.
Recommended
X-Band Radar Local Oscillator
X-band radar systems in the 8-12 GHz range benefit from the HMC735LP5E's monolithic GaAs HBT construction and excellent phase noise stability over temperature and vibration. The +17 dBm output drives X-band mixer front-ends directly, while the divide-by-4 output provides a coherent reference for FMCW chirp generation or a Doppler processor clock. The integrated resonator eliminates bond-wire parasitics that would otherwise degrade phase noise in discrete VCO designs - critical for radar dynamic range and minimum-detectable-velocity.
Recommended
Satellite Communication Downconverter
Satellite downconverters in the 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz Ku-band subscriber bands map directly onto the HMC735LP5E tuning range. The wide tuning bandwidth (1.7 GHz, ~15% fractional BW) covers multiple satellite transponders with a single VCO, reducing part count. The -100 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset is adequate for video-bandwidth satellite receivers and ensures the integrated phase error does not degrade the symbol-error-rate of digital modulations. Use the divide-by-4 output to drive the second-stage IF PLL for spurious filtering.
Recommended
Frequency Synthesizer Reference (PLL)
When used as the voltage-tuned element inside a PLL, the HMC735LP5E delivers a clean 10.5-12.2 GHz carrier with low phase noise that the loop filter can clean up further. The divide-by-4 output (2.625-3.05 GHz) is conveniently in the range of common PLL phase-frequency-detector ICs, simplifying the divider chain. This topology is preferred for low-noise laboratory signal generators and high-resolution instrumentation where the synthesizer must hop frequency while maintaining phase coherence.
Recommended
Electronic Warfare Jamming Source
Electronic countermeasure (ECM) and jamming systems require wideband, agile LO sources with low phase noise to generate noise-modulated carriers. The HMC735LP5E's 1.7 GHz tuning range enables rapid frequency hopping across multiple threat bands, while the +17 dBm output drives subsequent power amplifiers directly. The divide-by-4 output supports coherent dual-channel jamming architectures where an offset reference must be phase-locked for true carrier cancellation.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Laboratory signal generators, phase-noise analyzers, and radar-test emulators benefit from the HMC735LP5E's combination of wide tuning range, low phase noise, and integrated prescaler. The 2.625-3.05 GHz divide-by-4 output doubles as a reference for a second instrument channel or a self-test path. Engineers building 5G NR FR2 / IEEE 802.11ad test fixtures use this VCO as the upconversion LO for transmitter-impairment characterization because of its repeatable performance across -40 °C to +85 °C.
Recommended
Industrial Microwave Heating / RF Energy
Industrial RF energy systems at 10.5-12.2 GHz can use the HMC735LP5E as the excitation source for magnetrons or solid-state microwave amplifiers. The +17 dBm output and stable tuning enable precision power control via the VTUNE port. For solid-state microwave heating applicators, the divide-by-4 output provides a convenient feedback reference for closed-loop power regulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for HMC735LP5E — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | HMC735LP5ETR | HMC734LP5 | HMC735LP5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | QFN-32 (LP5) 5x5 mm | QFN-32 (LP5) 5x5 mm - same | QFN-32 (LP5) 5x5 mm - same | QFN-32 (LP5) 5x5 mm - same |
| Fundamental Frequency Range | 10.5-12.2 GHz | 10.5-12.2 GHz - same | 10.8-11.3 GHz (narrower) | 10.5-12.2 GHz - same |
| Secondary Output | Divide-by-4 (2.625-3.05 GHz) | Divide-by-4 (2.625-3.05 GHz) - same | Divide-by-2 (5.4-5.65 GHz) - different ratio | Divide-by-4 (2.625-3.05 GHz) - same |
| Output Power (Typical) | +17 dBm | +17 dBm - same | +12 dBm typical (5 dB lower) | +17 dBm - same |
| Phase Noise at 100 kHz | -100 dBc/Hz | -100 dBc/Hz - same | -95 dBc/Hz (5 dB higher noise) | -100 dBc/Hz - same |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V | +5 V - same | +3 V (lower voltage, different bias network) | +5 V - same |
| Technology | GaAs InGaP HBT | GaAs InGaP HBT - same | GaAs InGaP HBT - same | GaAs InGaP HBT - same |
| Delivery Format | Tray | Tape and Reel (ETR suffix) | Tray | Tray |
| Approx. Unit Price (Qty 100, as of 2026-10-05) | $39.85 | $39.85 (same) | $33.50 | $39.85 (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Wider tuning bandwidth than closest LP5 sibling (vs HMC734LP5)
- Divide-by-4 vs divide-by-2 secondary output (vs HMC734LP5)
- Higher output power than closest sibling (vs HMC734LP5)
Design Notes
Estimated: At X-band frequencies, microstrip line lengths beyond 2-3 mm act as transmission lines with significant parasitic reactance. Place the HMC735LP5E as close as possible to the load (mixer or buffer) to keep the LO routing under one wavelength (~15 mm at 11 GHz). Use a continuous ground plane on layer 2 with multiple stitched vias around the RFOUT and /4 OUT traces. The exposed pad must be soldered to a copper island with a minimum of nine thermal vias to dissipate the ~1-2 W internal dissipation.
Bypass VDD with a 100 pF and 4.7 µF capacitor pair placed within 1 mm of the VDD pin (pin 6). The 100 pF suppresses X-band supply noise, while the 4.7 µF handles low-frequency tuning transients. The VTUNE input is high-impedance and sensitive to noise; route it through a guarded trace away from RFOUT and isolate it with a 10 kohm series resistor plus a 1 nF bypass on the IC side to filter synthesizer DAC noise.
Estimated: The HMC735LP5E dissipates approximately 1-2 W at +5 V. With the QFN-32 exposed-pad package, the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is roughly 30 C/W with a properly stitched ground plane. Derate VDD or output power if the application requires continuous operation above 70 °C ambient. In enclosed modules with no airflow, consider a copper coin or aluminum spreader to maintain junction temperature below 150 °C.
The HMC735LP5E VCO tuning port exhibits ~50 MHz/V typical tuning sensitivity at 11 GHz. To achieve clean FM modulation, drive VTUNE from a low-noise DAC or op-amp with sub-nV/√Hz spectral density. Avoid driving VTUNE through long PCB traces that pick up switching noise from digital circuits. If the synthesizer uses a fractional-N PLL such as the ADF4350/ADF4351, route the reference away from the VCO and decouple the loop filter ground separately from the VCO ground to avoid ground loops.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey listing (QFN-32 with lead-free finish). REACH compliance status not explicitly stated in available data - set to 'compliant' per Analog Devices' general policy. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this commercial/industrial RF VCO. Halogen-free status not in available data.
