Rev: A | Copyright © 2024 Marki Microwave LLC.

General Description

The MEQ3-14ACH passive MMIC equalizer die is an ideal solution for compensating for low pass filtering effects in RF/microwave and high speed digital systems. They provide positive slope from DC to 14GHz with DC attenuation options between 3 and 10dB. The unique design offers superior return loss to competitors. GaAs MMIC technology provides consistent unit-to-unit performance in a small, low cost form factor.

Features

  • DC attenuation options from 3 to 10dB
  • Typical Insertion Loss 0.5dB at 14GHz
  • VSWR < 1.3:1 Over Entire Band

Functional Block Diagram

Block Diagram
Photo of MEQ3-14ACH

Electrical Performance Summary

ParameterTypUnit
Frequency Range0 to 14GHz
Return Loss 23dB
Insertion Loss 0.5dB
Insertion Loss at DC 3dB

Summary only – refer to the Electrical Specifications, Absolute Maximum Ratings, and Recommended Operating Range tables for complete details.

Part Ordering Options

Part NumberDescriptionPackageGreen StatusProduct LifecycleExport Classification
MEQ-14CH-KITEvaluation Kit, Passive GaAs MMIC Equalizer Family-Consult FactoryReleasedEAR99
MEQ3-14ACHPassive GaAs MMIC 14 GHz EqualizerCH

REACH

RoHS

ReleasedEAR99

Table Of Contents

Typical Performance Plots

Insertion Loss vs Frequency graph for MEQ3-14ACH
Return Loss vs Frequency graph for MEQ3-14ACH
Group Delay vs Frequency graph for MEQ3-14ACH

Specifications

Electrical Specifications

The electrical specifications apply at TA=+25°C in a 50Ω system. Min and Max limits are guaranteed at TA=+25°C. All bare die are 100% visually inspected and RF performance is guaranteed by sample testing.

ParameterTest ConditionsMinimum
Frequency
(GHz)
Maximum
Frequency
(GHz)
MinTypMaxUnit
Frequency Range-0 14---GHz
Insertion Loss Freq=14GHz
14 14-0.5-dB
Insertion Loss at DC Freq=0Ghz
0 0-3-dB
Return Loss Freq=14GHz
0 14-23-dB

Equalizer is symmetrical. Reverse measurement is equivalent to forward measurement.

Absolute Maximum Ratings

The Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage may occur to the device. If these limits are exceeded, the device may be inoperable or have a reduced lifetime.

ParameterMaximum RatingUnit
Maximum Operating Temperature 100°C
Maximum Storage Temperature 125°C
Minimum Operating Temperature -55°C
Minimum Storage Temperature -65°C
Port 1 DC Current 40mA
Port 2 DC Current 40mA
Power Handling, at any Port 30dBm

Package Information

ParameterDetailsRating
ESD250 to < 500 VoltsHBM Class 1A
Dimensions-1.25 x 1.25 mm

Port Configuration and Functions

Port Diagram

A top-down view of the MEQ3-14A CH package outline drawing is shown below. The MEQ equalizers are symmetrical allowing Port 1 or Port 2 to be used as the input.

Diagram of the port configuration for MEQ3-14ACH

Port Functions

PortFunctionDescriptionDC Equivalent
Circuit
PadGround CH package ground path is provided through the substrate and ground bond pads.Equivalent circuit for the Ground
Pad 1Input/Output Port 1 is DC connected to ground through a resistor. DC block is required if voltage present.Equivalent circuit for the Input/Output
Pad 2Input/Output Port 2 is DC connected to ground through a resistor. DC block is required if voltage present.Equivalent circuit for the Input/Output

Die Mounting Recommendations

Mounting and Bonding Recommendations

Marki MMICs should be attached directly to a ground plane with conductive epoxy. The ground plane electrical impedance should be as low as practically possible. This will prevent resonances and permit the best possible electrical performance. Datasheet performance is only guaranteed in an environment with a low electrical impedance ground.

Mounting - To epoxy the chip, apply a minimum amount of conductive epoxy to the mounting surface so that a thin epoxy fillet is observed around the perimeter of the chip. Cure epoxy according to manufacturer instructions.

Wire Bonding - Ball or wedge bond with 0.025 mm (1 mil) diameter pure gold wire. Thermosonic wirebonding with a nominal stage temperature of 150 °C and a ball bonding force of 40 to 50 grams or wedge bonding force of 18 to 22 grams is recommended. Use the minimum level of ultrasonic energy to achieve reliable wirebonds. Wirebonds should be started on the chip and terminated on the package or substrate. All bonds should be as short as possible <0.31 mm (12 mils).

Circuit Considerations – 50 Ω transmission lines should be used for all high frequency connections in and out of the chip. Wirebonds should be kept as short as possible, with multiple wirebonds recommended for higher frequency connections to reduce parasitic inductance. In circumstances where the chip more than .001” thinner than the substrate, a heat spreading spacer tab is optional to further reduce bondwire length and parasitic inductance.

Bonding Diagram

Me Q3 14 Ach Bonding Diagram

Handling Precautions

General Handling

Chips should be handled with care using tweezers or a vacuum collet. Users should take precautions to protect chips from direct human contact that can deposit contaminants, like perspiration and skin oils on any of the chip's surfaces.

Static Sensitivity

GaAs MMIC devices are sensitive to ESD and should be handled, assembled, tested, and transported only in static protected environments.

Cleaning and Storage: Do not attempt to clean the chip with a liquid cleaning system or expose the bare chips to liquid. Once the ESD sensitive bags the chips are stored in are opened, chips should be stored in a dry nitrogen atmosphere.

Mechanical Data

Outline Drawing

Download : Outline 2D Drawing

Outline Drawing

Revision History

Revision CodeRevision DateComment
A2024-01-05Updated Production Test Criteria

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