Device Overview

General Description

The APM-6849 is a single stage broadband, low phase noise LO driver amplifier designed to provide saturated +21 dBm output power. This amplifier uses GaAs HBT technology for low phase noise, and provides industry leading -170 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from carrier frequency. The amplifier is also highly efficient with 21% peak PAE at 5 GHz input frequency and low DC current draw. It is optimized to provide enough power to drive the LO port of an S-diode mixer (2 – 20 GHz) and an H/L-diode mixer (2 - 32 GHz). This amplifier is operational with a variety of bias conditions for both low and high-power applications.

Photo of APM-6849PA

Features

  • -170 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10kHz offset frequency
  • +21 dBm output power
  • Low DC power consumption
  • Positive-only biasing
  • No sequencing required
  • Unconditionally stable
  • Integrated DC blocks – No bias‑tees or off-chip blocking required

Applications

  • Mobile test and measurement equipment
  • Radar and satellite communications
  • 5G transceivers
  • Driver amplifier L,H,S – diode mixers
  • Suitable as a T3 drive

Functional Block Diagram

Block Diagram

Part Ordering Options

Part NumberDescriptionPackageConnectorsGreen StatusProduct LifecycleExport Classification
APM-6849PAGaAs Broadband Low Phase Noise AmplifierPAStandard

REACH

RoHS

ReleasedEAR99

Table Of Contents

Revision History

Revision CodeRevision DateComment
-2019-11-01Datasheet Initial Release
A2020-01-01Added Time Domain Plots
B2020-07-01Updated Max Operating Temperature
C2020-07-01Updated Thermal Resistance Specification
D2020-10-01Updated Thermal Specs, Updated Min Specs
E2023-02-01Added IP2 Plots

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

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Port Configuration and Functions

Port Diagram

A port diagram of the APM-6849PA is shown below.

Diagram of the port configuration for APM-6849PA

Port Functions

PortFunctionConnector TypeDescriptionDC Equivalent
Circuit
GNDGround -Housing or coaxial cable’s outer metal layer must be connected to a DC/RF ground potential with high thermal and electrical conductivity.Equivalent circuit for the Ground
RF InRF Input 2.92FThis is the RF input port of the amplifier. It is internally DC blocked and RF matched to 50 Ω.Equivalent circuit for the RF Input
RF OutRF Output 2.92MThis is the amplifier RF output port. It is internally DC blocked and RF matched to 50 Ω. Must have less than 7:1 VSWR when operating with voltage greater than +5V on port VC.Equivalent circuit for the RF Output
VBBase Supply -Port VB is the current mirror DC voltage supply port that controls the collector current supplied to the amplifier. VB port voltage is proportional to VC port collector current. VB effectively functions as a gain control pin. The VB port in the PA module internally connects to the IC’s VB port.Equivalent circuit for the Base Supply
VCCollector Supply -Port VC is the 1-stage amplifier DC voltage supply port. The PA module VC port connects internally to the IC’s VC port.Equivalent circuit for the Collector Supply

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

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Specifications

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 become inoperable or have a reduced lifetime.

ParameterMaximum RatingUnit
Collector Positive Bias Voltage (Vc) 7V
Current Mirror Positive Bias Current (Ib) 4mA
Current Mirror Positive Bias Voltage (VB) 7V
Maximum Operating Temperature 85°C
Maximum Storage Temperature 150°C
Max Junction Temperature for MTTF > 1E6 Hours 125°C
Minimum Operating Temperature -40°C
Minimum Storage Temperature -65°C
Positive Bias Current (Ic) 90mA
RF Input Power 16dBm
θJC, Junction to Case Thermal Resistance 78ºC/W

Package Information

ParameterDetailsRating
WeightPackage name: PA14.7g
Dimensions-28.45 x 14.99 mm

The Recommended Operating Conditions indicate the limits, inside which the device should be operated, to guarantee the performance given in Electrical Specifications Operating outside these limits may not necessarily cause damage to the device, but the performance may degrade outside the limits of the electrical specifications. For limits, above which damage may occur, see Absolute Maximum Ratings.

ParameterMinNominalMaxUnit
Positive DC Current Mirror Current (Ib) 0.922.6mA
Positive DC Current (Ic) 182132mA
Ambient Temperature -402585°C
Positive DC Voltage (VC) 356V
Positive DC Current Mirror Voltage (VB) 356V

[1] Recommended operating current condition without RF input applied. Please see performance plots for relationship between RF input power and DC current.

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

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Electrical Specifications

The electrical specifications apply at TA=+25°C in a 50Ω system. Min and Max limits apply only to our connectorized units and are guaranteed at TA=+25°C. Die are 100% DC tested and RF tested on a per lot basis.

ParameterTest ConditionsMinimum
Frequency
(GHz)
Maximum
Frequency
(GHz)
MinTypMaxUnit
Current Consumption 15V/4V
- --13-mA
Current Consumption 25V/5V
- --21-mA
Current Consumption 35V/6V
- --32-mA
Current Mirror, Ib 5V/4V
- --1.5-mA
Current Mirror, Ib 5V/5V
- --2-mA
Current Mirror, Ib 5V/6V
- --2.6-mA
Input IP3 5V/5V bias, -15 dBm Input Power
2 29-10-dBm
Input Power for Saturation 5V/5V bias
2 29-10-dBm
Input Return Loss 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
20 29-8-dB
Input Return Loss 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
2 20-15-dB
Noise Figure 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
2 26.5-5-dB
Output IP3 5V/5V bias, -15 dBm Input Power
2 29-21-dBm
Output P1dB 5V/5V bias
20 29-15-dBm
Output P1dB 5V/5V bias
2 20-20-dBm
Output Return Loss 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
2 20-15-dB
Output Return Loss 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
20 29-11-dB
Phase Noise @ 10 kHz Offset 5V/5V bias, +9 dBm Input power
2 29--170-dBc/Hz
Reverse Isolation 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
2 29-41-dB
Saturated Output Power 45V/5V Bias, Input Driver (See footnote)
2 201921-dBm
Saturated Output Power 55V/5V Bias, Input Driver (See footnote)
20 29-19-dBm
Small Signal Gain 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
2 20911-dB
Small Signal Gain 5V/5V bias, -25 dBm Input Power
20 29-10-dB

[1] Bias conditions for Ic and Ib tested with no RF input power. See performance plots for DC current vs. RF power. Bias conditions presented as VC/VB.

[2][3] Bias conditions for Ic and Ib tested with no RF input power. See performance plots for DC current vs. RF power. Bias conditions presented as VC/VB.

[4][5] Saturated Output Power tested with two APM-6849PA connected in series; +6 dBm RF input power, corresponding to ~+16 dBm into DUT.

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

5

Typical Performance Plots

Saturated Output Power (dBm) vs. frequency, VC=6V graph for APM-6849PA
Phase Noise vs. Offset Frequency; 4GHz Carrier Frequency, 6V/6V Bias, +15 dBm Input Power graph for APM-6849PA
Saturated Output Power (dBm) vs. Frequency, VC=5V graph for APM-6849PA
Small Signal Gain (dB) vs. Frequency, Vc = 5V graph for APM-6849PA
Saturated Output Power (dBm) vs. Frequency, VC=4V graph for APM-6849PA
Small Signal Gain (dB) vs. Frequency, Vc = 6V graph for APM-6849PA
Input Return Loss (dB) vs. Frequency, Vc = 5V graph for APM-6849PA
Output Return Loss (dB) vs. Frequency, Vc = 5V graph for APM-6849PA

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

6

Saturated Output Power (dBm) Over Temperature, 5V/5V Bias graph for APM-6849PA
Small Signal Gain (dB) Over Temperature, 5V/5V Bias graph for APM-6849PA
IIP3 (dBm), -15 dBm Input Power graph for APM-6849PA
OIP3 (dBm), -15 dBm Input Power graph for APM-6849PA
Gain Output Power and PAE vs Input Power, 5V/5V, 5 GHz graph for APM-6849PA
Gain Output Power and PAE vs Input Power, 5V/5V, 15 GHz graph for APM-6849PA
Ic, Ib (mA) vs. VB ( VC=5 V) graph for APM-6849PA
Ic, (mA) vs. RF Input Power, 5V/5V Bias graph for APM-6849PA

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

7

Harmonic response (dBm), 5V/5V Bias, +10 dBm Input Power graph for APM-6849PA
Output P1dB (dBm) vs. Frequency, 5V/5V Bias graph for APM-6849PA
Noise Figure (dB) vs. Frequency, 5V/5 Bias graph for APM-6849PA
Input Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=4V graph for APM-6849PA
Output Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=4V graph for APM-6849PA
Input Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=5V graph for APM-6849PA
Output Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=5V graph for APM-6849PA
Input Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=6V graph for APM-6849PA

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

8

Output Power at Ic=90mA, Vc=6V graph for APM-6849PA

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

9

Typical Performance Plots of Marki Mixers Driven with APM-6849PA

Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-0212L (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA
Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-0212S (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA
Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-0212H (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA
Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-1240S (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA
Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-0626S (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA
Conversion Loss (dB) of Marki MM1-0530L (Config A) using two APM-6849PA as LO Drivers; 5V/5V Bias, +0 dBm Amp. Input; 100 MHz IF graph for APM-6849PA

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

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Mechanical Data

Rev: E | Copyright © 2019 - 2020, 2023 Marki Microwave LLC.

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