**High-Performance 24 GHz to 44 GHz GaAs MMIC Medium Power Amplifier Using the HMC924LC5TR**

The relentless demand for higher data rates and expanded network capacity in modern communication and radar systems has driven the need for high-performance microwave components. Central to this requirement is the power amplifier (PA), a critical element that dictates system range, efficiency, and linearity. The **HMC924LC5TR**, a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) medium power amplifier, stands out as a premier solution for applications spanning the **24 GHz to 44 GHz** frequency band, a range critical for 5G infrastructure, military radar, and satellite communications.

Fabricated on a high-reliability 0.15 µm GaAs pHEMT process, the HMC924LC5TR delivers exceptional performance across an extremely wide bandwidth. It provides a typical **small-signal gain of 18 dB**, ensuring sufficient signal amplification with minimal additional stages. A key performance metric is its **saturated power output (PSAT) of +25 dBm**, making it a robust medium-power solution capable of driving subsequent stages or antennas with significant power. Furthermore, it achieves a **output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of 33 dBm**, underscoring its excellent linearity, which is paramount for complex modulation schemes used in modern communications to minimize distortion and adjacent channel interference.

The amplifier is designed for ease of integration into a variety of systems. It requires a single positive supply voltage of +5V and consumes 200 mA of current. The MMIC is housed in a leadless, RoHS-compliant 5x5 mm LCC-32 surface-mount package, which is compatible with high-volume, automated printed circuit board (PCB) assembly processes. This package style also offers excellent thermal performance, essential for maintaining reliability under continuous operation. The device is internally matched to 50 Ohms, which simplifies the design-in process by reducing the need for extensive external matching components.

Typical applications that benefit from the HMC924LC5TR's capabilities include:

* **Point-to-Point Radio Links:** For E-band (71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz) systems that utilize lower Ka-band frequencies for intermediate frequency (IF) stages.

* **Military and Aerospace:** In electronic warfare (EW), radar altimeters, and phased-array systems operating in the Ka-band.

* **Test and Measurement Equipment:** Serving as a dependable gain block in broadband signal generators and spectrum analysis systems.

* **Satellite Communication (SATCOM):** Providing amplification for high-throughput satellite uplinks and downlinks.

In conclusion, the HMC924LC5TR represents a state-of-the-art MMIC power amplifier that combines wide bandwidth, high gain, and superior power output in a compact, manufacturable package. Its robust performance addresses the rigorous demands of next-generation microwave systems.

**ICGOO**D**FIND**: This component is an **excellent find** for RF system designers seeking a proven, high-performance, and readily integrable amplification solution for demanding Ka-band applications, offering a compelling blend of power, linearity, and bandwidth.

**Keywords**: **Ka-Band Amplifier**, **GaAs pHEMT**, **MMIC Power Amplifier**, **Wideband Performance**, **High Linearity**