**HMC8193LC4: A 2 W High Linearity GaAs pHEMT MMIC Distributed Power Amplifier from DC to 20 GHz**

The **HMC8193LC4** represents a significant advancement in the field of radio frequency (RF) amplification, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern broadband applications. This monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is a **distributed power amplifier** fabricated using a high-performance **Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT)** process. Its defining characteristic is an exceptionally wide operational bandwidth, spanning from **DC to 20 GHz**, making it an indispensable component for a multitude of microwave systems.

A key strength of the HMC8193LC4 lies in its robust power handling capability. It delivers a formidable **+33 dBm of saturated output power (P SAT)** and **+30 dBm of output power at 1 dB compression (P 1dB)**, translating to an impressive **2 Watts** of linear power. This high power is coupled with outstanding **linearity performance**, which is critical for complex modulation schemes used in modern communications, test and measurement equipment, and electronic warfare systems. The amplifier achieves a high **+38 dBm output third-order intercept point (OIP3)**, ensuring minimal distortion and superior signal integrity across its entire frequency range.

The distributed amplifier architecture is central to its ultra-wideband performance. Unlike conventional topologies that suffer from limited bandwidth, the distributed design effectively synthesizes a transmission line structure, maintaining a consistent **gain of 13 dB** across the band. This results in exceptional **return loss**, typically better than 15 dB, which simplifies system design by reducing the need for complex matching networks. Housed in a compact, RoHS-compliant **4x4 mm leadless chip carrier (LCC) package**, the device is designed for easy integration into multi-chip modules (MCMs) and high-density circuit boards.

Primary applications for this amplifier are found in defense electronics, aerospace, and high-end instrumentation. It is ideally suited for use as a **driver amplifier for high-speed data converters**, a **broadband gain block in test and measurement systems**, and a critical component in **electronic countermeasures (ECM)** and **radar systems** where wide instantaneous bandwidth is paramount. Its ability to operate from a single positive supply of +8V further enhances its usability in portable and space-constrained platforms.

**ICGOOODFIND**: The HMC8193LC4 stands out as a premier solution for wideband high-power amplification, successfully balancing the often-competing requirements of bandwidth, power, and linearity in a single, highly integrated package.

**Keywords**: **Distributed Power Amplifier**, **GaAs pHEMT**, **DC to 20 GHz**, **High Linearity**, **Output IP3**.