**HMC658LP2E: A High-Performance GaAs pHEMT MMIC Low Noise Amplifier for 17-24 GHz Applications**

The proliferation of advanced communication, radar, and sensing systems in the Ku- and K-band spectrum has created a surging demand for high-performance RF components. At the heart of these systems, the low noise amplifier (LNA) plays a pivotal role, setting the critical baseline for signal reception sensitivity. The **HMC658LP2E**, a GaAs pHEMT Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) LNA, is engineered to deliver exceptional performance specifically for applications operating from **17 to 24 GHz**.

Fabricated on a high-reliability **0.15 μm GaAs pHEMT process**, this amplifier is designed for robustness and superior electrical characteristics. Its architecture provides a high gain of **18.5 dB** across the entire band, ensuring that weak signals are amplified significantly before proceeding to subsequent down-conversion stages. A key metric for any LNA is its noise figure, which directly impacts the overall system sensitivity. The HMC658LP2E excels here, achieving an outstandingly low **noise figure of 1.8 dB**, minimizing the degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling the detection of very faint signals.

Beyond gain and noise performance, the amplifier offers excellent linearity, with an output IP3 of +26 dBm, allowing it to handle strong interfering signals without generating excessive distortion. It requires a single positive supply voltage between +3V and +5V, drawing a typical current of 80 mA, making it suitable for a variety of platform power budgets. The device is also equipped with an internal DC-blocking capacitor on the RF input and output ports, simplifying integration into microwave radio designs.

Housed in a compact, RoHS-compliant 2x2 mm LP2 leadless package, the HMC658LP2E is ideal for space-constrained applications. Its primary use cases include:

* **Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-Point Radio**: Providing the first stage of amplification in high-capacity wireless backhaul links.

* **SATCOM and VSAT Terminals**: Enhancing uplink and downlink performance in satellite communication systems.

* **Military and Aerospace Radar**: Serving in radar altimeters, fire control radar, and other mission-critical electronic warfare (EW) systems.

* **Test and Measurement Equipment**: Acting as a pre-amplifier in sensitive lab equipment to improve measurement accuracy.

**ICGOOODFIND:** The HMC658LP2E stands out as a premier solution for demanding Ku-/K-band applications, **masterfully balancing ultra-low noise, high gain, and remarkable linearity** in a highly integrated MMIC form factor. Its robust performance simplifies front-end design and significantly enhances the sensitivity of modern microwave systems.

**Keywords:** Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), GaAs pHEMT, Ku-Band, Noise Figure, MMIC.