NBB-500 Cascadable Broadband GaAs MMIC Amplifier DC to 4GHz The NBB-500 cascadable broadband InGaP/GaAs MMIC amplifier is a low-cost, high-performance solution for general purpose RF and microwave amplification needs. This 50Ω gain block is based on a reliable HBT proprietary MMIC design, providing unsurpassed performance for small-signal applications. Designed with an external bias resistor, the NBB-500 provides flexibility and stability. The NBB500 is packaged in a low cost, surface-mount ceramic package, providing ease of assembly for high-volume tape-and-reel requirements. It is available in either packaged or chip (NBB-500-D) form, where its gold metallization is ideal for hybrid circuit designs. NBB-500 Package: Micro-X, 4-pin, Ceramic Features ■ Reliable, Low-Cost HBT Design ■ 19.0dB Gain, +12.3dBm P1dB at 2Ghz ■ High P1dB of +14.0dBm at 6.0GHz ■ Single Power Supply Operation ■ 50Ω I/O Matched for High Frequency Use Applications ■ Narrow and Broadband Commercial and Military Radio Designs ■ Linear and Saturated Amplifiers ■ Gain Stage or Driver Amplifiers for MWRadio/Optical Designs (PTP/PMP/LMDS/UNII/VSAT/ WLAN/Cellular/DWDM) Functional Block Diagram Ordering Information NBB-500 Cascadable Broadband GaAs MMIC Amplifier DC to 4GHz NBB-500-T1 Tape & Reel, 1000 Pieces NBB-500-D NBB-500 Chip Form (100 pieces minimum order) NBB-500-E Fully Assembled Evaluation Board NBB-X-K1 Extended Frequency InGaP Amp Designer’s Tool Kit RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 RF MICRO DEVICES® and RFMD® are trademarks of RFMD, LLC. BLUETOOTH is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed for use by RFMD. All other trade names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2013, RF Micro Devices, Inc. 1 of 11 NBB-500 Absolute Maximum Ratings Parameter Rating Unit RF Input Power +20 dBm Power Dissipation 300 mW Device Current 70 mA Channel Temperature 150 °C Operating Temperature -45 to +85 °C Storage Temperature -65 to +150 °C Caution! ESD sensitive device. RFMD Green: RoHS compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU, halogen free per IEC 61249-2-21, <1000ppm each of antimony trioxide in polymeric materials and red phosphorus as a flame retardant, and <2% antimony solder. Exceeding any one or a combination of the Absolute Maximum Rating conditions may cause permanent damage to the device. Extended application of Absolute Maximum Rating conditions to the device may reduce device reliability. Specified typical performance or functional operation of the device under Absolute Maximum Rating conditions is not implied. Exceeding any one or a combination of these limits may cause permanent damage. Nominal Operating Parameters Specification Parameter Unit Min Typ Condition Max General Performance Small Signal Power Gain, S21 VD = +3.9V, ICC = 35mA, Z0 = 50Ω, TA = +25°C 19.0 16.0 Gain Flatness, GF Input and Output VSWR 20.5 dB f = 0.1GHz to 1.0GHz 19.5 dB f = 1.0GHz to 2.0GHz 18.5 dB f = 2.0GHz to 4.0GHz ±0.8 dB f = 0.1GHz to 3.0GHz 1.70:1 f = 0.1GHz to 4.0GHz 1.45:1 f = 4.0GHz to 6.0GHz 1.65:1 f = 6.0GHz to 10.0GHz Bandwidth, BW 4.2 GHz BW3 (3dB) Output Power at -1dB Compression, P1dB 12.3 dBm f = 2.0GHz 14.0 dBm f = 6.0GHz 3.2 dB f = 3.0GHz Third Order Intercept, IP3 +26.5 dBm f = 2.0GHz Reverse Isolation, S12 -17.0 dB Noise Figure, NF Device Voltage, VD Gain Temperature Coefficient, / 3.6 3.9 -0.0015 4.2 f = 0.1GHz to 10.0GHz V dB/°C RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 2 of 11 NBB-500 Specification Parameter Unit Min Typ Condition Max MTTF versus Temperature at ICC = 35mA Case Temperature 85 °C Junction Temperature 120 °C >1,000,000 hours 256 °C/W MTTF Thermal Resistance θJC RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 3 of 11 NBB-500 Pin Names and Descriptions Pin Name Description 1 RFIN RF input pin. This pin is NOT internally DC blocked. A DC blocking capacitor, suitable for the frequency of operation, should be used in most applications. DC coupling of the input is not allowed, because this will override the internal feedback loop and cause temperature instability. 2 GND Ground connection. For best performance, keep traces physically short and connect immediately to ground plane. 3 RFOUT RF output and bias pin. Biasing is accomplished with an external series resistor and choke inductor to VCC. The resistor is selected to set the DC current into this pin to a desired level. The resistor value is determined by the following equation: Interface Schematic Care should also be taken in the resistor selection to ensure that the current into the part never exceeds maximum datasheet operating current over the planned operating temperature. This means that a resistor between the supply and this pin is always required, even if a supply near 5.0V is available, to provide DC feedback to prevent thermal runaway. Because DC is present on this pin, a DC blocking capacitor, suitable for the frequency of operation, should be used in most applications. The supply side of the bias network should also be well bypassed. 4 GND Same as pin 2. Package Drawing RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 4 of 11 NBB-500 Typical Bias Configuration NOTE: Application notes related to biasing circuit, device footprint, and thermal considerations are available on request. Recommended Bias Resistor Values Supply Voltage, VCC (V) 5 8 10 12 15 20 Bias Resistor, RCC (Ω) 31 117 174 231 317 460 Chip Outline Drawing - NBB-500-D (Chip Dimensions: 0.017” x 0.017” x 0.004”) RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 5 of 11 NBB-500 Sales Criteria – Unpackaged Die Die Sales Information All segmented die are sold 100% DC-tested. Testing parameters for wafer-level sales of die material shall be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Segmented die are selected for customer shipment in accordance with RFMD Document #6000152 - Die Product Final Visual Inspection Criteria1. Segmented die has a minimum sales volume of 100 pieces per order. A maximum of 400 die per carrier is allowable. Die Packaging All die are packaged in GelPak ESD protective containers with the following specification: O.D. = 2"X2", Capacity = 400 Die (20X20 segments), Retention Level = High(X0). GelPak ESD protective containers are placed in a static shield bag. RFMD recommends that once the bag is opened the GelPak/s should be stored in a controlled nitrogen environment. Do not press on the cover of a closed GelPak, handle by the edges only. Do not vacuum seal bags containing GelPak containers. Precaution must be taken to minimize vibration of packaging during handling, as die can shift during transit 2. Package Storage Unit packages should be kept in a dry nitrogen environment for optimal assembly, performance, and reliability. Precaution must be taken to minimize vibration of packaging during handling, as die can shift during transit2. Die Handling Proper ESD precautions must be taken when handling die material. Die should be handled using vacuum pick-up equipment, or handled along the long side with a sharp pair of tweezers. Do not touch die with any part of the body. When using automated pick-up and placement equipment, ensure that force impact is set correctly. Excessive force may damage GaAs devices. Die Attach The die attach process mechanically attaches the die to the circuit substrate. In addition, the utilization of proper die attach processes electrically connect the ground to the trace on which the chip is mounted. It also establishes the thermal path by which heat can leave the chip. Die should be mounted to a clean, flat surface. Epoxy or eutectic die attach are both acceptable attachment methods. Top and bottom metallization are gold. Conductive silver-filled epoxies are recommended. This procedure involves the use of epoxy to form a joint between the backside gold of the chip and the metallized area of the substrate. All connections should be made on the topside of the die. It is essential to performance that the backside be well grounded and that the length of topside interconnects be minimized. Some die utilize vias for effective grounding. Care must be exercised when mounting die to preclude excess run-out on the topside. Die Wire Bonding Electrical connections to the chip are made through wire bonds. Either wedge or ball bonding methods are acceptable practices for wire bonding. All bond wires should be made as short as possible. Notes 1 RFMD Document #6000152 - Die Product Final Visual Inspection Criteria. This document provides guidance for die inspection personnel to determine final visual acceptance of die product prior to shipping to customers. 2 RFMD takes precautions to ensure that die product is shipped in accordance with quality standards established to minimize material shift. However, due to the physical size of die-level product, RFMD does not guarantee that material will not shift during transit, especially under extreme handling circumstances. Product replacement due to material shift will be at the discretion of RFMD. RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 6 of 11 NBB-500 Extended Frequency InGaP Amplifier Designer’s Tool Kit (NBB-X-K1) This tool kit was created to assist in the design-in of the RFMD NBB- and NLB- series InGap HBT gain block amplifiers. Each tool kit contains the following: 5 each NBB-300, NBB-310 and NBB-400 Ceramic Micro-X Amplifiers 5 each NLB-300, NLB-310 and NLB-400 Plastic Micro-X Amplifiers 2 Broadband Evaluation Boards and High Frequency SMA Connectors Broadband Bias Instructions and Specification Summary Index for ease of operation RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 7 of 11 NBB-500 Tape and Reel Dimensions (all dimensions in millimeters) Carrier tape basic dimensions are based on EIA 481. The pocket is designed to hold the part for shipping and loading onto SMT manufacturing equipment, while protecting the body and the solder terminals from damaging stresses. The individual pocket design can vary from vendor to vendor, but width and pitch will be consistent. Carrier tape is wound or placed onto a shipping reel 178 mm (7 inches) in diameter. The center hub design is large enough to ensure the radius formed by the carrier tape around it does not put unnecessary stress on the parts. Prior to shipping, moisture sensitive parts (MSL Level 2a-5a) are baked and placed into the pockets of the carrier tape. A cover tape is sealed over the top of the entire length of the carrier tape. The reel is sealed in a moisture barrier ESD bag with the appropriate units of desiccant and a humidity indicator card, which is placed in a cardboard shipping box. It is important to note that unused moisture sensitive parts need to be resealed in the moisture barrier bag. If the reels exceed the exposure limit and need to be rebaked, most carrier tape and shipping reels are not rated as bakeable at 125°C. If baking is required, devices may be baked according to section 4, table 4-1, column 8 of Joint Industry Standard IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033. Table 1 provides useful information for carrier tape and reels used for shipping the devices described in this document. Table 1. Tape and Reel RFMD Part Number NBB-500 Reel Diameter Inch (mm) Hub Diameter Inch (mm) Width (mm) Pocket Pitch (mm) Feed Units per Reel 7 (178) 2.4 (61) 12 8 Single 1000 Figure 1. Carrier Tape Drawing with Part Orientation Notes: 1. Unless otherwise specified, all dimension tolerances per EIA-481 2. 10 sprocket hole pitch cumulative tolerance ±.02. RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 8 of 11 NBB-500 Typical Performance RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 9 of 11 NBB-500 Typical Performance (continued) Note: The s-parameter gain results shown above include device performance as well as evaluation board and connector loss variations. The insertion losses of the evaluation board and connectors are as follows: 1GHz to 4GHz = -0.06dB 5GHz to 9GHz = -0.22dB 10GHz to 14GHz = -0.50dB 15GHz to 20GHz = -1.08dB RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 10 of 11 NBB-500 RoHS Banned Material Content RoHS Compliant: Yes Package Total Weight in Grams (g): 0.019 Compliance Date Code: 0536 Bill of Materials Revision: - Pb Free Category: e3 Bill of Materials Die Molding Compound Lead Frame Die Attach Epoxy Wire Solder Plating Pb 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cd 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hg 0 0 0 0 0 0 Parts Per Million (PPM) Cr VI 0 0 0 0 0 0 PBB 0 0 0 0 0 0 PBDE 0 0 0 0 0 0 This RoHS banned material content declaration was prepared solely on information, including analytical data, provided to RFMD by its suppliers, and applies to the Bill of Materials (BOM) revision noted RF Micro Devices Inc. 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical support, contact RFMD at +1.336.678.5570 or [email protected]. DS131004 The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is assumed by RF Micro Devices, Inc. ("RFMD") for its use, nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of RFMD. RFMD reserves the right to change component circuitry, recommended application circuitry and specifications at any time without prior notice. 11 of 11