HMC464 Alternatives & Replacements | 2–20 GHz MMIC Amplifier
HMC464 Alternatives & Replacements: What Can Replace the 2–20 GHz MMIC Amplifier?
The HMC464 is a 2–20 GHz GaAs PHEMT MMIC amplifier commonly used in broadband RF, radar, electronic warfare, microwave communication, and test systems.
If you are looking for an HMC464 alternative, the key points to compare are frequency range, gain, P1dB, supply voltage, package, and whether PCB redesign is required.
HMC464 Key Specifications
| Parameter | HMC464-DIE |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2–20 GHz |
| Gain | 16 dB typical |
| P1dB | +26 dBm typical |
| Output IP3 | +30 dBm typical |
| Supply Voltage | +8 V |
| Supply Current | 290 mA typical |
| Package | Bare Die |
| RF Impedance | 50 Ω |
Best HMC464 Alternatives
| Part Number | Frequency | Gain | P1dB | Package | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMC464-DIE | 2–20 GHz | 16 dB | +26 dBm | Die | Original device |
| Qorvo CMD238 | 2–20 GHz | 14 dB | +26 dBm | Die | Closest functional alternative |
| HMC464LP5 | 2–20 GHz | 14 dB | +26 dBm | 5 × 5 mm SMT | Moving from die to SMT |
| Qorvo CMD249P5 | DC–20 GHz | 12.5 dB | +28 dBm | 5 × 5 mm QFN | Higher output power |
| Qorvo CMD244K5 | DC–20 GHz | >17 dB | +25 dBm | 5 × 5 mm SMT | Higher gain |
1. Qorvo CMD238
The CMD238 is one of the closest functional alternatives to HMC464-DIE.
It offers:
2–20 GHz frequency range
Approximately 14 dB gain
+26 dBm P1dB
+8 V operation
50 Ω matched input and output
Bare-die construction
Because its frequency range, output power, and supply voltage are close to HMC464, CMD238 is a good device to evaluate for new or redesigned 2–20 GHz systems.
However, it is not a confirmed drop-in replacement. Die size, bond-pad layout, bias conditions, and thermal performance must be checked.
2. HMC464LP5
The HMC464LP5 provides similar 2–20 GHz performance but uses a 5 × 5 mm SMT package instead of bare die.
Typical performance includes:
2–20 GHz
14 dB gain
+26 dBm P1dB
+8 V supply
It is useful when redesigning a bare-die HMC464 circuit into a standard SMT PCB.
3. Qorvo CMD249P5
The CMD249P5 is worth considering when higher output power is required.
Typical specifications include:
DC–20 GHz
12.5 dB gain
+28 dBm P1dB
5 × 5 mm QFN package
Compared with HMC464, it offers higher P1dB but different gain and bias requirements, so PCB redesign is normally required.
4. Qorvo CMD244K5
The CMD244K5 is another broadband alternative when higher gain is more important.
It offers:
DC–20 GHz operation
More than 17 dB gain
Approximately +25 dBm P1dB
5 × 5 mm SMT package
It is more suitable for new designs than direct replacement.
Is There a Direct Drop-In Replacement for HMC464?
Usually, no.
Even if two amplifiers have similar frequency, gain, and output power, they may differ in:
Package or die size
Bond-pad or pin layout
Bias requirements
Thermal performance
Gain flatness
Return loss
For this reason, most HMC464 alternatives should be treated as functional or parametric replacements, not direct drop-in replacements.
Which HMC464 Alternative Should You Choose?
Closest bare-die alternative: Qorvo CMD238
SMT version with similar performance: HMC464LP5
Higher output power: Qorvo CMD249P5
Higher gain: Qorvo CMD244K5
If the existing design already uses HMC464 successfully, continuing with the original device may require less engineering effort than changing to another amplifier.
For replacement evaluation, compare the required frequency range, gain, P1dB, supply voltage, package, and PCB layout before making a final selection.
