**HMC997LC4: A 2 W Ka-Band Power Amplifier from 27 – 31 GHz for Next-Generation SATCOM and 5G Systems**

The relentless drive for higher data throughput and connectivity is pushing the boundaries of wireless technology into higher-frequency regimes. At the forefront of this evolution is the Ka-band, a segment of the spectrum from 27 to 40 GHz that is critically important for **next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM)** and the rollout of **millimeter-wave 5G networks**. Operating within this challenging environment requires robust, high-performance components, and the **HMC997LC4 power amplifier** from Analog Devices stands out as a key enabler for these advanced systems.

This monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is engineered to deliver exceptional power and linearity across the 27 to 31 GHz frequency range. As a Ka-band power amplifier, its primary role is to boost signal strength to ensure clear, reliable transmission over long distances—a non-negotiable requirement for both satellite uplinks and high-bandwidth 5G infrastructure. The HMC997LC4 is capable of providing a saturated output power (**Psat**) of **up to 33 dBm (2 W)**, a significant power level that directly translates to stronger signal integrity and improved link budgets.

A defining feature of this amplifier is its impressive **power-added efficiency (PAE) of up to 30%**. In systems where power consumption and thermal management are major constraints, such as in satellite payloads or dense 5G antenna arrays, high efficiency is paramount. This level of PAE helps reduce overall system power dissipation, leading to more compact, cooler-running, and ultimately more reliable designs.

The HMC997LC4 is fabricated on a advanced GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) pHEMT process, which provides an excellent blend of high-frequency operation, power handling, and efficiency. The device incorporates on-chip DC blocking capacitors and bias networks, simplifying the integration process for designers. Housed in a compact, RoHS-compliant 4x4 mm leadless chip carrier (LCC) package, it is designed for surface-mount technology (SMT), making it suitable for high-volume manufacturing.

Its application spectrum is vast. In **SATCOM systems**, it is ideal for block upconverters (BUCs) and terminal transmitters, providing the necessary power for high-speed data links. For **5G millimeter-wave networks**, it can serve as a crucial final-stage amplifier in base stations and fixed wireless access points, enabling the multi-gigabit-per-second data rates that define 5G.

**ICGOOODFIND**: The HMC997LC4 is a high-performance, high-reliability Ka-band power amplifier that effectively addresses the critical need for power and efficiency in modern SATCOM and 5G systems, making it an excellent component choice for designers pushing the limits of wireless technology.

**Keywords**: Ka-Band, Power Amplifier, SATCOM, 5G, Millimeter-wave