AVAGO / Broadcom RF PIN Diodes and Gain Blocks: HSMP, HSMS, HMC and MGA Series Explained

PIN diodes: the switching element of RF design

A PIN diode is a P-I-N junction whose intrinsic layer makes its impedance depend on forward current. At RF, that means a PIN diode behaves as a current-controlled resistor — the basis of RF switching, variable attenuation and receiver protection.

The AVAGO / Broadcom families

• HSMP series — single and dual PIN diodes for switching, attenuators and limiters. The HSMP-3890 is a classic 100 V RF PIN switch diode in SOT-23.
• HSMS series — Schottky and PIN diodes; the HSMS-2820 family is widely used in RF detection and mixing.
• HMC series — the Hittite heritage line: amplifiers, switches, mixers and control parts. HMC224 is a broadband gain block / amplifier.
• MGA series — low-noise and gain-block amplifiers such as MGA-631P8 and MGA-632P8, plus higher-power MGA-22003 devices.
• ADA series — silicon-germanium gain blocks like the ADA-4543.

How to choose

• Switching / attenuating? Match reverse voltage and series resistance: higher V_BR for larger signals, lower R_s for lower insertion loss.
• Limiting / protection? Focus on carrier lifetime and power handling.
• Low-noise amplification? Pick a gain block with the noise figure and gain flatness your band needs.

Reading the date code and package suffix

Suffixes matter: -TR1G is tape-and-reel, -BLKG is bulk, and a bare part number may indicate a specific pack form. Always confirm the suffix, because the electrical part is usually identical while the packaging, MOQ and price differ.

Sourcing AVAGO / Broadcom parts

Many legacy AVAGO parts are still in demand long after Broadcom moved the portfolio forward. The Shenzhen spot market is a practical source — provided you verify date codes and request inspection for critical parts.

Looking for HSMP, HSMS, HMC, MGA or ADA parts? JTDZ Tech stocks original AVAGO / Broadcom RF components with traceable date codes and quotes within 2 business hours.