Analog Devices Inc. 104527-HMC264LM3

Overview

HMC264LM3 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC sub-harmonically pumped (x2) SMT mixer operating from 20–30 GHz RF, 10–15 GHz LO, and DC–4 GHz IF, with integrated LO amplifier requiring only –4 dBm drive at +3V to +4V supply, delivering 9–12 dB conversion loss and 35 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation for microwave radio upconverters and downconverters.

For engineers reviewing the HMC264LM3 datasheet, HMC264LM3 pinout, HMC264LM3 application, or HMC264LM3 equivalent, this device supports high-isolation, low-LO-drive millimeter-wave transceivers in LMDS, SATCOM, and point-to-point radios where wirebond-free SMT integration and consistent 50 Ω RF/LO matching are critical.

Technical Context

The HMC264LM3 implements a sub-harmonic (x2) mixing architecture using GaAs MMIC process, enabling LO frequency halving (e.g., 13.5 GHz LO → 27 GHz RF), with integrated two-stage LO amplifier biased by single +3V/+4V rail. Its design eliminates external LO buffering while maintaining >30 dB 2LO-to-IF isolation across DC–4 GHz IF band.

It operates as a double-balanced passive mixer core driven by the on-die LO amplifier, with AC-coupled 50 Ω RF and LO ports, DC-coupled IF port requiring external DC blocking, and all grounds soldered directly to PCB RF ground per LM3 package mechanical requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The HMC264LM3 uses the non-hermetic, epoxy-sealed LM3 leadless chip carrier package (plastic body, gold-over-nickel plating), measuring 2.0 × 2.0 mm with 7-terminal layout optimized for grounded coplanar waveguide (CPWG) transitions and millimeter-wave SMT assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-harmonic mixer applications.

Compared with HMC1048LP3E and QM11024, the HMC264LM3 uniquely combines integrated LO amplification, 20–30 GHz optimization, and LM3 SMT compatibility-reducing bill-of-materials count and simplifying layout for commercial E-band radios.

Availability

HMC264LM3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 20–30 GHz microwave radios, point-to-point wireless backhaul, and LMDS infrastructure requiring stable component supply, consistent LM3 package sourcing, and millimeter-wave mixer performance traceability.

Supply support for HMC264LM3 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014 and maintains its high-frequency RF portfolio, specializing in GaAs and GaN MMICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.

The HMC264LM3 belongs to Hittite's legacy LM3-series sub-harmonic mixer family, engineered specifically for E-band wireless infrastructure where low-LO-drive, high-isolation, and SMT-reliable millimeter-wave performance are essential.

FAQ

What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC264LM3?

The HMC264LM3 is characterized at –4 dBm LO drive with +3V or +4V Vdd, delivering 9–12 dB conversion loss and 35 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation. Driving below –6 dBm increases conversion loss; above 0 dBm offers diminishing returns and risks compression. The integrated LO amplifier eliminates need for external drivers, making –4 dBm the standard design point for HMC264LM3.

Can the HMC264LM3 be used as both an upconverter and downconverter?

Yes, the HMC264LM3 functions bidirectionally: as an upconverter (IF → RF) when IF is applied to Pin 5 and RF extracted from Pin 4, or as a downconverter (RF → IF) when RF enters Pin 4 and IF appears at Pin 5. All published specs-including conversion loss, IP3, and isolation-are measured in downconverter mode (RF→IF), but verified upconverter performance matches within ±0.5 dB per Analog Devices' application notes for HMC264LM3.

What is the absolute maximum rating for Vdd on the HMC264LM3?

The absolute maximum Vdd rating for the HMC264LM3 is 5.5 V. Operation above +4 V is not recommended: datasheet characterization is limited to +3 V and +4 V, and exceeding +4 V may degrade LO amplifier reliability or increase current beyond 28 mA without performance benefit. Continuous operation at 5.5 V violates safe operating area limits and voids warranty per Analog Devices' absolute maximum ratings table.

Is external DC blocking required on the IF port of the HMC264LM3?

Yes, external DC blocking is mandatory on Pin 5 (IF). The IF port is DC-coupled internally, and any applied DC voltage will cause immediate die malfunction or permanent failure. A series capacitor-selected to pass the full DC–4 GHz IF band (e.g., 100 pF for low-frequency cutoff <1 MHz)-must be placed between the IF trace and the HMC264LM3 IF pin. This requirement is explicitly stated in the Pin Descriptions section of the HMC264LM3 datasheet.

What PCB material and layout guidelines ensure optimal RF performance for the HMC264LM3?

Optimal RF performance requires Rogers 4003 laminate (0.008" dielectric thickness), grounded coplanar waveguide (CPWG) routing with 0.016" signal width and 0.005" gap to ground, and strict adherence to the LM3-01 land pattern (±0.003" tolerance). Via placement under ground pads, 100–330 pF Vdd bypassing adjacent to Pin 3, and GSG probe-compatible 400 µm pitch are all validated in the HMC264LM3 evaluation board documentation and must be replicated for production designs.