Analog Devices Inc. 109952-HMC260LC3B

Overview

HMC260LC3B from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced passive mixer operating from 14–26 GHz RF/LO and DC–8 GHz IF, delivering +20 dBm input IP3, 40 dB LO/RF isolation, and no DC bias requirement - ideal for microwave up/downconversion in point-to-point radios and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the HMC260LC3B datasheet, HMC260LC3B pinout, HMC260LC3B application, or HMC260LC3B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12-lead 3×3 mm ceramic SMT package, wide IF bandwidth to DC, LO drive sensitivity ≥+9 dBm, and absence of external matching components.

Technical Context

The HMC260LC3B employs optimized on-chip balun structures to achieve high LO-to-RF (40 dB typ.) and LO-to-IF (30 dB typ.) isolation, enabling clean signal translation without external filtering. Its passive architecture eliminates DC bias circuitry and supports both upconversion and downconversion modes.

Designed for operation across two RF/LO bands (14–18 GHz and 18–26 GHz), it maintains consistent conversion loss (7.5–12 dB) and noise figure (7.5–12 dB SSB) with LO drive ≥+9 dBm. The device operates over –40°C to +85°C and requires full ground paddle soldering for thermal and RF performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

12-lead leadless ceramic SMT package (3×3 mm, 9 mm² body), alumina substrate, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rating, and exposed ground paddle requiring direct PCB ground connection per JEDEC standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar passive mixer applications.

Compared with HMC260LC3B, HMC1048LP3E extends low-frequency coverage but sacrifices isolation above 20 GHz, while QPC1006 improves IP3 at the expense of LO drive efficiency and IF bandwidth - making HMC260LC3B the balanced choice for E-band radios requiring DC-coupled IF and moderate LO power.

Availability

HMC260LC3B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment, and military communications systems requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant SMT packaging, and guaranteed long-term availability in microwave frequency designs.

Supply support for HMC260LC3B 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 integrates its high-frequency RF/Microwave portfolio into industry-leading signal chain solutions.

The HMC260LC3B belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer family, engineered specifically for broadband wireless infrastructure, defense EW systems, and instrumentation requiring fundamental-mode mixing without external bias or matching.

FAQ

What is the minimum LO drive level required for specified performance of the HMC260LC3B?

The HMC260LC3B achieves datasheet-specified conversion loss, isolation, and IP3 with a minimum LO drive of +9 dBm. Performance degrades below this level, particularly in conversion gain flatness and intermodulation suppression. At +13 dBm LO (typical test condition), the device delivers optimal linearity and noise figure. Operating the HMC260LC3B below +9 dBm is not recommended for production designs.

Does the HMC260LC3B require external DC blocking or biasing components?

No, the HMC260LC3B is a fully passive double-balanced mixer and requires no DC bias or external active components. All ports (LO, RF, IF) are DC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω. Only the IF port has a ±2 mA current limit for true DC operation; otherwise, no blocking capacitors or bias tees are needed - simplifying layout and reducing parasitic effects.

Can the HMC260LC3B be used for both upconversion and downconversion?

Yes, the HMC260LC3B is bidirectional and functions identically as an upconverter or downconverter. Its symmetric double-balanced topology allows RF and LO ports to be interchanged per application need. In upconversion mode, IF is the input and RF is the output; in downconversion, RF is the input and IF is the output - both supported across the full 14–26 GHz RF/LO range.

What is the thermal management requirement for continuous operation of the HMC260LC3B?

The HMC260LC3B has a junction-to-ground-paddle thermal resistance of 253 °C/W and maximum channel temperature of 150 °C. For continuous operation at full rated LO drive (+13 dBm), the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a thermally robust PCB ground plane with multiple vias to inner layers. Derating begins above +85 °C ambient; at +85 °C, max dissipation is 260 mW - exceeding this risks parametric shift or reliability failure.

Is the HMC260LC3B pin-compatible with other Hittite mixer variants like HMC261LC3B?

No, the HMC260LC3B is not pin-compatible with HMC261LC3B or other LC3-series mixers. While both use the same 12-lead 3×3 mm ceramic package footprint, their pin functions differ: HMC261LC3B assigns Pin 5 to RF and Pin 8 to IF, reversing the HMC260LC3B assignment. Substituting without layout revision will cause functional failure - always verify pin mapping against the specific device's datasheet.