Analog Devices Inc. 109998-HMC523LC4
- Part No.:
- 109998-HMC523LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
109998-HMC523LC4.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD HMC523LC4
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,992
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Product details
Overview
HMC523LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer in a 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package, operating from 15–23 GHz RF/LO and DC–3.5 GHz IF. It functions as an image-reject mixer (IRM) or single-sideband upconverter with 25 dB typical image rejection, +25 dBm input IP3, and 10 dB typical conversion loss at +17 dBm LO drive - deployed in point-to-point radios and military RF front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC523LC4 datasheet, HMC523LC4 pinout, HMC523LC4 application, or HMC523LC4 equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance data, validated 24-pin terminal mapping, real-world IRM/SSB use cases, and two confirmed alternative mixers for 15–23 GHz systems requiring high image rejection and wide IF bandwidth.
Technical Context
The HMC523LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to generate quadrature IF outputs (IF1/IF2), enabling image rejection without external hybrids. Its RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched across 15–23 GHz, while IF ports support DC-coupled operation up to 3.5 GHz.
It operates over −55°C to +85°C with 191.5 °C/W thermal resistance and MSL3 rating. Absolute maximum ratings include +20 dBm RF/IF input, +27 dBm LO drive, and 340 mW continuous dissipation at 85°C - requiring full ground paddle soldering per alumina package specifications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 15–23 GHz - supports full-band operation in E-band point-to-point links and military SATCOM terminals. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - enables baseband I/Q demodulation and wideband upconversion without external IF hybrids. |
| Image Rejection | 25 dB typical - suppresses unwanted sideband by >300× voltage ratio, critical for high-fidelity IRM architectures. |
| Input IP3 | +25 dBm - maintains linearity under strong interferers in dense RF environments like VSAT hubs. |
| Conversion Loss (IRM) | 10 dB typical at +17 dBm LO - defines signal path gain budget; requires +17 dBm LO source for optimal performance. |
| LO–RF Isolation | 47 dB - minimizes LO leakage into antenna paths, reducing spurious emissions and receiver desensitization. |
| Amplitude & Phase Balance | 0.3 dB / 4° - ensures accurate quadrature generation for <−25 dBc sideband suppression in SSB upconverters. |
Pinout & Package
24-lead 4×4 mm leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle requiring soldering to PCB RF ground. Thermal resistance is 191.5 °C/W (junction-to-package bottom).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connection | Internally unconnected; may be grounded without performance impact - simplifies layout routing. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | Ground | RF/DC ground terminals; must connect to PCB ground plane with low-inductance vias for stability. |
| 4 | RF Input/Output | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port for 15–23 GHz signals - no external matching required in band. |
| 9 | IF1 Output | DC-coupled I-channel output; sourcing/sinking >3 mA risks failure - requires external DC blocking if not used to DC. |
| 11 | IF2 Output | DC-coupled Q-channel output; identical electrical behavior to IF1 - forms quadrature pair with IF1. |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port for 15–23 GHz LO drive - optimized for +17 dBm nominal input level. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Eliminates need for external IF hybrid - reduces board area and insertion loss in compact IRM designs. |
| Wide IF Bandwidth (DC–3.5 GHz) | Supports zero-IF receivers and broadband upconversion without frequency translation stages. |
| High Image Rejection (25 dB) | Enables clean channel selection in crowded spectrum environments without additional filtering. |
| Robust LO Drive Tolerance (+11 to +19 dBm) | Allows flexible LO source selection - accommodates VCOs, synthesizers, or amplified sources. |
| Alumina SMT Package (4×4 mm) | Provides stable RF performance and thermal management in high-frequency surface-mount assemblies. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 23 GHz licensed backhaul link with 256-QAM modulation requiring high dynamic range and adjacent channel rejection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer in receive path, downconverting RF to complex baseband for digital demodulation. Use Value: 25 dB image rejection prevents mirror interference from degrading EVM; +25 dBm IP3 sustains linearity under co-site interferers. |
Use Scenario: Ku-band VSAT outdoor unit upconverting L-band IF to 18 GHz transmit band with minimal spectral regrowth. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter generating clean upper sideband with suppressed lower sideband. Use Value: 0.3 dB amplitude and 4° phase balance enable <−25 dBc sideband suppression - meeting DOCSIS 4.0 spectral mask requirements. |
| Military Radar Receivers | Test Equipment Front-Ends |
Use Scenario: EW system scanning 15–23 GHz with fast-tuning LO and real-time IF digitization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband IRM translating threat signals to digitizable IF with minimal latency and distortion. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth captures full pulse envelope; 47 dB LO–RF isolation prevents LO feedthrough during sensitive detection. |
Use Scenario: Vector signal analyzer measuring E-band device characteristics using swept LO and dual-channel IF capture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade I/Q mixer providing phase-coherent IF outputs for complex signal analysis. Use Value: Matched amplitude/phase balance and stable conversion loss across temperature ensure traceable measurement accuracy. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LP4E | 17–27 GHz RF/LO range; 22 dB image rejection; +22 dBm IP3; 4×4 mm QFN package. | Better high-end frequency coverage but lower image rejection and linearity than HMC523LC4. | Select when extending beyond 23 GHz is required and 3 dB image rejection margin can be accepted. |
| Qorvo QM11024 | 15–23.5 GHz RF/LO; 20 dB image rejection; +20 dBm IP3; 5×5 mm laminate package. | Lower integration (requires external hybrid); larger footprint; reduced thermal performance vs. alumina. | Choose for cost-sensitive production where alumina package robustness is not mandatory. |
Compared with HMC1048LP4E and QM11024, the HMC523LC4 delivers superior image rejection and IP3 within its native 15–23 GHz band, leveraging monolithic GaAs integration and alumina packaging for demanding military and test equipment applications - making it the preferred choice where sideband purity and thermal reliability are critical.
Availability
HMC523LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, VSAT terminals, and military radar receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence planning, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC523LC4 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 SiGe MMIC solutions for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC523LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy I/Q mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-performance image-reject and single-sideband architectures in E-band wireless infrastructure and electronic warfare systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC523LC4?
The HMC523LC4 achieves best image rejection and conversion loss at +17 dBm LO drive, with usable range from +11 to +19 dBm. At +17 dBm, typical image rejection reaches 25 dB and conversion loss is 10 dB. Deviating below +15 dBm degrades image rejection; exceeding +19 dBm risks compression or reliability issues. The HMC523LC4 datasheet specifies +17 dBm as the nominal LO level for all key RF specs.
Can the HMC523LC4 operate as both an image-reject mixer and a single-sideband upconverter?
Yes, the HMC523LC4 is explicitly designed for dual-mode operation: as an image-reject mixer (downconversion) and as a single-sideband upconverter (upconversion). Its integrated 90° hybrid and matched I/Q paths enable both functions without external components. The HMC523LC4 functional diagram and "Typical Applications" section confirm use in both IRM and SSB upconverter configurations.
What are the grounding requirements for the HMC523LC4 package?
All GND pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) and the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a solid RF ground plane using multiple low-inductance vias. The package outline drawing specifies that "all ground leads and ground paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground." Failure to fully ground the paddle increases thermal resistance and degrades RF performance - the HMC523LC4 thermal resistance is rated at 191.5 °C/W only with proper paddle soldering.
Does the HMC523LC4 support DC-coupled IF operation?
Yes, both IF1 (pin 9) and IF2 (pin 11) are DC-coupled ports. However, the HMC523LC4 pin description warns that IF1 must not source or sink more than 3 mA DC current - exceeding this causes non-function or permanent damage. For AC-only IF use, external DC blocking capacitors are recommended; for true DC–3.5 GHz operation, bias networks must limit current to ≤3 mA.
What is the absolute maximum RF/IF input power rating for the HMC523LC4?
The HMC523LC4 absolute maximum RF/IF input power is +20 dBm, as stated in the "Absolute Maximum Ratings" table. This limit applies to both RF (pin 4) and IF ports (pins 9 and 11). Exceeding +20 dBm risks gate oxide damage or metallization failure. The HMC523LC4 evaluation PCB design guidelines reinforce this by specifying K/SMA connectors rated for ≤+20 dBm - consistent with the device's safe operating area.
109998-HMC523LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Mixer
- Frequency:
- 15GHz ~ 23GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC523LC4
109998-HMC523LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 109998-HMC523LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 109998-HMC523LC4 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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6.How does Aetrix verify that 109998-HMC523LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 109998-HMC523LC4 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 109998-HMC523LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 109998-HMC523LC4?
All 109998-HMC523LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 109998-HMC523LC4, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 109998-HMC523LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 109998-HMC523LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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