Analog Devices Inc. 109998-HMC526LC4
- Part No.:
- 109998-HMC526LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
109998-HMC526LC4.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD HMC526LC4
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC526LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer operating as an image-reject mixer (IRM) or single-sideband upconverter in 6–10 GHz RF/LO bands, with DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth, 9.5 dB typical conversion loss, 40 dB image rejection, and +28 dBm input IP3 - deployed in point-to-point radios and military RF front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC526LC4 datasheet, HMC526LC4 pinout, HMC526LC4 application, or HMC526LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4×4 mm leadless SMT package, LO-driven quadrature architecture, RF/IF/LO port isolation specs, and compatibility with surface-mount manufacturing without wire bonding.
Technical Context
The HMC526LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to enable image rejection or SSB upconversion; it requires external IF hybrid for IRM operation but supports direct DC-coupled IF1/IF2 outputs. Its RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched across 6–10 GHz.
Operation relies on precise amplitude/phase balance (≤0.2 dB / ≤5°) between quadrature channels, with LO drive sensitivity at +19 dBm (typical), and thermal limits defined by 128 °C/W junction-to-bottom thermal resistance and -40°C to +85°C operating range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 6–10 GHz - fully specified band for RF input and LO drive, enabling use in X-band wireless infrastructure |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - supports baseband I/Q demodulation and wideband IF sampling without external DC blocking |
| Conversion Loss (IRM) | 7.5–9.5 dB (typ) - defines signal attenuation in downconversion mode; impacts receiver noise figure budget |
| Image Rejection | 28–40 dB (typ/max) - determines adjacent-channel interference suppression capability in zero-IF architectures |
| Input IP3 | +25 to +30 dBm - sets third-order intermodulation dynamic range limit for multi-carrier RF environments |
| LO–RF Isolation | 38–50 dB (min/max) - reduces LO leakage into antenna path, easing filter requirements in transceiver designs |
| Amplitude & Phase Balance | ≤0.2 dB / ≤5° - critical for achieving >35 dB image rejection; degrades with frequency and temperature |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead 4×4 mm leadless SMT (alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3, exposed ground paddle). All ground pins (3,5,12,14,16) and paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | RF Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port for 6–10 GHz RF signal; requires no external matching network |
| 9, 11 | IF1 / IF2 Outputs | DC-coupled differential I/Q outputs; each limited to ±3 mA DC current to prevent damage |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port for 6–10 GHz local oscillator; +19 dBm typical drive level |
| 3,5,12,14,16 | GND | RF/DC ground terminals; mandatory connection to PCB ground plane and exposed paddle |
| 1,2,6–8,10,13,17–24 | N/C | No-connect pins; may be grounded without performance impact |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Quadrature Architecture | On-die 90° hybrid enables image rejection without external hybrids - reduces board area and assembly complexity |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF Bandwidth | Supports zero-IF and low-IF receivers with baseband I/Q output; eliminates need for IF filtering before ADC |
| High LO–RF Isolation (50 dB max) | Minimizes LO radiation through antenna path, easing EMC compliance and reducing duplexer burden |
| RoHS-Compliant Leadless SMT Package | 4×4 mm footprint with exposed paddle enables high-frequency thermal management and reflow-compatible assembly |
| Wide Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C ambient rating ensures reliability in outdoor radio and military platform deployments |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul links operating in 7–8.5 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject downconverter translating RF to baseband I/Q for digital demodulation. Use Value: 40 dB image rejection and +28 dBm IP3 maintain EVM under dense interferer conditions in co-located deployments. |
Use Scenario: Ku-band satellite communication terminals requiring compact, high-linearity RF front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter generating clean transmit spectrum with minimal LO feedthrough. Use Value: 50 dB LO–RF isolation and 0.2 dB amplitude balance reduce spectral regrowth and adjacent channel leakage. |
| Military Tactical Radios | Test & Measurement Receivers |
Use Scenario: Manpack and vehicular radios operating in contested EW environments with wide instantaneous bandwidth. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband I/Q downconverter supporting real-time spectrum analysis and signal intelligence. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth enables full instantaneous capture of modulated waveforms without IF translation stages. |
Use Scenario: Benchtop vector signal analyzers requiring calibrated I/Q demodulation from 6–10 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade IRM providing stable amplitude/phase balance over temperature for measurement accuracy. Use Value: ≤5° phase balance drift and <0.5 dB amplitude variation ensure <0.5° IQ error in calibrated receiver chains. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC8192LP5E | Wider RF range (4–14 GHz), higher conversion gain (+3 dB), but larger 5×5 mm package and +23 dBm IP3 | Better suited for multi-band test equipment; less optimal for space-constrained 7–8.5 GHz radios | Select HMC8192LP5E when wider frequency coverage and gain outweigh size constraints |
| ADL5375-05 | Lower frequency (300–4000 MHz), integrated LO buffer, +22 dBm IP3, and 0.5 dB higher conversion loss | Targets sub-6 GHz cellular infrastructure; not usable above 4 GHz | Choose ADL5375-05 only for LTE/5G FR1 upconverters - incompatible with X-band operation |
Compared with HMC8192LP5E and ADL5375-05, the HMC526LC4 delivers optimal trade-off of X-band coverage, compact 4×4 mm footprint, and +28 dBm linearity - making it the preferred choice for size- and performance-sensitive 6–10 GHz IRM designs.
Availability
HMC526LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, VSAT terminals, and military tactical radios requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for HMC526LC4 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.
The HMC526LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy MMIC I/Q mixer product line, engineered specifically for compact, high-isolation, wide-IF RF front-ends in X-band wireless and electronic warfare systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC526LC4?
The HMC526LC4 achieves best image rejection and conversion loss at +19 dBm LO drive (typical), as validated in datasheet measurements. Driving below +17 dBm increases conversion loss and degrades amplitude/phase balance; exceeding +21 dBm risks compression and spurious generation. Always verify LO power at the HMC526LC4 pin using calibrated RF source and directional coupler.
Can the HMC526LC4 operate as both an image-reject mixer and a single-sideband upconverter?
Yes, the HMC526LC4 supports both modes: as an image-reject mixer (IRM) when used with an external IF hybrid, and as a single-sideband upconverter when driven differentially at IF1/IF2. The datasheet confirms identical RF/LO/IF port definitions and performance specs apply in both configurations, with no hardware change required.
What are the absolute maximum ratings for RF/IF input and LO drive on the HMC526LC4?
The HMC526LC4 has absolute maximum ratings of +20 dBm for RF/IF input and +27 dBm for LO drive. Exceeding these values risks permanent damage. For reliable operation, keep RF/IF inputs ≤+15 dBm and LO drive ≤+21 dBm - especially at elevated temperatures where thermal derating applies (507 mW max dissipation at 85°C, derated 7.8 mW/°C above).
How should the ground connections be implemented for the HMC526LC4 to ensure RF performance?
All GND pins (3,5,12,14,16) and the exposed bottom paddle must be soldered directly to a solid, low-inductance RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias. The datasheet mandates this for thermal management and RF return path integrity. Floating or poorly connected grounds cause degraded isolation, increased conversion loss, and instability above 8 GHz.
Is the HMC526LC4 compatible with standard PCB assembly processes including lead-free reflow?
Yes, the HMC526LC4 is RoHS-compliant and rated MSL3 with peak reflow temperature tolerance of 260°C. Its gold-over-nickel finish and alumina package withstand standard lead-free reflow profiles. However, avoid repeated thermal cycling and ensure uniform heating to prevent die stress - follow Analog Devices' recommended reflow profile in the package documentation for HMC526LC4.
109998-HMC526LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Mixer
- Frequency:
- 6GHz ~ 10GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC526LC4
109998-HMC526LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 109998-HMC526LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 109998-HMC526LC4 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 109998-HMC526LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of 109998-HMC526LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 109998-HMC526LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 109998-HMC526LC4?
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4.How is shipping managed for 109998-HMC526LC4?
109998-HMC526LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 109998-HMC526LC4 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 109998-HMC526LC4?
For technical support, including 109998-HMC526LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 109998-HMC526LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 109998-HMC526LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 109998-HMC526LC4 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-HMC526LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 109998-HMC526LC4?
All 109998-HMC526LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 109998-HMC526LC4, 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-HMC526LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 109998-HMC526LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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