Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC520ALC4
- Part No.:
- EV1HMC520ALC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
EV1HMC520ALC4.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD FOR HMC520ALC4
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Product details
Overview
EV1HMC520ALC4 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) mixer operating from 6 GHz to 10 GHz RF and LO, with 8 dB typical conversion loss, 23 dBc image rejection, and dc–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth. It functions as an image-reject downconverter or single-sideband upconverter in microwave transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC520ALC4 datasheet, EV1HMC520ALC4 pinout, EV1HMC520ALC4 application, or EV1HMC520ALC4 equivalent, this page delivers verified RF performance metrics, terminal-level interface guidance, thermal and isolation specifications, and validated alternatives for high-frequency signal translation in point-to-point radios and test instrumentation.
Technical Context
The EV1HMC520ALC4 integrates two double-balanced mixer cells and an on-die 90° hybrid in a GaAs MESFET process, enabling intrinsic image rejection without external hybrids when used in downconversion. Its RF, LO, and IF ports are internally matched to 50 Ω, with ac-coupled RF and dc-coupled LO inputs.
It supports both high-side and low-side LO injection, delivers amplitude balance ≤0.3 dB and phase balance ≤5° across 6–10 GHz (at IF = 100 MHz), and maintains stable noise figure (8.5 dB typ.) and input IP3 (19 dBm typ.) over −40°C to +85°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 6 GHz to 10 GHz - Enables direct downconversion of Ku-band satellite and point-to-point radio signals without frequency translation stages. |
| LO Frequency Range | 6 GHz to 10 GHz - Supports flexible local oscillator placement for both high-side and low-side injection configurations. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC to 3.5 GHz - Allows baseband I/Q demodulation and wideband IF sampling up to 3.5 GHz without external filtering. |
| Conversion Loss | 8 dB typical - Minimizes required gain in subsequent IF amplification stages while maintaining SNR integrity. |
| Image Rejection | 23 dBc typical - Reduces need for external image-reject filters in receiver front-ends, simplifying system design. |
| Input IP3 | 19 dBm typical - Ensures robust linearity in crowded spectral environments such as digital microwave backhaul. |
| LO–RF Isolation | 43 dB typical - Limits LO leakage into antenna paths, easing RF front-end filtering requirements. |
Pinout & Package
EV1HMC520ALC4 is housed in a RoHS-compliant 24-terminal ceramic leadless chip carrier (LCC) package (E-24-11) with an exposed ground pad requiring PCB connection to GND.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | RF | RF input port, ac-coupled and 50 Ω matched - connects directly to antenna or filter output without external matching. |
| 9, 11 | IF1, IF2 | Quadrature IF outputs - require external 90° hybrid for image rejection or direct connection to I/Q ADCs. |
| 15 | LO | LO input port, dc-coupled and 50 Ω matched - accepts +15 dBm LO drive without external bias tee. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16, 19 | GND | Ground terminals - must be low-inductance connected to PCB ground plane; exposed pad is electrically tied to these pins. |
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | NIC | Not internally connected - left unconnected on PCB; no routing or soldering required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° hybrid | Enables monolithic image-reject mixing without discrete hybrid couplers, reducing board area and assembly complexity. |
| Surface-mount LCC package | Eliminates wire bonding; supports reflow soldering and automated assembly for high-reliability microwave modules. |
| Wide IF bandwidth (dc–3.5 GHz) | Supports zero-IF and complex IF architectures, including direct sampling of modulated waveforms up to 3.5 GHz. |
| High LO–RF isolation (43 dB) | Reduces risk of LO radiation through antenna path, easing EMC compliance in compact transceiver designs. |
| Robust thermal rating | Rated for continuous operation at +85°C ambient with 400 mW power dissipation, suitable for sealed outdoor enclosures. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Microwave Radios | Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed band links (e.g., 7 GHz E-band) requiring image-free downconversion for QAM-256 demodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject downconverter translating 7.1–7.8 GHz RF to 100–1500 MHz IF with <23 dBc image suppression. Use Value: Eliminates external image-reject filter, reducing BOM count and insertion loss in sensitive receive chains. |
Use Scenario: Broadband vector signal analyzer front-end needing calibrated I/Q downconversion from 6–10 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision quadrature mixer providing amplitude/phase-balanced IF outputs for coherent signal analysis. Use Value: Delivers ≤0.3 dB amplitude and ≤5° phase imbalance, enabling >60 dB image rejection without calibration. |
| Video Satellite Terminals | Digital Radio Backhaul |
|
Use Scenario: Receive chain in mobile satellite terminals capturing 7.25–7.75 GHz DVB-S2 signals under vibration and temperature cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: DC-coupled LO and ac-coupled RF mixer supporting −40°C to +85°C operation with stable conversion loss. Use Value: Maintains 8 dB conversion loss and 19 dBm IP3 across full temperature range, ensuring consistent C/N ratio. |
Use Scenario: Compact 5G wireless backhaul unit requiring low-power, high-linearity upconversion from 100 MHz IF to 8 GHz RF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter with 22 dBc sideband rejection and 7.5 dB conversion loss. Use Value: Achieves clean spectral purity without post-mixer filtering, reducing size and power in fanless outdoor units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC774A | Wider RF range (6–14 GHz), higher LO drive (+17 dBm), 20% larger LCC package (28-lead). | Better suited for Ka-band extensions; requires revised PCB land pattern and LO driver headroom. | Select HMC774A only if operation beyond 10 GHz or improved LO drive margin is required. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | SiGe process, lower conversion loss (6.5 dB), narrower RF range (7–9 GHz), different pinout (16-lead QFN). | Optimized for fixed-frequency 8 GHz radios; lacks dc-coupled LO and requires external balun for I/Q outputs. | Choose QM11036 for cost-sensitive, narrowband 8 GHz systems where dc IF capability is not needed. |
Compared with EV1HMC520ALC4, HMC774A extends frequency coverage but increases layout complexity, while QM11036 reduces loss in a narrower band but sacrifices dc IF support and requires external components for quadrature operation.
Availability
EV1HMC520ALC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point microwave radios, automatic test equipment, video satellite terminals, and digital radio backhaul requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and frequency ranges.
Supply support for EV1HMC520ALC4 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving communications, industrial, and aerospace markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC520A product line delivers monolithic microwave mixers optimized for image-reject and SSB upconversion in 6–13 GHz systems, targeting compact, high-reliability transceivers where hybrid assemblies are impractical.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the EV1HMC520ALC4?
The EV1HMC520ALC4 is characterized at +15 dBm LO input, delivering 8 dB typical conversion loss and 23 dBc image rejection. LO drive between +13 dBm and +19 dBm is supported; below +13 dBm increases conversion loss, while above +19 dBm risks compression or reliability degradation. The EV1HMC520ALC4 datasheet specifies +15 dBm as the nominal condition for all key RF metrics.
Does the EV1HMC520ALC4 require external matching networks at its RF, LO, or IF ports?
No. The EV1HMC520ALC4 features internal 50 Ω matching on RF (ac-coupled) and LO (dc-coupled) ports, and its IF1/IF2 outputs are designed for direct connection to 50 Ω loads. External dc blocking is only needed on IF pins if dc operation is not required; otherwise, current sourcing/sinking must remain ≤12 mA per pin to avoid malfunction.
Can the EV1HMC520ALC4 operate with dc-coupled IF outputs for zero-IF applications?
Yes. The EV1HMC520ALC4 supports true dc-coupled IF operation on pins 9 (IF1) and 11 (IF2). When used in zero-IF receivers, these pins must not source or sink more than 12 mA to prevent device failure or functional deviation. No external dc blocking capacitors are required in dc-coupled mode.
What is the thermal resistance (θJA) of the EV1HMC520ALC4, and how does it affect PCB layout?
The EV1HMC520ALC4 has a θJA of 175°C/W under natural convection in a one-cubic-foot sealed enclosure. Effective thermal management requires connecting the exposed pad to a multi-via ground plane (≥3 × 3 vias recommended per JEDEC JESD51-2). Poor thermal design may cause junction temperature to exceed 175°C, triggering permanent damage or accelerated aging.
Is the EV1HMC520ALC4 pin-compatible with earlier HMC520 variants such as HMC520LP3?
No. The EV1HMC520ALC4 uses a 24-terminal ceramic LCC (E-24-11) package, whereas HMC520LP3 uses a 16-pin leaded package with different pin assignments and thermal characteristics. Direct replacement requires PCB redesign, land pattern revision, and revalidation of RF matching and grounding.
EV1HMC520ALC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Mixer
- Frequency:
- 6GHz ~ 10GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC520ALC4
EV1HMC520ALC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for EV1HMC520ALC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for EV1HMC520ALC4 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 EV1HMC520ALC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of EV1HMC520ALC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for EV1HMC520ALC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for EV1HMC520ALC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for EV1HMC520ALC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for EV1HMC520ALC4?
EV1HMC520ALC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your EV1HMC520ALC4 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 EV1HMC520ALC4?
For technical support, including EV1HMC520ALC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your EV1HMC520ALC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that EV1HMC520ALC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All EV1HMC520ALC4 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 EV1HMC520ALC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of EV1HMC520ALC4?
All EV1HMC520ALC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with EV1HMC520ALC4, 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 EV1HMC520ALC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for EV1HMC520ALC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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