Analog Devices Inc. EV1HMC521ALC4
- Part No.:
- EV1HMC521ALC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
EV1HMC521ALC4.pdf
- Description:
- RF EVAL DEV KITS ISM
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Product details
Overview
EV1HMC521ALC4 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer designed for microwave downconversion and single-sideband upconversion in 8.5 GHz to 13.5 GHz RF systems. It delivers 9 dB typical conversion loss, 27.5 dBc image rejection, and supports dc–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth. Used in VSAT radios and military EW receivers where quadrature signal integrity and wide IF range are critical.
For engineers reviewing the EV1HMC521ALC4 datasheet, EV1HMC521ALC4 pinout, EV1HMC521ALC4 application, or EV1HMC521ALC4 equivalent, this page provides verified RF port definitions, thermal and isolation specs at 25°C/−40°C/+85°C, sideband suppression performance across LO power levels (11–19 dBm), and validated alternatives for image-reject receiver front-ends.
Technical Context
The EV1HMC521ALC4 integrates two double-balanced mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid coupler in a monolithic GaAs MESFET process. It operates as an image-reject downconverter or single-sideband upconverter without external hybrids, eliminating wire bonding and enabling surface-mount assembly.
Its RF and LO ports are ac-coupled and 50 Ω matched; IF1 and IF2 are dc-coupled quadrature outputs with ±2 mA absolute current limit. Performance is specified with 15 dBm LO drive and validated over −40°C to +85°C ambient temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 8.5 GHz to 13.5 GHz - defines usable input band for satellite and radar front-ends. |
| IF Bandwidth | dc to 3.5 GHz - supports baseband I/Q sampling and wideband IF digitization without external dc blocking. |
| Conversion Loss (Downconv.) | 9 dB typical - sets system noise figure budget when paired with low-noise amplifiers. |
| Image Rejection | 27.5 dBc typical - enables >40 dB dynamic range improvement in image-reject architectures. |
| LO to RF Isolation | 39 dB typical - reduces LO leakage into antenna paths, easing filter requirements in transceivers. |
| Input IP3 | 16 dBm typical - determines third-order intermodulation headroom in multi-carrier microwave receivers. |
| Package | 3.9 mm × 3.9 mm, 24-terminal LCC - RoHS-compliant ceramic leadless chip carrier with exposed ground pad. |
Pinout & Package
EV1HMC521ALC4 uses a 3.9 mm × 3.9 mm, 24-terminal ceramic LCC package (E-24-11) with exposed thermal pad requiring connection to ground. Ground pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) must be soldered to RF/dc ground planes per Figure 3 of the datasheet. Pins labeled NIC are not internally connected.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | RF Port | Ac-coupled 50 Ω RF input; connects to antenna or LNA output in downconverters. |
| 15 | LO Port | Ac-coupled 50 Ω local oscillator input; requires stable 15 dBm drive for optimal image rejection. |
| 11 | IF1 Port | DC-coupled in-phase IF output; must sink/source ≤2 mA for dc-coupled operation. |
| 9 | IF2 Port | DC-coupled quadrature-phase IF output; used with IF1 to reconstruct complex baseband signals. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | GND | RF and DC ground terminals; all must be low-inductance connections to PCB ground plane. |
| EPAD | Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground path; must be soldered to solid ground plane for θJC = 148°C/W. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Enables image-reject downconversion without external couplers, reducing board area and insertion loss. |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF Bandwidth | Supports direct baseband sampling and wide IF digitization without external dc-blocking capacitors. |
| 27.5 dBc Image Rejection | Reduces need for high-selectivity preselection filters in sensitive microwave receivers. |
| 39 dB LO-to-RF Isolation | Lowers risk of LO radiation in transmit/receive shared-antenna systems. |
| Surface-Mount LCC Package | Eliminates wire bonding; compatible with standard reflow processes and automated assembly. |
Applications
| Microwave VSAT Radios | Electronic Warfare Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Receive chain in Ka-band VSAT terminals for broadband satellite backhaul. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q downconverter translating 12.25–12.75 GHz RF to dc–500 MHz complex IF for digital demodulation. Use Value: 27.5 dBc image rejection suppresses adjacent channel interference without bulky image-reject filters. |
Use Scenario: Wideband signal intelligence (SIGINT) front-end capturing unknown emitters in 8.5–13.5 GHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer feeding dual ADCs for real-time spectrum analysis and direction finding. Use Value: dc–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth enables instantaneous capture of wide RF spans without tuning. |
| Test Equipment Signal Generators | Military C3I Transceivers |
Use Scenario: Local oscillator path in vector signal generators producing clean single-sideband waveforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter generating phase-coherent RF outputs from baseband I/Q inputs. Use Value: 9 dB conversion loss and 16 dBm IP3 maintain spectral purity under multi-tone modulation. |
Use Scenario: Full-duplex T/R module in secure tactical radios operating in X/Ku bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role mixer handling both receive (downconvert) and transmit (upconvert) paths via shared LO. Use Value: 39 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents transmit LO leakage from desensitizing receive LNA. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC520LC4 | Same GaAs MMIC process but 6–14 GHz RF range; 10 dB conversion loss; 25 dBc image rejection. | Better low-end coverage (6 GHz), slightly lower image rejection; requires recalibration below 8.5 GHz. | Select for wider low-frequency coverage where 8.5 GHz lower edge is not mandatory. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | GaAs pHEMT-based; 7–14 GHz RF range; 8.5 dB conversion loss; 26 dBc image rejection; 4×4 mm QFN. | Smaller footprint but no exposed thermal pad; dc–3 GHz IF bandwidth vs. dc–3.5 GHz. | Choose for space-constrained layouts where 500 MHz IF bandwidth margin is acceptable. |
Compared with EV1HMC521ALC4, HMC520LC4 extends low-frequency operation at the cost of image rejection, while QM11036 offers compact packaging but reduced IF bandwidth and thermal performance-both require layout and matching network adjustments.
Availability
EV1HMC521ALC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave VSAT radios, electronic warfare receivers, and military C3I transceivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-reliability RF performance.
Supply support for EV1HMC521ALC4 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, defense, and instrumentation markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC series targets microwave and millimeter-wave applications, with the EV1HMC521ALC4 specifically engineered for image-reject receiver and SSB transmitter architectures in defense and satcom systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal image rejection in EV1HMC521ALC4?
The EV1HMC521ALC4 achieves best image rejection (27.5 dBc typical) at 15 dBm LO input power. Lower drive (e.g., 11 dBm) degrades image rejection by ~3–5 dB; higher drive (19 dBm) increases conversion loss variation and risks compression. Maintain ±0.5 dB LO power stability for consistent quadrature balance in EV1HMC521ALC4.
Can EV1HMC521ALC4 operate with dc-coupled IF outputs, and what are the current limits?
Yes, EV1HMC521ALC4 supports dc-coupled IF operation on IF1 (Pin 11) and IF2 (Pin 9). Each IF pin must not source or sink more than ±2 mA; exceeding this risks die malfunction. For ac-coupled use above ~100 kHz, add external series capacitors sized per required IF bandwidth-no internal dc blocking is present in EV1HMC521ALC4.
How does temperature affect conversion loss and image rejection in EV1HMC521ALC4?
Over −40°C to +85°C, EV1HMC521ALC4 conversion loss varies by ≤0.5 dB, and image rejection degrades by ≤3 dBc (e.g., 27.5 dBc → 24.5 dBc at −40°C). These shifts are monotonic and repeatable; system calibration at extremes is recommended for precision applications using EV1HMC521ALC4.
Is the exposed pad of EV1HMC521ALC4 electrically connected, and how must it be handled?
Yes, the exposed pad of EV1HMC521ALC4 is electrically connected to ground and thermally critical. It must be soldered to a solid, low-impedance PCB ground plane using ≥80% solder coverage. Failure to connect it degrades θJA by >30°C/W and risks thermal runaway-this requirement is explicitly stated in the EV1HMC521ALC4 datasheet Pin Configuration section.
Does EV1HMC521ALC4 require external 90° hybrids for image-reject operation?
No, EV1HMC521ALC4 integrates a monolithic 90° hybrid coupler and two double-balanced mixer cells. It performs image-reject downconversion natively without external hybrids-this eliminates insertion loss, size, and alignment sensitivity associated with discrete hybrid assemblies in EV1HMC521ALC4-based designs.
EV1HMC521ALC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Mixer, MMIC
- Frequency:
- 8.5GHz ~ 13.5GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- HMC521ALC4
EV1HMC521ALC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for EV1HMC521ALC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for EV1HMC521ALC4 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 EV1HMC521ALC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of EV1HMC521ALC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for EV1HMC521ALC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for EV1HMC521ALC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for EV1HMC521ALC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for EV1HMC521ALC4?
EV1HMC521ALC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your EV1HMC521ALC4 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 EV1HMC521ALC4?
For technical support, including EV1HMC521ALC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your EV1HMC521ALC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that EV1HMC521ALC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All EV1HMC521ALC4 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 EV1HMC521ALC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of EV1HMC521ALC4?
All EV1HMC521ALC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with EV1HMC521ALC4, 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 EV1HMC521ALC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for EV1HMC521ALC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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