Analog Devices Inc. HMC1042LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC1042LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC1042LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER GAAS 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,112
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Product details
Overview
HMC1042LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer operating from 15 to 33.5 GHz RF/LO and DC–3.5 GHz IF, delivering 30 dBc image rejection, +22 dBm input IP3, and 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation in a 4×4 mm leadless SMT package. It functions as an image-reject mixer or single-sideband upconverter for millimeter-wave wireless infrastructure.
For engineers reviewing the HMC1042LC4 datasheet, HMC1042LC4 pinout, HMC1042LC4 application, or HMC1042LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its wide IF bandwidth, high linearity at Ka-band, compact surface-mount form factor, and compatibility with external 90° hybrids for USB/LSB operation.
Technical Context
The HMC1042LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells and an on-die 90° hybrid to enable intrinsic quadrature signal processing without external phase-shifting components. Its architecture supports both downconversion (image-reject mode) and upconversion (SSB mode), with performance validated across temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and LO drive levels (+13 to +17 dBm).
It requires external DC blocking on IF2 for AC-coupled operation and mandates grounding of all N/C pins and the exposed paddle to RF/DC ground. The device is ESD-sensitive (HBM Class 1A) and rated for continuous operation up to +85°C ambient with junction temperature limited to 150°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 15–33.5 GHz: Covers full Ka-band for point-to-point radio and military comms systems. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz: Enables baseband and wideband IF interfaces including 2 GHz USB output. |
| Image Rejection | 30 dBc typical: Reduces adjacent-channel interference without external filtering. |
| Input IP3 | +22 dBm typical: Supports high-dynamic-range receivers in dense spectral environments. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 40 dB typical: Minimizes LO leakage into antenna paths, easing front-end filter requirements. |
| Conversion Loss | 9–14 dB (typ–max): Defines signal attenuation through mixer path; impacts system noise figure budget. |
| Amplitude Balance | ±0.5 dB typical: Ensures matched I/Q channel gain for accurate vector modulation/demodulation. |
| Phase Balance | ±2.5° typical: Maintains quadrature integrity critical for SSB suppression and IQ demodulation fidelity. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead, 4×4 mm leadless ceramic (alumina) SMT package with gold-over-nickel plating and MSL3 rating. Exposed ground paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17–24 | N/C | Internally unconnected; must be externally grounded per RF layout best practices. |
| 3, 5, 8, 14, 16 | GND | Dedicated RF/DC ground terminals; connect directly to ground plane with multiple vias. |
| 4 | RF | 50 Ω AC-coupled RF input/output port; matches standard millimeter-wave test interfaces. |
| 9 | IF2 | DC-coupled I/Q output port; requires external DC blocking for AC-coupled IF use. |
| 11 | IF1 | DC-coupled I/Q output port; paired with IF2 to deliver quadrature IF signals. |
| 15 | LO | 50 Ω AC-coupled LO input port; operates across full 15–33.5 GHz band without tuning. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Eliminates need for external hybrid coupler, reducing board area and insertion loss in I/Q paths. |
| Leadless Pb-Free SMT Package | Enables automated reflow assembly and improves thermal dissipation vs. wire-bonded hybrids. |
| Wide IF Bandwidth (DC–3.5 GHz) | Supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures, including direct-conversion receivers and broadband modems. |
| High LO-RF Isolation (40 dB) | Reduces risk of LO radiation and simplifies front-end filtering in transceiver designs. |
| Robust Temperature Performance | Maintains image rejection >24 dBc and conversion gain stability from −40°C to +85°C ambient. |
| ESD Protection (HBM Class 1A) | Requires strict handling protocols but enables integration into production lines with controlled ESD zones. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio | Test Equipment & Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity backhaul links operating in 23–29 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject downconverter in receiver chain, translating Ka-band RF to 2 GHz USB IF for digitization. Use Value: 30 dBc image rejection enables clean channel selection without bulky image-reject filters, reducing BOM cost and size. | Use Scenario: Vector network analyzer (VNA) and spectrum analyzer front-ends requiring wide IF bandwidth. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q sampling mixer in receiver calibration path, supporting DC–3.5 GHz IF capture for complex signal analysis. Use Value: DC-coupled IF ports allow baseband characterization and modulation error ratio (MER) testing of wideband waveforms. |
| Point-to-Multi-Point Radio | Military End Use |
Use Scenario: Fixed wireless access base stations serving multiple subscriber units in 28 GHz mmWave bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter in transmit path, generating clean USB output while suppressing LSB. Use Value: +22 dBm input IP3 ensures linear amplification of OFDM signals under high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) conditions. | Use Scenario: Electronic warfare (EW) receivers performing real-time spectrum monitoring and signal intelligence (SIGINT). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband image-reject mixer enabling instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) across Ka-band. Use Value: 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents LO self-jamming during rapid frequency hopping, preserving detection sensitivity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1043LC4 | Same package and process; optimized for 22–38 GHz RF/LO range with 28 dBc image rejection. | Better suited for higher-frequency 5G FR2 and satellite uplinks above 33.5 GHz. | Select HMC1043LC4 when operating above 33.5 GHz; otherwise HMC1042LC4 provides superior image rejection at lower Ka-band. |
| ADL5375-05 | SiGe broadband I/Q modulator (300 MHz–6 GHz); not a direct replacement-requires external LO synthesis and lacks integrated hybrid. | Targets sub-6 GHz infrastructure; incompatible with Ka-band RF/LO frequencies. | Use ADL5375-05 only for lower-frequency SDR platforms; HMC1042LC4 remains necessary for native Ka-band operation. |
Compared with HMC1043LC4 and ADL5375-05, the HMC1042LC4 uniquely delivers verified 30 dBc image rejection and +22 dBm IP3 within the 15–33.5 GHz band in a self-contained 4×4 mm package-enabling compact, high-performance Ka-band transceivers without hybrid assemblies or external phase shifters.
Availability
HMC1042LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, electronic warfare systems, and millimeter-wave test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and high-frequency performance.
Supply support for HMC1042LC4 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, SiGe, and RF SOI solutions for defense, communications, and instrumentation.
The HMC1042LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for Ka-band wireless infrastructure and EW systems requiring integrated quadrature functionality in minimal footprint.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal image rejection in the HMC1042LC4?
The HMC1042LC4 achieves maximum image rejection (up to 30 dBc) at +15 dBm LO drive, as specified in the electrical characteristics table. Lower drive levels (e.g., +13 dBm) reduce image rejection by ~4–6 dB, while +17 dBm yields marginal improvement but increases power consumption and thermal load. For production designs, +15 dBm is the validated optimum for consistent Ka-band performance in the HMC1042LC4.
Can the HMC1042LC4 operate as a direct-conversion receiver (DCR) with zero-IF output?
Yes, the HMC1042LC4 supports DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth and has DC-coupled IF1 and IF2 ports, enabling true zero-IF operation. However, the IF outputs must not source or sink more than 3 mA DC current to avoid non-function or damage. External biasing networks must ensure compliance, making the HMC1042LC4 suitable for DCR architectures when properly interfaced.
Is the HMC1042LC4 pin-compatible with other Hittite I/Q mixers like the HMC1041LC4?
No, the HMC1042LC4 is not pin-compatible with HMC1041LC4. While both are 24-lead 4×4 mm packages, their pin assignments differ: HMC1042LC4 assigns IF1 to Pin 11 and IF2 to Pin 9, whereas HMC1041LC4 swaps these functions. Layout reuse is not possible without redesign, and the HMC1042LC4 must be treated as a distinct footprint in PCB design.
What thermal management is required for continuous operation of the HMC1042LC4 at +85°C ambient?
The HMC1042LC4 has a thermal resistance of 198 °C/W (junction-to-package bottom). At maximum dissipation (328 mW), junction temperature rises 65°C above package bottom. To stay within the 150°C channel limit at +85°C ambient, the PCB ground plane must maintain the package bottom ≤85°C via ≥6 thermal vias under the paddle and copper pour ≥10 mm². This thermal design is mandatory for sustained HMC1042LC4 operation.
Does the HMC1042LC4 require an external 90° hybrid for image-reject operation?
No-the HMC1042LC4 integrates an on-die 90° hybrid and does not require an external hybrid for basic image-reject mixer (IRM) operation. External hybrids are only needed when implementing specific IF frequency translations (e.g., generating 2000 MHz USB output), as noted in the functional description. The internal hybrid enables compact, high-performance IRM functionality directly in the HMC1042LC4.
HMC1042LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 15GHz ~ 33.5GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC1042LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC1042LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC1042LC4 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 HMC1042LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC1042LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC1042LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC1042LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC1042LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC1042LC4?
HMC1042LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC1042LC4 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 HMC1042LC4?
For technical support, including HMC1042LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC1042LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC1042LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC1042LC4 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 HMC1042LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC1042LC4?
All HMC1042LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC1042LC4, 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 HMC1042LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC1042LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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