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Analog Devices Inc. HMC1048LC3B
- Part No.:
- HMC1048LC3B
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-VFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC1048LC3B.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER DBL BALANCED 12SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,670
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Product details
Overview
HMC1048LC3B from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer designed for RF-to-IF downconversion in 2–18 GHz systems, delivering 11 dB typical conversion loss, +23 dBm input IP3, and DC–4 GHz IF bandwidth with no DC bias required.
For engineers reviewing the HMC1048LC3B datasheet, HMC1048LC3B pinout, HMC1048LC3B application, or HMC1048LC3B equivalent, this part supports Ka-band transponders, point-to-multipoint radios, test equipment, and military RF front-ends where high LO/RF isolation (38 dB typ), wide RF bandwidth, and surface-mount manufacturability are critical.
Technical Context
The HMC1048LC3B operates as a passive, unbalanced-double-balanced mixer with 50 Ω matched RF, LO, and IF ports. It requires LO drive between +9 dBm and +17 dBm and functions across two RF bands: 2–12 GHz and 12–18 GHz, with distinct isolation and conversion loss performance per band.
Its monolithic GaAs construction enables operation from –55 °C to +85 °C, with thermal resistance of 392 °C/W and ESD sensitivity rated Class 1A (HBM). The device exhibits fixed IF = 100 MHz isolation metrics but maintains usable IF bandwidth up to 4 GHz across temperature and LO power variations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 2–12 GHz and 12–18 GHz - dual-band operation requiring separate characterization per segment |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–4 GHz - supports baseband and wideband IF outputs without external coupling components |
| Conversion Loss | 9–13 dB (typ 11 dB) - defines signal attenuation from RF to IF path under +13 dBm LO drive |
| Input IP3 | +20 to +23 dBm (typ) - quantifies third-order intermodulation distortion handling at RF input |
| LO/RF Isolation | 28–38 dB (typ) - limits LO leakage into RF port, critical for receiver dynamic range |
| LO Drive Level | +9 to +17 dBm - specifies required LO power range for optimal linearity and conversion efficiency |
| Operating Temperature | –55 °C to +85 °C - validated for harsh-environment deployment in military and aerospace systems |
Pinout & Package
12-lead ceramic SMT package (3 × 3 mm, 9 mm² footprint) with exposed ground paddle; RoHS-compliant gold-over-nickel finish; MSL3 rating; marking "H1048".
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 12 | GND | RF/DC ground terminals - must be soldered to PCB ground plane with low-inductance connection |
| 2 | LO | 50 Ω matched local oscillator input - accepts +9 to +17 dBm drive without external matching |
| 4, 6, 11 | N/C | No internal connection - grounded externally per evaluation board practice to minimize parasitic coupling |
| 5 | IF | DC-coupled 50 Ω intermediate frequency output - supports DC–4 GHz signals directly to baseband processing |
| 8 | RF | 50 Ω matched radio frequency input - operates across full 2–18 GHz band with defined return loss |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Enables simplified power architecture and eliminates bias tee or active regulation circuitry |
| High LO/RF isolation (38 dB typ) | Reduces LO radiation into antenna path, easing filtering requirements in sensitive receivers |
| DC–4 GHz IF bandwidth | Supports direct sampling of wide IF signals including zero-IF and complex I/Q architectures |
| 12-lead 3×3 mm ceramic SMT package | Enables automated assembly and eliminates wire bonding, improving production yield and reliability |
| Class 1A HBM ESD rating | Requires strict handling protocols but ensures robustness during board-level manufacturing |
Applications
| Ka-band Transponder Downconversion | Point-to-Multipoint Radio Front-End |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Satellite communication payload receiving 26–40 GHz uplink signals and downconverting to L-band IF for demodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive double-balanced mixer performing RF-to-IF downconversion with minimal added noise and distortion. Use Value: Delivers +23 dBm IP3 and 38 dB LO/RF isolation to preserve signal integrity in high-dynamic-range space-grade receivers. |
Use Scenario: Fixed wireless access base station operating in 28 GHz mmWave band, converting received RF to 1–3 GHz IF for ADC sampling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Surface-mount RF mixer enabling compact, repeatable RF front-end assembly without tuning components. Use Value: Eliminates external matching networks and DC blocking capacitors due to DC-coupled IF and 50 Ω matched ports. |
| RF Test Equipment Signal Path | Military Radar Receiver Stage |
Use Scenario: Vector network analyzer or spectrum analyzer internal downconversion stage covering 2–18 GHz input range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: General-purpose mixer used in calibrated measurement signal chains requiring stable conversion loss and repeatability. Use Value: Maintains <±1 dB conversion gain variation over temperature (–40 to +85 °C) and LO power (+9 to +17 dBm). |
Use Scenario: EW/ESM system detecting pulsed radar signals across C-, X-, Ku-, and K-bands in airborne platform environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband RF mixer deployed in multi-octave channelized receiver front-end with fast settling and low spurious generation. Use Value: Achieves >55 dBc suppression of key mRF ± nLO spurs (e.g., 2LO–1RF) across full RF band, reducing false alarm rate. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1113LP3E | Wider RF range (1–20 GHz), higher conversion loss (13 dB typ), same 12-lead 3×3 mm package | Better suited for 1–2 GHz legacy radar bands; less optimal below 2 GHz than HMC1048LC3B | Select when broader low-end RF coverage is needed and +2 dB conversion loss penalty is acceptable |
| QPC1006 | Same 2–18 GHz RF range, GaN-based, +27 dBm IP3, +20 dBm P1dB, requires +28 V bias | Active design demands bias sequencing and thermal management; not drop-in compatible | Choose for ultra-high-linearity applications where DC power and heatsinking are available |
Compared with HMC1113LP3E and QPC1006, the HMC1048LC3B offers best-in-class IP3 within its RF band while remaining fully passive and requiring no external bias-making it ideal for size- and power-constrained downconverters where simplicity and reliability are prioritized over extended low-frequency coverage or maximum linearity.
Availability
HMC1048LC3B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ka-band transponders, point-to-multipoint radios, and military RF front-ends requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for HMC1048LC3B 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 integrates its high-frequency RF IC portfolio into precision analog and RF solutions for communications, defense, and instrumentation.
The HMC1048LC3B belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer family, engineered specifically for broadband, high-isolation downconversion in demanding microwave systems where passive operation and surface-mount reliability are essential.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC1048LC3B?
The HMC1048LC3B achieves best conversion loss and IP3 performance with LO drive between +9 dBm and +17 dBm. At +13 dBm, typical conversion loss is 11 dB and input IP3 reaches +23 dBm. Driving below +9 dBm increases conversion loss; above +17 dBm risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and degrading reliability. The HMC1048LC3B datasheet specifies all electrical characteristics at +13 dBm unless otherwise noted.
Does the HMC1048LC3B require external DC blocking or matching components?
No. The HMC1048LC3B features fully 50 Ω matched RF, LO, and IF ports with DC-coupled IF output, eliminating the need for external DC blocking capacitors, bias tees, or impedance-matching networks. Its passive GaAs MMIC architecture allows direct integration into RF signal paths, simplifying layout and reducing bill-of-materials count in designs such as test equipment and VSAT receivers.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum junction temperature of the HMC1048LC3B?
The HMC1048LC3B has a thermal resistance (RTH) of 392 °C/W from junction to package bottom. At an ambient temperature of +85 °C and +19 dBm LO drive, the maximum junction temperature reaches 116 °C. Continuous power dissipation is rated at 165 mW at +85 °C, derating by 2.5 mW/°C above that temperature. Proper PCB thermal via design beneath the exposed ground paddle is essential for reliable operation.
Can the HMC1048LC3B be used in upconverter configurations?
Yes-the HMC1048LC3B supports both downconversion and upconversion modes. In upconverter use (e.g., IF → RF), spurious output data shows >55 dBc suppression for key mIF ± nLO products across 2–4 GHz RF output. Performance depends on IF port drive level and LO stability; the HMC1048LC3B does not include integrated LO synthesis, so external LO source phase noise directly impacts upconverted signal purity.
What is the ESD sensitivity classification and handling guidance for the HMC1048LC3B?
The HMC1048LC3B is classified as Class 1A per HBM (Human Body Model), with ESD withstand voltage <250 V. It is an electrostatic-sensitive device requiring strict handling precautions: use grounded wrist straps, conductive foam storage, and ionized air workstations. The "OBSERVE HANDLING PRECAUTIONS" note on the datasheet applies to all assembly, reflow, and test operations involving the HMC1048LC3B.
HMC1048LC3B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-VFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 2GHz ~ 18GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 12-CSMT (3x3)
HMC1048LC3B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC1048LC3B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC1048LC3B 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 HMC1048LC3B reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC1048LC3B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC1048LC3B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC1048LC3B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC1048LC3B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC1048LC3B?
HMC1048LC3B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC1048LC3B 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 HMC1048LC3B?
For technical support, including HMC1048LC3B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC1048LC3B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC1048LC3B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC1048LC3B 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 HMC1048LC3B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC1048LC3B?
All HMC1048LC3B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC1048LC3B, 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 HMC1048LC3B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC1048LC3B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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