Analog Devices Inc. HMC1093

Overview

HMC1093 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs PHEMT sub-harmonically pumped (×4) MMIC mixer designed for downconversion at the RF port (37–46.5 GHz) with DC–7.5 GHz IF output and 8.5–11 GHz LO input. It integrates an on-chip LO amplifier, delivers 9–13 dB conversion loss, 20 dB 4LO-to-RF isolation, and operates from -55°C to +85°C with +3 V bias.

For engineers reviewing the HMC1093 datasheet, HMC1093 pinout, HMC1093 application, or HMC1093 equivalent, this page provides verified RF mixer specifications, die-level package details, thermal and power handling limits, and real-world deployment context for E-band microwave radio and military systems.

Technical Context

The HMC1093 implements a sub-harmonic (×4) mixing architecture using GaAs PHEMT technology, enabling operation with low LO drive (-1 dBm typical) while maintaining high 4LO-to-RF isolation (20 dB). Its integrated two-stage LO amplifier operates from a single +3 V supply and eliminates external LO amplification.

All ports-RF, LO, and IF-are impedance-matched to 50 Ω; RF and LO are AC-coupled, while IF is DC-coupled. The die features gold bond pads (0.0026" square), backside ground metallization, and requires minimal-length wire bonds (<0.31 mm) for optimal RF performance up to 46.5 GHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Bare die, 1.45 × 3.85 × 0.1 mm (0.057 × 0.152 × 0.004 in), gold metallized bond pads, backside grounded.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-harmonic mixer applications.

Compared with HMC1093, HMC1113 trades integration and efficiency for broader RF bandwidth, while QPM1002 prioritizes power handling over die size and bias simplicity-making HMC1093 optimal for space-constrained, low-LO-power E-band radios where linearity and isolation are balanced against current draw and layout footprint.

Availability

HMC1093 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 38 GHz/42 GHz microwave radio, military radar transceiver, and secure SATCOM terminal applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for HMC1093 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 millimeter-wave ICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation.

The HMC1093 belongs to Hittite's GaAs MMIC sub-harmonic mixer product line, engineered specifically for E-band downconversion in size- and power-constrained microwave radio and military systems.

FAQ

What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC1093?

The HMC1093 is characterized at -1 dBm LO drive, which delivers typical conversion loss of 11 dB and 20 dB 4LO-to-RF isolation. Driving at -5 dBm increases conversion loss by ~2 dB; +3 dBm improves linearity but raises Idd and may degrade reliability. The HMC1093 datasheet specifies -1 dBm as the nominal LO power for all published RF/IF performance curves.

Does the HMC1093 require external matching networks at the RF, LO, or IF ports?

No-the HMC1093 RF and LO ports are internally AC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω, and the IF port is DC-coupled and 50 Ω matched. These are verified in a 50 Ω test fixture with minimal wire bonds. External matching is unnecessary unless integrating into non-50 Ω transmission line environments (e.g., microstrip on non-standard substrates), where simulation-based tuning may be needed.

Can the HMC1093 be used for upconversion applications?

The HMC1093 is characterized and optimized exclusively for downconversion (RF → IF), with RF specified as input and IF as output. Its internal LO amplifier, bias network, and port terminations are not validated for reverse operation. Upconversion is not supported per datasheet specifications, and performance metrics like sideband suppression or LO feedthrough are not provided for that mode.

What is the maximum allowable RF input power for the HMC1093 without risk of damage?

The absolute maximum RF input power for the HMC1093 is +18 dBm, per its Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, for linear operation, the input P1dB is 16 dBm (typ.) at 42 GHz and 7.5 GHz IF. Sustained operation above +16 dBm risks compression, intermodulation distortion, and accelerated degradation-especially at elevated temperatures.

How is thermal management handled for the HMC1093 in high-density PCB layouts?

The HMC1093 die bottom serves as the primary thermal and RF ground path. It must be eutectically or conductively epoxy-bonded directly to a copper ground plane. Thermal resistance is 66.7 °C/W (channel to die bottom); at 210 mA and +3 V, power dissipation is ~630 mW, resulting in ~42 °C rise above ambient. A molybdenum heat spreader (0.15 mm thick) is recommended when using 10-mil alumina substrates to maintain coplanarity and thermal transfer.