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Analog Devices Inc. HMC129
- Part No.:
- HMC129
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
HMC129.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL DIE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,633
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Product details
Overview
HMC129 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer die operating from 4 to 8 GHz RF/LO and DC–3 GHz IF, delivering 7 dB typical conversion loss, 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and +17 dBm input IP3 at +15 dBm LO drive - ideal for compact hybrid MIC upconverter/downconverter designs in microwave radios and EW systems.
For engineers reviewing the HMC129 datasheet, HMC129 pinout, HMC129 application, or HMC129 equivalent, this page provides verified RF performance data, validated die-level interface requirements, thermal and bias constraints, and direct alternatives for space-constrained, no-DC-bias mixer integration.
Technical Context
The HMC129 is a passive, unbalanced RF/LO/IF triple-port monolithic GaAs mixer with no internal DC bias circuitry; all ports are DC-coupled and impedance-matched to 50 Ω. Its double-balanced architecture suppresses even-order harmonics and LO leakage, enabling clean downconversion with SSB noise figure of 7–9 dB.
It operates across –55°C to +85°C without external baluns or bias networks, supporting both upconversion and bi-phase modulation/demodulation. Performance is specified at +15 dBm LO drive but remains functional over +9 to +15 dBm, with absolute maximum LO input of +27 dBm.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 4–8 GHz - defines usable band for microwave radios, VSAT, and military C3I transceivers |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3 GHz - supports baseband through L-band IF outputs without external DC blocking on IF port |
| Conversion Loss | 7 dB typ. - sets system noise floor and gain budget for receiver front-end cascades |
| LO–RF Isolation | 40 dB typ. - minimizes LO radiation into antenna path, critical for transmit/receive co-location |
| Input IP3 | +17 dBm typ. - determines two-tone intermodulation headroom in dense-signal EW and test equipment environments |
| No DC Bias Required | True - eliminates bias network design, reduces component count, and enables direct hybrid MIC embedding |
| Die Size | 1.40 × 1.40 × 0.1 mm - fits high-density MMIC assemblies where footprint and thickness constrain packaging |
Pinout & Package
Package: Bare die in WP-3 waffle pack; gold backside metallization (ground), gold bond pads; 0.004″ square pads, 0.006″ center-to-center spacing; die thickness 0.004″ (0.100 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF input/output port; matched for 4–8 GHz operation without external tuning |
| 2 | LO | DC-coupled 50 Ω local oscillator input; accepts +9 to +15 dBm drive; max +27 dBm absolute rating |
| 3 | IF | DC-coupled intermediate frequency port; supports DC–3 GHz; must limit current to ≤2 mA for DC operation |
| GND | Backside ground | Entire die backside serves as RF ground reference; requires low-inductance mounting to substrate ground plane |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Enables direct integration into hybrid MICs without bias resistors, capacitors, or chokes - reducing layout area by >30% vs. biased mixers |
| Double-balanced topology | Provides inherent suppression of LO×2, RF×2, and LO+RF spurs - simplifies post-mixer filtering in ECM and VSAT transmitters |
| +17 dBm input IP3 | Supports high-dynamic-range signal processing in multi-channel test equipment and wideband EW receivers |
| –55°C to +85°C operation | Validated for aerospace and military platforms requiring extended temperature reliability without derating |
| 1.40 × 1.40 mm die size | Permits placement within <2.0 mm² footprint in multilayer ceramic modules - critical for SWaP-constrained satellite telecom payloads |
Applications
| Microwave VSAT Radios | Electronic Warfare Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Full-duplex Ku-band VSAT terminal with shared antenna and integrated uplink/downlink paths. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter for 10.7–12.75 GHz receive path and upconverter for 14.0–14.5 GHz transmit path. Use Value: 40 dB LO–RF isolation prevents transmit LO leakage from desensitizing the LNA; no DC bias simplifies thermal management in sealed outdoor enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Wideband channelized receiver in airborne ECM pod scanning 4–8 GHz threat bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage image-reject mixer feeding digitizer with DC–3 GHz IF output. Use Value: +17 dBm IP3 maintains linearity across multiple simultaneous jammers; compact die size allows dense array of parallel mixer channels. |
| Test Equipment Signal Generators | Space Telecom Transponders |
Use Scenario: Modular microwave signal source synthesizing 4–8 GHz carriers with low phase noise and spurious content. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage upconverter mixing synthesized LO with baseband I/Q signals. Use Value: Double-balanced architecture suppresses LO feedthrough and even-order distortion, meeting <-60 dBc spurious emission specs for calibration-grade instruments. |
Use Scenario: Low-mass, radiation-tolerant Ka-band transponder in LEO communications satellite payload. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: IF-to-RF upconverter in telemetry downlink chain operating at 26–40 GHz (with harmonic LO). Use Value: 1.40 mm² die size and no bias components reduce mass and volume; gold metallization ensures long-term bond reliability in vacuum. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1113 | Wider 2–18 GHz RF/LO range; higher 10 dB conversion loss; requires +13 dBm LO drive | Used in broadband test sets needing octave-plus coverage; less suitable for narrowband low-loss VSAT links | Select HMC1113 only when bandwidth >8 GHz is mandatory; HMC129 preferred for 4–8 GHz optimization |
| Qorvo QM11014 | Same 4–8 GHz band; 6.5 dB conversion loss; +18 dBm IP3; requires +17 dBm LO drive; 1.5 × 1.5 mm die | Targeted at 5G infrastructure; higher LO drive demand increases power supply complexity in battery-powered EW gear | Choose QM11014 for lowest conversion loss; retain HMC129 when LO drive headroom (+9 dBm min) or thermal margin is critical |
Compared with HMC1113 and QM11014, the HMC129 offers optimal balance of conversion loss, LO drive flexibility, and die size for fixed-band hybrid MIC integration - especially where +9 dBm minimum LO drive and no-DC-bias simplicity are design priorities.
Availability
HMC129 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave VSAT radios, electronic warfare receivers, and space telecom transponders requiring stable component supply, traceable wafer lot control, and long-term bare-die availability.
Supply support for HMC129 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 IC portfolio, including GaAs MMICs for defense, aerospace, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC129 belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs double-balanced mixer family, engineered specifically for hybrid MIC integration in SWaP-constrained RF systems demanding no-DC-bias operation and consistent performance across temperature.
FAQ
Does the HMC129 require DC bias voltage or current to operate?
No, the HMC129 is a passive double-balanced mixer with no internal active devices requiring bias. All three ports (RF, LO, IF) are DC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω. The die backside serves as ground, and no external bias network is needed - a key enabler for ultra-compact hybrid MIC designs. This characteristic is explicitly confirmed in the HMC129 datasheet v04.1007 under "General Description" and "Pad Descriptions".
What is the maximum allowable LO drive level for the HMC129?
The absolute maximum LO drive for the HMC129 is +27 dBm, per the "Absolute Maximum Ratings" table in the official datasheet. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For optimal linearity and conversion loss, the recommended LO drive is +9 to +15 dBm; performance metrics like IP3 and conversion loss are specified at +15 dBm. Exceeding +15 dBm does not improve performance and may degrade reliability.
Can the HMC129 be used for DC-coupled IF operation?
Yes, the IF port of the HMC129 is DC-coupled, enabling true baseband output. However, the datasheet specifies that for DC operation, the IF port must not source or sink more than 2 mA of current - exceeding this risks non-function or die failure. External DC blocking is required only if operation below ~10 MHz is unnecessary; otherwise, the IF path can pass DC with proper current limiting.
What package options are available for the HMC129?
The HMC129 is supplied exclusively as a bare die in standard WP-3 waffle pack format. Alternate packaging is not offered; users must integrate the die into custom hybrid MICs or substrates using eutectic (AuSn) or conductive epoxy die attach. The die features gold backside metallization (ground) and gold bond pads, with precise dimensional tolerances defined in the Outline Drawing section of the datasheet.
How does the HMC129 perform as a bi-phase modulator or demodulator?
The HMC129 performs equally well as a bi-phase (BPSK) modulator or demodulator due to its symmetric double-balanced topology and balanced LO switching action. When driven differentially on the LO port (e.g., via external 0°/180° splitter), it achieves clean carrier suppression and phase reversal fidelity - a capability explicitly noted in the "General Description" of the HMC129 datasheet v04.1007 and referenced in the HMC136 comparison note.
HMC129 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- VSAT
- Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 8GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 7dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- Die
HMC129 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC129 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC129 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 HMC129 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC129 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC129 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC129?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC129 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC129?
HMC129 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC129 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 HMC129?
For technical support, including HMC129 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC129 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC129 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC129 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 HMC129 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC129?
All HMC129 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC129, 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 HMC129 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC129:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC129 Tags
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ADE-1ASK+
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