Analog Devices Inc. HMC129ALC4TR-R5
- Part No.:
- HMC129ALC4TR-R5
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-CLCC Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC129ALC4TR-R5.pdf
- Description:
- 4-8GHZ DBL-BAL MIXER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,182
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Product details
Overview
HMC129ALC4TR-R5 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer operating from 4 GHz to 8 GHz RF, with 15 dBm typical LO drive, 7 dB conversion loss, 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and dc–3 GHz IF bandwidth-used in microwave up/downconversion for VSAT radios and EW systems.
For engineers reviewing the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 datasheet, HMC129ALC4TR-R5 pinout, HMC129ALC4TR-R5 application, or HMC129ALC4TR-R5 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF/LO frequency alignment, passive operation (no bias), surface-mount LCC package compatibility, and IIP3 performance at 17 dBm across temperature.
Technical Context
The HMC129ALC4TR-R5 implements a passive double-balanced diode ring architecture using GaAs Schottky barrier junctions, enabling bidirectional operation as both upconverter and downconverter without DC bias. Its balanced topology provides inherent suppression of LO feedthrough and even-order harmonics.
It operates with LO drive from 9 dBm to 18 dBm and supports IF output from DC to 3 GHz with dc-coupled IF port and ac-coupled RF port, all matched to 50 Ω. The device requires no external matching components and relies on PCB-level grounding via 24-terminal LCC package and exposed thermal pad.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 4 GHz to 8 GHz - defines usable input signal band for up/downconversion without external filtering |
| IF Frequency Range | DC to 3 GHz - enables baseband and wideband IF processing including zero-IF architectures |
| Conversion Loss | 7 dB typ - fixed insertion loss between RF and IF ports; impacts system noise figure and gain budget |
| Input IP3 (IIP3) | 17 dBm typ - determines linearity headroom before third-order intermodulation degrades adjacent channel rejection |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 40 dB min - limits LO leakage into antenna path, critical for transmitter spectral purity and receiver desensitization |
| LO Drive Level | 9 dBm to 18 dBm - specifies required local oscillator power range for optimal conversion efficiency and linearity |
| Package Type | 24-terminal 4 mm × 4 mm ceramic LCC (E-24-1) - surface-mount, RoHS-compliant, thermally enhanced with exposed ground pad |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-terminal leadless ceramic chip carrier (LCC), 4 mm × 4 mm footprint, E-24-1 outline, with exposed thermal pad requiring RF/dc ground connection per datasheet Figure 41.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5, 6, 7, 11–14, 18–24 | NIC | Not internally connected; may be grounded externally without affecting RF performance or thermal path |
| 2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17 | GND | RF/dc ground terminals; must connect directly to PCB ground plane to maintain impedance integrity and shielding |
| 3 | RF | Radio frequency input/output port; ac-coupled, 50 Ω matched; primary signal interface in up/downconversion |
| 9 | IF | Intermediate frequency port; dc-coupled, supports baseband operation; current-limited to ±6 mA |
| 16 | LO | Local oscillator port; dc-coupled, 50 Ω matched; accepts 9–18 dBm drive for optimal conversion efficiency |
| EPAD | Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground; mandatory connection to PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and RF return path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Enables simplified power architecture and eliminates bias network design complexity or failure modes |
| Double-balanced topology | Provides >40 dB LO-to-RF isolation and suppresses even-order distortion products inherently |
| Surface-mount LCC package | Supports automated assembly and eliminates wire bonding; compatible with standard reflow profiles (260°C peak) |
| Wide LO drive range (9–18 dBm) | Accommodates varying oscillator output levels without external attenuation or amplification stages |
| DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth | Enables direct baseband sampling and flexible IF filtering; supports zero-IF and low-IF receiver designs |
Applications
| Microwave VSAT Radios | Electronic Warfare Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Full-duplex satellite terminal operating in 5.8–6.4 GHz uplink and 3.7–4.2 GHz downlink bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter for received signals and upconverter for transmitted signals within same compact front-end module. Use Value: Single HMC129ALC4TR-R5 replaces discrete mixer + balun combinations, reducing board area by >40% while maintaining 7 dB conversion loss and 40 dB LO-RF isolation. |
Use Scenario: Wideband SIGINT receiver covering 4–8 GHz with real-time spectrum analysis and direction finding. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core RF-to-IF translation element in multi-channel channelizer architecture with fast LO switching. Use Value: 17 dBm IIP3 and 7 dB conversion loss enable high-dynamic-range detection of weak signals amid strong interferers without compression. |
| Test Equipment Signal Generators | Military ECM Transmitters |
Use Scenario: Benchtop microwave signal generator synthesizing clean CW and modulated outputs from 4–8 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Upconverter stage translating baseband or low-IF waveforms to final RF output band. Use Value: Passive operation ensures no added phase noise from bias circuitry; 15 dBm LO drive tolerance simplifies LO chain design. |
Use Scenario: Jammer front-end generating high-power deceptive signals across 4–8 GHz against radar seekers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage upconverter feeding power amplifier; handles high LO drive (18 dBm) without degradation. Use Value: Robust 25 dBm RF input rating and 175°C max junction temperature support high-reliability operation under thermal stress. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC554LC3B | Wider RF range (2–12 GHz), higher conversion loss (8.5 dB), smaller 3 mm × 3 mm package | Better suited for multi-band test equipment needing broader coverage; less ideal for narrowband VSAT where 7 dB loss matters | Select HMC554LC3B only if 2–12 GHz coverage outweighs 1.5 dB conversion loss penalty and thermal derating at 85°C |
| QPC1008 | Higher IIP3 (20 dBm), GaN-based, requires +5 V bias, larger 5 mm × 5 mm QFN | Used in high-power jammer transmitters where active bias and higher linearity justify added complexity | Choose QPC1008 when >17 dBm IIP3 is mandatory and system can accommodate active bias and larger footprint |
Compared with HMC129ALC4TR-R5, HMC554LC3B trades conversion loss for bandwidth and size, while QPC1008 adds bias complexity and footprint to achieve higher linearity-neither offers drop-in replacement due to differing bias requirements, package dimensions, or RF/IF port configurations.
Availability
HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave VSAT radios, electronic warfare receivers, and test equipment signal generators requiring stable component supply, full RoHS compliance, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC129ALC4TR-R5 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 precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.
The HMC129ALC4TR-R5 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC product line, engineered specifically for broadband microwave front-end applications demanding high isolation, passive reliability, and surface-mount manufacturability.
FAQ
Does the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 require DC bias voltage or current to operate?
No, the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is a passive double-balanced mixer and requires no DC bias. It operates solely on RF, LO, and IF signal energy. This eliminates bias network design, reduces power supply complexity, and avoids potential failure modes associated with active bias circuits-making the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 ideal for high-reliability microwave systems where simplicity and robustness are critical.
What is the maximum allowable IF source/sink current for the HMC129ALC4TR-R5?
The HMC129ALC4TR-R5 IF port must not source or sink more than ±6 mA of current. Exceeding this limit risks die malfunction or permanent damage. When operating to DC, ensure external circuitry respects this current constraint; for AC-coupled IF use, a series capacitor sized for the target IF bandwidth is recommended to avoid violating the specification.
Can the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 be used as both an upconverter and downconverter?
Yes, the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is fully bidirectional and functions identically as an upconverter (IF → RF) or downconverter (RF → IF) across its 4–8 GHz RF and DC–3 GHz IF ranges. Its symmetric double-balanced architecture ensures consistent conversion loss (7 dB typ), IIP3 (17 dBm), and isolation performance regardless of signal flow direction-enabling flexible reuse in transceiver front-ends.
Is the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 RoHS compliant and what is its MSL rating?
Yes, the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is RoHS compliant per the ordering row documentation and carries Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020. Its peak reflow temperature rating is 260°C, and it must be stored and handled according to MSL 3 guidelines-including dry pack storage and floor life limits-to prevent popcorn effect during solder reflow.
How should the exposed pad (EPAD) of the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 be connected on the PCB?
The exposed pad of the HMC129ALC4TR-R5 must be soldered directly to a solid RF/dc ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Per datasheet Figure 41 and Pin Configuration section, this connection is mandatory-not optional-for thermal dissipation (θJC = 200°C/W), RF return path integrity, and achieving specified isolation and conversion loss. Failure to properly ground the EPAD degrades RF performance and risks thermal overstress.
HMC129ALC4TR-R5 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-CLCC Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- VSAT
- Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 8GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- -
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 7dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-CLCC (3.9x3.9)
HMC129ALC4TR-R5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC129ALC4TR-R5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC129ALC4TR-R5 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 HMC129ALC4TR-R5 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC129ALC4TR-R5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC129ALC4TR-R5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC129ALC4TR-R5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC129ALC4TR-R5?
HMC129ALC4TR-R5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC129ALC4TR-R5 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 HMC129ALC4TR-R5?
For technical support, including HMC129ALC4TR-R5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC129ALC4TR-R5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC129ALC4TR-R5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC129ALC4TR-R5 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 HMC129ALC4TR-R5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC129ALC4TR-R5?
All HMC129ALC4TR-R5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC129ALC4TR-R5, 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 HMC129ALC4TR-R5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC129ALC4TR-R5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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