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Analog Devices Inc. HMC129LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC129LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC129LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,630
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Product details
Overview
HMC129LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer 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 - ideal for microwave radios and test equipment requiring no DC bias and surface-mount assembly.
For engineers reviewing the HMC129LC4 datasheet, HMC129LC4 pinout, HMC129LC4 application, or HMC129LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4–8 GHz bandwidth, 4x4 mm RoHS-compliant SMT package, LO drive range (+9 to +15 dBm), and suitability as upconverter/downconverter or bi-phase modulator/demodulator in compact RF systems.
Technical Context
The HMC129LC4 implements a passive double-balanced diode-ring architecture using GaAs Schottky barrier diodes, enabling broadband operation without DC bias. Its balanced topology suppresses even-order harmonics and LO leakage, supporting high dynamic range in both upconversion and downconversion modes.
It operates with DC-coupled RF and LO ports (50 Ω matched), and a DC-coupled IF port rated for ≤2 mA current - requiring external DC blocking for AC-coupled IF applications. Thermal resistance is 131.4 °C/W (channel-to-ground paddle), with MSL3 rating and 150 °C max channel temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 4.0–8.0 GHz - supports full-band microwave radio links and EW signal processing without tuning. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.0 GHz - enables baseband and wideband IF output, including zero-IF architectures. |
| Conversion Loss | 7 dB typ. - defines signal attenuation between RF and IF paths; impacts system noise figure and gain budget. |
| LO–RF Isolation | 40 dB typ. - minimizes LO feedthrough into antenna path, critical for receiver sensitivity and transmitter spectral purity. |
| Input IP3 | +17 dBm typ. - determines third-order intermodulation distortion floor; sets usable input power range in multi-tone environments. |
| Package Size | 4×4 mm SMT - enables high-density RF layout; requires soldering all ground leads and paddle to PCB ground plane. |
| ESD Rating | HBM Class 1A - mandates strict ESD handling during assembly; limits static discharge tolerance to <250 V. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4×4 mm leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle. Requires full-solder connection of ground pins (2,4,8,10,15,17) and paddle to PCB RF ground per RF design best practices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1,5–7,11–14,18–24 | No Connection | May be tied to RF/DC ground without performance impact; unused for internal functionality. |
| 2,4,8,10,15,17 | Ground | RF/DC ground terminals - must be soldered to PCB ground plane; critical for isolation and thermal dissipation. |
| 3 | RF Port | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF input/output - matched for direct interface with microstrip or coplanar waveguide traces. |
| 9 | IF Port | DC-coupled IF port - supports DC–3 GHz; must not source/sink >2 mA to avoid die damage. |
| 16 | LO Port | DC-coupled 50 Ω LO input - accepts +9 to +15 dBm drive; enables flexible local oscillator routing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Enables simplified power architecture and eliminates bias network design, filtering, and associated parasitics. |
| Double-balanced topology | Suppresses LO–RF and LO–IF leakage, reduces even-order distortion, and improves port-to-port isolation beyond single-balanced designs. |
| 4×4 mm RoHS SMT package | Supports automated reflow assembly; eliminates wire bonding; compatible with standard 0.5 mm pitch stencil printing. |
| +9 to +15 dBm LO drive range | Accommodates diverse LO sources - from low-power synthesizers to amplified outputs - without external level shifting. |
| Bi-phase modulator/demodulator capability | Enables QPSK/QAM modulation schemes and coherent detection without additional quadrature circuitry. |
Applications
| Microwave Radios | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Point-to-point backhaul radios operating in 4.9–6.0 GHz unlicensed bands and 7–8 GHz licensed spectrum. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter in receiver front-end and upconverter in transmitter chain - translating between RF and baseband/IF. Use Value: 7 dB conversion loss and 40 dB LO–RF isolation maintain link budget margin and adjacent-channel rejection in dense RF environments. | Use Scenario: Portable spectrum analyzers and vector signal analyzers requiring broadband IF output and low spurious generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core mixing element in first IF stage - providing wide instantaneous bandwidth and repeatable amplitude/phase response. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth supports real-time analysis of wide modulation bandwidths; +17 dBm IP3 ensures clean measurement of multi-tone signals. |
| Military EW & ECM Systems | VSAT Terminals |
Use Scenario: Radar warning receivers and jamming transmitters operating across 4–8 GHz threat bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-switching downconverter for signal intelligence and upconverter for broadband noise jamming waveforms. Use Value: Wide LO drive range (+9 to +15 dBm) allows direct interface with programmable attenuators and amplifiers; Class 1A ESD rating supports ruggedized field deployment. | Use Scenario: Ku-band VSAT outdoor units performing frequency translation between LNB output (950–2150 MHz) and uplink band (14.0–14.5 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Second-stage mixer in dual-conversion architecture - translating intermediate frequencies to final RF band. Use Value: 4–8 GHz coverage overlaps common uplink sub-bands; 4x4 mm footprint enables compact ODU design with minimal thermal mass. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LC4 | Wider RF/LO range (2–12 GHz), higher conversion loss (8.5 dB typ.), same 4×4 mm package. | Better suited for multi-band systems covering S/C/X/Ku bands; less optimal for narrow 4–8 GHz optimization. | Select HMC1048LC4 only if broader frequency coverage outweighs 1.5 dB conversion loss penalty. |
| ADL5801ACPZ-R7 | Active mixer (GaAs pHEMT), 9–12 GHz RF, +22 dBm IP3, requires +5 V bias, larger 4×4 mm LFCSP. | Higher linearity and gain but adds power supply complexity; incompatible with zero-bias architectures. | Choose ADL5801ACPZ-R7 when system-level gain and IP3 requirements exceed passive mixer capabilities. |
Compared with HMC1048LC4 and ADL5801ACPZ-R7, the HMC129LC4 offers the lowest conversion loss and zero-bias operation within its 4–8 GHz band - making it optimal for size-constrained, low-power microwave radios where simplicity and thermal efficiency are prioritized over ultra-wideband coverage or active gain.
Availability
HMC129LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radios, test equipment, military EW systems, and VSAT terminals requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and RoHS-compliant SMT assembly.
Supply support for HMC129LC4 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, GaN, and SiGe MMICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC129LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-isolation, zero-bias RF front-ends in 4–8 GHz microwave systems.
FAQ
Does the HMC129LC4 require DC bias voltage to operate?
No, the HMC129LC4 is a passive double-balanced mixer and requires no DC bias. It operates solely on LO drive power (+9 to +15 dBm), eliminating bias networks, decoupling capacitors, and associated layout complexity. This characteristic is intrinsic to the HMC129LC4's GaAs diode-ring architecture and confirmed across all electrical specifications tables and functional descriptions.
What is the maximum allowable current on the IF port of the HMC129LC4?
The HMC129LC4 IF port must not source or sink more than 2 mA of DC current. Exceeding this limit risks non-function and possible die failure. This specification is explicitly stated in the Pin Descriptions section and reinforced by the Absolute Maximum Ratings table, which lists "IF DC Current: 4 mA" as an absolute maximum - with 2 mA being the recommended operational ceiling for reliability.
Can the HMC129LC4 be used as a bi-phase modulator or demodulator?
Yes, the HMC129LC4 performs equally well as a bi-phase modulator or demodulator, as directly stated in the General Description. Its double-balanced topology and symmetrical port behavior enable clean I/Q switching without added components - a verified function confirmed in application notes and evaluation board documentation for the HMC129LC4.
What is the thermal resistance and maximum channel temperature for the HMC129LC4?
The HMC129LC4 has a thermal resistance of 131.4 °C/W (channel-to-ground paddle) and a maximum channel temperature of 150 °C. These values are specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and are critical for thermal design - requiring full-solder connection of the exposed paddle and ground leads to ensure safe operation at 124 mW continuous dissipation at 85 °C ambient.
Is the HMC129LC4 pin-compatible with other Hittite 4×4 mm mixer packages like the HMC1048LC4?
Yes, the HMC129LC4 shares the same 4×4 mm leadless SMT footprint and pin numbering scheme as the HMC1048LC4, including identical ground pin locations (2,4,8,10,15,17), RF (pin 3), LO (pin 16), and IF (pin 9). This mechanical and pinout compatibility is confirmed by matching outline drawings and package marking conventions across both device datasheets.
HMC129LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- 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:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC129LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC129LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC129LC4 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 HMC129LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC129LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC129LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC129LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC129LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC129LC4?
HMC129LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC129LC4 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 HMC129LC4?
For technical support, including HMC129LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC129LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC129LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC129LC4 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 HMC129LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC129LC4?
All HMC129LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC129LC4, 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 HMC129LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC129LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC129LC4 Tags
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MAX2671EUT+T
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ADEX-10+
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ADE-2+
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ADE-1+
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LT5560EDD#TRPBF
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LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
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MAX2681EUT+T
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ADE-1ASK+
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ADE-1L+
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