Analog Devices Inc. HMC129LC4TR
- Part No.:
- HMC129LC4TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC129LC4TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,271
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Product details
Overview
HMC129LC4TR 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 - used as upconverter/downconverter or bi-phase modulator/demodulator in microwave radios and EW systems.
For engineers reviewing the HMC129LC4TR datasheet, HMC129LC4TR pinout, HMC129LC4TR application, or HMC129LC4TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its no-DC-bias operation, 4×4 mm RoHS-compliant SMT package, wide +9 to +15 dBm LO drive range, and suitability for surface-mount manufacturing without wire bonding.
Technical Context
The HMC129LC4TR implements a passive double-balanced diode-ring architecture using GaAs Schottky barrier diodes monolithically integrated on alumina substrate, enabling broadband RF/LO port matching to 50 Ω with DC coupling on all ports. Its balanced topology inherently suppresses even-order harmonics and LO leakage.
It operates without external bias, relying solely on LO drive for switching action; performance is specified at +15 dBm LO drive with IF = 100 MHz (downconverter mode), and supports full DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth when externally DC-blocked or current-limited to ≤2 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 4.0–8.0 GHz - fully specified band for RF and LO ports; enables direct use in X-band front-ends and VSAT transceivers. |
| IF Frequency Range | DC–3.0 GHz - supports baseband I/Q demodulation and IF-sampling architectures up to L-band. |
| Conversion Loss | 7 dB typical - defines signal attenuation from RF to IF; impacts system noise figure and gain budget. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 40 dB typical - minimizes LO radiation into antenna path; critical for transmit/receive coexistence. |
| Input IP3 | +17 dBm typical - determines third-order intermodulation distortion floor in multi-carrier or dense-spectrum environments. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and military platforms without derating below 85°C. |
| Package | 4×4 mm leadless SMT, alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating - compatible with standard reflow profiles (MSL3, 260°C peak). |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4×4 mm leadless surface-mount package with exposed ground paddle; alumina ceramic body; gold-over-nickel plating; MSL3 rating; marking "H129".
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5–7, 11–14, 18–24 | No Connection | Internally unconnected; may be tied to RF/DC ground without affecting performance. |
| 2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17 | Ground | RF/DC ground terminals; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with low-inductance vias. |
| 3 | RF Port | DC-coupled 50 Ω matched input/output; accepts RF signal in downconverter or upconverter mode. |
| 9 | IF Port | DC-coupled; requires external DC blocking capacitor unless operating to true DC; max ±2 mA current. |
| 16 | LO Port | DC-coupled 50 Ω matched input; drives mixer core; +9 to +15 dBm range ensures optimal conversion efficiency. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Eliminates external bias networks and associated parasitics; simplifies layout and improves reliability. |
| Double-balanced topology | Provides inherent suppression of LO feedthrough and even-order spurs; reduces filtering burden in IF chain. |
| DC-coupled RF, LO, and IF ports | Enables baseband modulation/demodulation and wide IF bandwidth without AC coupling constraints. |
| 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation | Reduces need for external LO filtering; maintains spectral purity in full-duplex or TDD systems. |
| RoHS-compliant 4×4 mm SMT package | Supports automated assembly; thermal resistance of 131.4 °C/W enables stable operation at 124 mW dissipation. |
Applications
| Microwave Point-to-Point Radios | Electronic Warfare Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-reliability backhaul links operating in 5–6 GHz licensed bands requiring low conversion loss and high linearity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter translating 5.8 GHz RF to 70 MHz IF for digitization and demodulation. Use Value: 7 dB conversion loss preserves SNR; +17 dBm IP3 handles adjacent-channel interferers in dense spectrum deployments. |
Use Scenario: Wideband SIGINT receivers scanning 4–8 GHz with real-time IF output for FPGA-based processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core RF-to-IF translation element in channelized receiver front-end with DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth. Use Value: DC-coupled IF port enables zero-IF I/Q sampling; 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents LO leakage from masking weak signals. |
| VSAT Satellite Terminals | Test & Measurement Signal Generators |
Use Scenario: Outdoor unit (ODU) transceiver converting C-band receive signals (3.4–4.2 GHz) and transmit signals (5.925–6.425 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role upconverter (IF→RF) and downconverter (RF→IF) in shared RF front-end architecture. Use Value: Single device supports both directions; +15 dBm LO drive tolerance accommodates variable synthesizer output levels. |
Use Scenario: Vector signal generator producing clean modulated waveforms across 4–8 GHz with minimal spurious content. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage upconverter injecting baseband IQ signals onto RF carrier for output amplification. Use Value: Bi-phase modulator capability enables direct QPSK/π/4-DQPSK generation; low 7 dB conversion loss maintains EVM performance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LC4TR | Wider RF/LO range (2–12 GHz); higher conversion loss (8.5 dB typ); same 4×4 mm package. | Better suited for multi-band test equipment covering S through X bands; less optimal for narrowband 4–8 GHz systems where loss matters. | Select HMC1048LC4TR only if extended frequency coverage outweighs 1.5 dB conversion loss penalty. |
| ADMV1013ACPZ | Active IQ mixer with integrated LO synthesizer and 10–18 GHz range; requires DC bias and digital control interface. | Targets phased-array beamforming and mmWave 5G; not drop-in for passive mixer designs due to power, control, and footprint differences. | Choose ADMV1013ACPZ for integrated LO and I/Q functionality; retain HMC129LC4TR for simplicity, low power, and proven 4–8 GHz performance. |
Compared with HMC1048LC4TR and ADMV1013ACPZ, the HMC129LC4TR offers the lowest conversion loss and simplest implementation in its native 4–8 GHz band, requiring no bias or digital control - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, size-constrained, and low-power microwave radios and EW receivers.
Availability
HMC129LC4TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radios, electronic warfare receivers, VSAT terminals, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance, and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging.
Supply support for HMC129LC4TR 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/Microwave portfolio into precision RF signal chains and microwave solutions.
The HMC129LC4TR belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-isolation, no-bias microwave up/downconversion in defense, satellite, and instrumentation systems.
FAQ
Does the HMC129LC4TR require DC bias voltage or current to operate?
No, the HMC129LC4TR is a passive double-balanced mixer and requires no DC bias. It operates solely on LO drive power (+9 to +15 dBm). All ports - RF, LO, and IF - are DC-coupled, but the IF port must not source or sink more than ±2 mA to avoid die damage. This eliminates bias networks and simplifies PCB design for the HMC129LC4TR.
What is the maximum RF/IF input power level the HMC129LC4TR can handle?
The HMC129LC4TR has an absolute maximum RF/IF input power rating of +15 dBm. Exceeding this risks permanent damage. For linear operation, the 1 dB compression point is typically +10 dBm input, and the input IP3 is +17 dBm - meaning the HMC129LC4TR delivers best dynamic range below +10 dBm while maintaining low distortion up to +17 dBm.
Can the HMC129LC4TR be used for zero-IF (direct-conversion) receiver applications?
Yes - the HMC129LC4TR supports true DC-coupled IF operation, making it suitable for zero-IF receivers. However, the IF port must be operated within ±2 mA current limits. For baseband I/Q demodulation, external low-pass filtering and DC servo loops are recommended to manage offsets, but the HMC129LC4TR itself enables DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth without blocking capacitors.
Is the HMC129LC4TR pin-compatible with other Hittite 4×4 mm mixer packages like the HMC1048LC4TR?
Yes - the HMC129LC4TR shares the identical 24-pin 4×4 mm leadless SMT footprint and pinout configuration with the HMC1048LC4TR and other LC4-series mixers. Ground, RF, LO, and IF pins occupy identical positions; no PCB redesign is needed when substituting within the same package family, though electrical performance differs per datasheet specifications.
What thermal management is required for continuous operation of the HMC129LC4TR?
The HMC129LC4TR has a channel-to-ground thermal resistance of 131.4 °C/W and a maximum continuous power dissipation of 124 mW at 85 °C ambient. To maintain reliability, the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a solid PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter), and board-level copper area should exceed 100 mm². Derating begins above 85 °C at 4.957 mW/°C.
HMC129LC4TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 8GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 7dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC129LC4TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC129LC4TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC129LC4TR 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 HMC129LC4TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC129LC4TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC129LC4TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC129LC4TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC129LC4TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC129LC4TR?
HMC129LC4TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC129LC4TR 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 HMC129LC4TR?
For technical support, including HMC129LC4TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC129LC4TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC129LC4TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC129LC4TR 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 HMC129LC4TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC129LC4TR?
All HMC129LC4TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC129LC4TR, 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 HMC129LC4TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC129LC4TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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