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Analog Devices Inc. HMC144LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC144LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC144LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,748
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Product details
Overview
HMC144LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer operating from 6 to 20 GHz, supporting upconversion and downconversion with DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth, +23 dBm input IP3, and 35 dB LO/RF isolation. It serves as a wire-bond-free SMT replacement for hybrid diode mixers in microwave radios and test equipment.
For engineers reviewing the HMC144LC4 datasheet, HMC144LC4 pinout, HMC144LC4 application, or HMC144LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF/LO frequency coverage (6–20 GHz), IF bandwidth (DC–3 GHz), conversion loss (9.5–13 dB), isolation performance (LO/RF ≥25 dB), and Pb-free 4×4 mm alumina package compatibility with surface-mount assembly.
Technical Context
The HMC144LC4 integrates on-chip baluns enabling broadband operation without external components or DC bias, delivering consistent conversion loss and isolation across production lots. Its monolithic GaAs construction ensures reliability and repeatability versus hybrid alternatives.
It operates as either an upconverter or downconverter with AC-coupled 50 Ω RF and LO ports, a DC-coupled IF port rated for ±2 mA, and requires all ground pins plus the exposed paddle to be soldered to PCB RF ground per RF design best practices.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range (RF/LO) | 6–20 GHz - Full-band operation without tuning or external matching networks. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC to 3 GHz - Supports baseband and wideband intermediate frequencies including zero-IF architectures. |
| Conversion Loss | 9.5–13 dB typical - Predictable signal attenuation across band; impacts system noise figure and gain budget. |
| Input IP3 | +23 dBm - Enables high-linearity reception/transmission in dense spectral environments. |
| LO/RF Isolation | 25–35 dB - Minimizes LO leakage into RF path, reducing spurious emissions and receiver desensitization. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C - Qualified for outdoor wireless infrastructure and military-grade environmental stress. |
| Package | 4×4 mm Pb-free SMT - RoHS-compliant alumina body with gold-over-nickel plating; MSL3 reflow compatible. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4×4 mm leadless ceramic SMT package with exposed ground paddle; alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rating, max reflow 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5–7, 11–14, 18–24 | No Connection | May be grounded externally; no electrical function; grounding improves thermal and RF stability. |
| 2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17 | Ground | RF/DC ground reference; must connect to PCB ground plane with low-inductance vias. |
| 3 | RF Port | AC-coupled 50 Ω input/output; matched across full 6–20 GHz band; no external matching required. |
| 9 | IF Port | DC-coupled; supports DC–3 GHz; limited to ±2 mA current; external DC blocking cap needed if DC not required. |
| 16 | LO Port | AC-coupled 50 Ω input; matched 6–20 GHz; requires +20 dBm drive for specified performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| On-chip balun integration | Eliminates external transformers or lumped baluns, reducing BOM count and layout complexity. |
| Wire-bond-free SMT assembly | Enables automated reflow soldering without post-assembly bonding steps; improves manufacturing yield and reliability. |
| High LO/RF isolation (35 dB typ) | Reduces need for additional filtering between LO and RF paths in transceiver front-ends. |
| DC-coupled IF port | Supports zero-IF and complex I/Q architectures without external DC blocking at IF output. |
| Class 1A ESD rating | Requires strict handling per ESD protocols but enables robustness in final assembly and field operation. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | Test Equipment & Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul links operating in 11, 18, and 23 GHz bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter in receive chain and upconverter in transmit chain, translating RF to baseband IF. Use Value: 6–20 GHz coverage and 35 dB LO/RF isolation enable clean channel separation and low adjacent-channel interference. | Use Scenario: Vector network analyzers and spectrum analyzers requiring broadband mixing with minimal added noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core mixer element in first IF stage, accepting swept RF inputs and fixed LO for heterodyne detection. Use Value: +23 dBm IP3 and 9.5–11.5 dB noise figure preserve dynamic range and measurement accuracy across multi-GHz sweeps. |
| Point-to-Multi-Point Radios & VSAT | Military End-Use |
Use Scenario: Subscriber unit and hub station transceivers in Ka-band VSAT systems and fixed wireless access nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Frequency translation component in dual-conversion architectures, interfacing with LNA and PA stages. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth supports wide modulation bandwidths (e.g., 120 MHz OFDM channels); −40°C to +85°C rating ensures outdoor deployment reliability. | Use Scenario: EW, radar warning receivers, and secure comms platforms requiring ruggedized RF front-end components. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Critical mixer in wideband tunable receivers performing real-time signal interception and analysis. Use Value: Consistent conversion loss and isolation over temperature and production lots reduce calibration overhead and improve system-level repeatability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC774ALC3 | Wider IF bandwidth (DC–6 GHz), higher LO drive (+23 dBm), smaller 3×3 mm package. | Better suited for ultra-wideband IF processing and compact form factor designs. | Select when IF bandwidth >3 GHz or board space is constrained; verify LO drive capability matches system source. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | Similar 6–20 GHz RF range but lower IP3 (+19 dBm), different 4×4 mm QFN footprint with thermal pad. | Targeted at cost-sensitive commercial infrastructure where linearity margin is relaxed. | Consider for price-sensitive deployments with less demanding intermodulation requirements; check thermal via layout compatibility. |
Compared with HMC774ALC3 and QM11036, the HMC144LC4 offers balanced trade-offs: industry-standard 4×4 mm footprint, proven 6–20 GHz performance with +23 dBm IP3, and mature qualification for mission-critical wireless infrastructure-making it ideal for designs prioritizing supply continuity and validated RF behavior.
Availability
HMC144LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment & sensors, and military end-use applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC144LC4 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and defense markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC144LC4 belongs to the legacy Hittite Microwave MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for high-frequency wireless infrastructure and instrumentation requiring broadband, high-isolation, and repeatable RF performance.
FAQ
What is the RF and LO frequency range supported by the HMC144LC4?
The HMC144LC4 supports RF and LO frequencies from 6 to 20 GHz across its full operational band. This range is verified with on-chip baluns and requires no external tuning components. The HMC144LC4 maintains specified conversion loss, isolation, and linearity throughout this span, making it suitable for multi-band microwave radio and test equipment applications.
Does the HMC144LC4 require external DC bias or baluns?
No, the HMC144LC4 does not require external DC bias or discrete baluns. Its integrated on-chip baluns provide broadband operation from 6 to 20 GHz and eliminate the need for external passive components. The HMC144LC4 operates with only AC-coupled RF and LO inputs and a DC-coupled IF output, simplifying system design and improving repeatability across production lots.
What is the maximum allowable current at the IF port of the HMC144LC4?
The IF port of the HMC144LC4 must not source or sink more than ±2 mA of DC current to prevent die malfunction or failure. This specification is absolute and applies under all operating conditions. When using the HMC144LC4 in DC-coupled configurations, ensure external circuitry limits IF port current within this range; otherwise, add series DC blocking capacitance for AC-only IF operation.
What package type and mounting requirements apply to the HMC144LC4?
The HMC144LC4 uses a 4×4 mm Pb-free leadless ceramic SMT package with an exposed ground paddle. All ground pins (2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17) and the bottom paddle must be soldered to the PCB RF ground plane using multiple low-inductance vias. The package is MSL3 rated with a peak reflow temperature of 260 °C, compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles.
Can the HMC144LC4 be used for both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes, the HMC144LC4 is fully bidirectional and functions as both an upconverter and downconverter. Its symmetric double-balanced architecture allows flexible use in transmitter and receiver chains. Performance data-including conversion loss, isolation, and IP3-is specified for downconversion (IF = 100 MHz), but upconversion behavior is validated across the same 6–20 GHz RF/LO range, with identical interface requirements for the HMC144LC4.
HMC144LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 6GHz ~ 20GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 11dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC144LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC144LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC144LC4 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 HMC144LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC144LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC144LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC144LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC144LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC144LC4?
HMC144LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC144LC4 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 HMC144LC4?
For technical support, including HMC144LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC144LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC144LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC144LC4 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 HMC144LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC144LC4?
All HMC144LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC144LC4, 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 HMC144LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC144LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC144LC4 Tags
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MAX2671EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
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ADEX-10+
Mini-Circuits
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ADE-2+
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ADE-1+
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LT5560EDD#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.
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LT5560EDD#TRPBF
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LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
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MAX2681EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
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ADE-1ASK+
Mini-Circuits
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ADE-1L+
Mini-Circuits
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ADL5350ACPZ-R7
Analog Devices Inc.
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AD608ARZ-RL
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