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Analog Devices Inc. HMC168C8TR
- Part No.:
- HMC168C8TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
HMC168C8TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL CERAMIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,843
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Product details
Overview
HMC168C8TR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer in a non-hermetic ceramic SMT package, operating RF/LO from 4.5–8 GHz and IF from DC–2 GHz, with 8.2 dB typical conversion loss, 34 dB LO-to-IF isolation, and +16 dBm input IP3 - used in microwave point-to-point radios and 5.8 GHz ISM band transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC168C8TR datasheet, HMC168C8TR pinout, HMC168C8TR application, or HMC168C8TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its passive diode/balun architecture, no DC bias requirement, surface-mount compatibility, high LO/RF and LO/IF isolation, and suitability for upconversion, downconversion, and biphase modulation in compact RF front-ends.
Technical Context
This passive double-balanced mixer uses GaAs MMIC technology with integrated baluns to achieve high port-to-port isolation and unit-to-unit consistency. Its diode-based core delivers noise figure equal to conversion loss and supports large-signal handling via +16 dBm IIP3 and +10 dBm P1dB.
The device operates without external DC bias and requires RF, LO, and IF ports to be matched to 50 Ω. Absolute maximum ratings specify +27 dBm LO drive and +13 dBm RF/IF input, with operational temperature range of –55°C to +85°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Freq Range | 4.5–8.0 GHz: Supports full-band operation in X-band sub-range and 5.8 GHz ISM systems. |
| IF Freq Range | DC–2 GHz: Enables baseband and low-IF architectures without external filtering constraints. |
| Conversion Loss | 8.2 dB typ: Defines signal attenuation between RF and IF paths; directly equals SSB noise figure. |
| LO-to-IF Isolation | 34 dB typ: Minimizes LO leakage into IF chain, reducing spurious mixing and filter burden. |
| IIP3 | +16 dBm typ: Enables high dynamic range reception in dense RF environments like point-to-point links. |
| P1dB | +10 dBm typ: Indicates compression onset level; defines usable linear input power ceiling. |
| LO Drive Level | +10 dBm required: Specifies optimal local oscillator power for rated performance; tolerant up to +27 dBm max. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead ceramic SMT (non-hermetic), white alumina body, gold-plated copper leads and paddle; dimensions per Hittite outline drawing C8 (0.125" × 0.125", 3.18 mm × 3.18 mm); all ground leads and exposed paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4 | Ground (GND) | RF/LO/IF port return paths; require low-inductance connection to solid ground plane via multiple vias. |
| 5 | RF Input | Differential RF port (balanced); requires 50 Ω match and balun interface per application circuit. |
| 6 | LO Input | Differential LO port (balanced); accepts +10 dBm drive; sensitive to impedance mismatch. |
| 7 | IF Output | Single-ended IF output; DC-coupled; matches 50 Ω system impedance. |
| 8 | Exposed Paddle | Primary RF ground; must be soldered fully to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Eliminates external bias networks and associated parasitics, simplifying layout and improving broadband stability. |
| High LO-to-RF/IF isolation | 34–35 dB typical enables cleaner IF output and relaxed filtering requirements in receiver chains. |
| Passive diode/balun architecture | Delivers consistent performance across units and temperature; avoids active-device nonlinearities and gain variation. |
| Small ceramic SMT footprint | 0.125" × 0.125" package supports high-density RF module integration without hermetic sealing. |
| High IIP2 (+62 dBm) | Reduces second-order distortion in wideband or multi-carrier systems where even-order products fall in-band. |
Applications
| Microwave Point-to-Point Radios | 5.8 GHz ISM Band Transceivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Full-duplex backhaul link operating at 6–7 GHz with tight adjacent-channel rejection requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter in receive path and upconverter in transmit path, sharing common LO. Use Value: 34 dB LO-to-IF isolation minimizes self-interference; +16 dBm IIP3 maintains linearity under high interferer conditions. | Use Scenario: Industrial wireless sensor node using 5.725–5.875 GHz unlicensed band for telemetry and control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive mixer core in low-power, battery-operated transceiver front-end. Use Value: No DC bias reduces system power budget; small SMT package enables compact PCB design. |
| Test & Measurement Signal Sources | Defense Radar Front-Ends |
Use Scenario: Modular RF synthesizer requiring clean IF output with minimal LO feedthrough. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Biphase modulator for vector signal generation and IQ upconversion. Use Value: Balanced topology ensures high carrier suppression; DC–2 GHz IF supports arbitrary waveform synthesis. | Use Scenario: EW receiver channel covering 4.5–8 GHz with demanding dynamic range and EMI resilience. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage downconverter in wideband digital receiver architecture. Use Value: +62 dBm IIP2 suppresses even-order intermodulation from strong out-of-band jammers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC169C8TR | Wider RF/LO range (5–10 GHz); 0.3 dB higher conversion loss; same C8 package. | Better suited for Ku-band extensions; less optimal below 5 GHz due to degraded match. | Select HMC169C8TR only when operating above 5 GHz is required; HMC168C8TR remains preferred for 4.5–5 GHz coverage. |
| ADL5801ACPZ-R7 | Active mixer; requires +5 V bias; 7.5 dB conversion gain; 22 dBm IIP3; 32-pin LFCSP. | Enables gain instead of loss but adds power, heat, and complexity; not drop-in compatible. | Choose ADL5801ACPZ-R7 only when system-level gain budget is constrained and DC power is available. |
Compared with HMC169C8TR and ADL5801ACPZ-R7, the HMC168C8TR offers optimal balance of bandwidth coverage (4.5–8 GHz), passive simplicity, and proven performance in compact SMT designs - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, low-power, and size-constrained 5.8 GHz ISM and point-to-point radio applications.
Availability
HMC168C8TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave point-to-point radios, 5.8 GHz ISM band transceivers, and defense radar front-ends requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for HMC168C8TR 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, and defense markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC168C8TR belongs to Analog Devices' legacy Hittite Microwave RF mixer product line, engineered specifically for high-isolation, wide-dynamic-range passive mixing in compact SMT form factors for microwave infrastructure and defense systems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the HMC168C8TR?
The HMC168C8TR is specified to operate from –55°C to +85°C. This extended industrial temperature range supports deployment in outdoor microwave radios and harsh-environment defense platforms. Storage temperature extends to –65°C to +150°C. Performance parameters such as conversion loss and isolation are characterized at +25°C, with typical drift within ±0.3 dB over the full operating range.
Does the HMC168C8TR require DC bias voltage or current?
No, the HMC168C8TR is a passive diode-based double-balanced mixer and requires no DC bias voltage or current. This eliminates external bias tees, decoupling networks, and associated parasitic effects - simplifying RF layout and improving broadband matching. All functionality is enabled solely by the applied LO and RF signals, with +10 dBm LO drive being optimal.
What package type and mounting style does the HMC168C8TR use?
The HMC168C8TR uses an 8-lead non-hermetic ceramic SMT package (outline C8), measuring 0.125" × 0.125" (3.18 mm × 3.18 mm). It features a gold-plated copper paddle and leads, with white alumina (92%) body material. Mounting requires soldering all ground leads and the exposed paddle directly to a solid RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias.
Can the HMC168C8TR be used for both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes, the HMC168C8TR is bidirectional and functions equally well as an upconverter or downconverter. Its symmetrical double-balanced architecture allows RF and LO ports to be interchanged depending on system architecture. In upconversion, IF is applied to Pin 7 and RF is extracted from Pin 5; in downconversion, RF enters Pin 5 and IF is extracted from Pin 7 - with LO always applied to Pin 6.
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC168C8TR?
The HMC168C8TR is optimized for +10 dBm LO drive, delivering 8.2 dB typical conversion loss and 34 dB LO-to-IF isolation at that level. Performance remains stable from +8 dBm to +15 dBm, though conversion loss degrades slightly above +13 dBm. LO drive must not exceed +27 dBm absolute maximum to avoid permanent damage to the internal GaAs diodes.
HMC168C8TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 4.5GHz ~ 8GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 8.2dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
HMC168C8TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC168C8TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC168C8TR 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 HMC168C8TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC168C8TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC168C8TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC168C8TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC168C8TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC168C8TR?
HMC168C8TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC168C8TR 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 HMC168C8TR?
For technical support, including HMC168C8TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC168C8TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC168C8TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC168C8TR 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 HMC168C8TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC168C8TR?
All HMC168C8TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC168C8TR, 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 HMC168C8TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC168C8TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC168C8TR 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+
Mini-Circuits
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ADE-1+
Mini-Circuits
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LT5560EDD#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.
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LT5560EDD#TRPBF
Analog Devices Inc.
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LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
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MAX2681EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
-
ADE-1ASK+
Mini-Circuits
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ADE-1L+
Mini-Circuits
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ADL5350ACPZ-R7
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AD608ARZ-RL
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