Analog Devices Inc. HMC171C8
- Part No.:
- HMC171C8
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 8-CSOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC171C8.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL CERAMIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
HMC171C8 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer in a non-hermetic ceramic SMT package, operating 7–10 GHz RF/LO with DC–2 GHz IF bandwidth, 9 dB typical conversion loss, 32 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and +16 dBm input IP3 - used in microwave point-to-point radios and 5.8 GHz ISM band up/downconversion.
For engineers reviewing the HMC171C8 datasheet, HMC171C8 pinout, HMC171C8 application, or HMC171C8 equivalent, key selection criteria include its passive diode/balun architecture, no-DC-bias operation, surface-mount compatibility, high LO/RF isolation, and suitability for compact RF front-ends requiring stable wideband mixing performance.
Technical Context
The HMC171C8 implements a passive GaAs MMIC double-balanced topology using integrated baluns to achieve high port-to-port isolation and unit-to-unit consistency. Its RF and LO ports operate over 7–10 GHz, while the IF port supports DC–2 GHz, enabling flexible use as upconverter, downconverter, or biphase modulator.
No external DC bias is required; operation relies solely on LO drive (typ. +10 dBm). Noise figure equals conversion loss (~9 dB), and high linearity is enabled by +16 dBm input IP3 and +10 dBm 1 dB compression point - critical for handling large-signal interferers in dense RF environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Freq Range | 7.0–10.0 GHz - defines usable band for microwave radio links and ISM-band transceivers |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–2 GHz - supports baseband and low-IF architectures without external filtering |
| Conversion Loss | 9 dB typ. - sets minimum gain budget for receiver chain or transmit path loss compensation |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 32 dB typ. - reduces LO leakage into antenna path, easing filter requirements |
| Input IP3 | +16 dBm typ. - enables robust operation in presence of strong adjacent-channel signals |
| 1 dB Compression | +10 dBm typ. - indicates maximum usable RF input level before distortion dominates |
| Operating Temp | −55°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and outdoor wireless infrastructure |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead non-hermetic ceramic SMT (white alumina body, copper leadframe, electrolytic gold plating); dimensions per outline drawing - requires full ground paddle soldering and via-stitched PCB grounding per RF design best practices.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4 | Ground Paddle & Side Leads | All must be soldered to PCB RF ground plane; ensures thermal stability and minimizes parasitic inductance |
| 5 | RF Input | 7–10 GHz RF signal port; matched to 50 Ω; requires microstrip impedance control |
| 6 | LO Input | 7–10 GHz local oscillator port; +10 dBm drive required; sensitive to return loss |
| 7 | IF Output | DC–2 GHz differential IF output; requires balun or transformer for single-ended interface |
| 8 | RF/LO Common Ground Reference | Shared reference for RF and LO balun center-taps; connects internally to ground paddle |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Eliminates bias network complexity, saves board space, and improves reliability in passive mixer applications |
| High LO-to-RF isolation (32 dB) | Reduces need for external LO suppression filters, simplifying front-end architecture |
| +16 dBm input IP3 | Supports high-dynamic-range receivers in congested spectrum environments like point-to-point backhaul |
| DC–2 GHz IF bandwidth | Enables direct baseband sampling or low-IF digitization without image-reject filtering overhead |
| MMIC-balun integration | Ensures consistent amplitude/phase balance across units, critical for I/Q and biphase modulation |
Applications
| Microwave Point-to-Point Radios | 5.8 GHz ISM Band Circuits |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed/unlicensed backhaul links operating at 7–10 GHz carrier frequencies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter in receive path and upconverter in transmit path, translating between RF and IF/baseband. Use Value: 9 dB conversion loss and 32 dB LO-to-RF isolation reduce system noise figure and simplify filtering, improving link margin. | Use Scenario: Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment operating in unlicensed 5.725–5.875 GHz band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive mixer core in transceiver front-end for radar sensors, wireless video, or telemetry systems. Use Value: +16 dBm IP3 and no-DC-bias operation enable robust performance under varying temperature and power conditions. |
| Biphase Modulators | Compact RF Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Digital phase-shift keying (BPSK/QPSK) modulators in satellite terminals or secure comms hardware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Balanced switching element driven by digital LO quadrature signals to generate phase-inverted outputs. Use Value: MMIC-balun symmetry ensures precise 180° phase reversal and low carrier feedthrough (< −32 dBc). | Use Scenario: Portable spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and lab-grade RF evaluation platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade mixer in internal LO/IF translation stages where repeatability and low distortion matter. Use Value: Unit-to-unit consistency and DC–2 GHz IF support allow accurate wideband characterization without recalibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC171LP3E | Same die, 3 mm × 3 mm QFN package with exposed paddle; higher thermal conductivity; requires different footprint | Preferred for thermally constrained designs needing >100 mW dissipation; not drop-in compatible | Select when thermal management outweighs layout reuse; verify ground paddle soldering per JEDEC MO-220 |
| ADL5801ACPZ-R7 | Active SiGe mixer; +5 V bias required; 7–1300 MHz IF; 10.5 dB conversion loss; lower IP3 (+11 dBm) | Suitable for wideband IF processing but lacks DC-coupled IF and high-frequency LO drive tolerance | Choose only if active gain, lower LO drive, or sub-GHz IF flexibility are prioritized over passive simplicity and linearity |
Compared with HMC171C8, HMC171LP3E offers superior thermal performance in a modern QFN, while ADL5801ACPZ-R7 trades passive robustness for active gain and wider IF range - neither is pin-compatible, and both require PCB redesign and bias circuit changes.
Availability
HMC171C8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave point-to-point radios, 5.8 GHz ISM band circuits, and compact RF test equipment requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status through legacy channel sourcing.
Supply support for HMC171C8 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 semiconductor leader specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies, with deep heritage in microwave components via its acquisition of Hittite Microwave.
The HMC171C8 belongs to the Hittite MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-isolation, wideband passive mixing in demanding microwave infrastructure applications.
FAQ
What is the operating frequency range of the HMC171C8?
The HMC171C8 operates with RF and LO frequencies from 7.0 to 10.0 GHz, and supports an IF bandwidth from DC to 2.0 GHz. This makes it suitable for microwave radio links and ISM-band systems. The HMC171C8 does not require DC bias and delivers consistent performance across this full band when driven with +10 dBm LO power.
Does the HMC171C8 require external DC bias?
No, the HMC171C8 is a passive GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer and requires no external DC bias. It operates solely on LO drive (typically +10 dBm). This eliminates bias networks, reduces component count, and improves reliability - a key advantage of the HMC171C8 in space-constrained RF designs.
What is the conversion loss and noise figure of the HMC171C8?
The HMC171C8 has a typical conversion loss of 9 dB and a single-sideband noise figure equal to that loss (9 dB). These values are measured at +25°C with +10 dBm LO drive. Because the HMC171C8 is passive, its noise figure tracks conversion loss directly - critical for predicting overall receiver sensitivity in systems using the HMC171C8.
What package type does the HMC171C8 use, and how should it be mounted?
The HMC171C8 uses an 8-lead non-hermetic ceramic SMT package with a grounded metal paddle. All ground leads and the exposed paddle must be soldered to the PCB RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Per datasheet note, improper grounding degrades isolation and conversion loss - correct mounting is essential for achieving specified HMC171C8 performance.
Is the HMC171C8 still in active production?
The HMC171C8 is marked OBSOLETE in official documentation, but Aetrix Electronics maintains traceable inventory and legacy supply channels. While not actively manufactured, the HMC171C8 remains available for design continuity and repair scenarios - with full documentation, evaluation board support (PCB #107214), and technical validation data for the HMC171C8 preserved.
HMC171C8 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-CSOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 7GHz ~ 10GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 9dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-CSMD
HMC171C8 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC171C8 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC171C8 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 HMC171C8 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC171C8 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC171C8 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC171C8?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC171C8 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC171C8?
HMC171C8 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC171C8 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 HMC171C8?
For technical support, including HMC171C8 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC171C8 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC171C8 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC171C8 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 HMC171C8 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC171C8?
All HMC171C8 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC171C8, 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 HMC171C8 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC171C8:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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