Analog Devices Inc. HMC258LM3
- Part No.:
- HMC258LM3
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 6-TQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC258LM3.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC CERAMIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,177
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Product details
Overview
HMC258LM3 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC sub-harmonically pumped (×2) SMT mixer with integrated LO amplifier, operating from 14–20 GHz RF, 7–10.5 GHz LO, and DC–3 GHz IF. It delivers 10–14 dB conversion loss, >40 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation, and requires only 0 dBm LO drive at +5 V supply - enabling compact microwave radio front-ends without external LO filtering or wirebonding.
For engineers reviewing the HMC258LM3 datasheet, HMC258LM3 pinout, HMC258LM3 application, or HMC258LM3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its sub-harmonic x2 pumping architecture, LM3 leadless chip carrier package, integrated +5 V LO amplifier, and verified performance in VSAT, point-to-point radios, and 14/20 GHz microwave systems.
Technical Context
The HMC258LM3 implements a sub-harmonic (×2) mixing architecture where the LO input at 7–10.5 GHz generates RF mixing products at 14–20 GHz, eliminating need for high-frequency LO synthesis. Its integrated two-stage LO amplifier operates from a single +5 V bias and delivers sufficient gain to drive the mixer core with only 0 dBm input.
RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched across their respective bands; the IF port is DC-coupled and requires external DC blocking. All grounds (Pin 7 and Pins 1–2) must be soldered to PCB RF ground per CPWG layout guidelines to maintain >40 dB 2LO/RF isolation and stable conversion gain.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 14–20 GHz - supports full-band operation in E-band microwave radios without band switching. |
| LO Frequency Range | 7–10.5 GHz - enables use of lower-cost, mature 8–10 GHz synthesizers instead of 14–20 GHz sources. |
| IF Frequency Range | DC–3 GHz - allows baseband or low-IF architectures with standard ADCs and filters. |
| Conversion Loss | 10–14 dB typical - defines signal path attenuation; impacts system noise figure and required LNA gain. |
| 2LO to RF Isolation | 33–40 dB min - suppresses LO leakage into antenna path, reducing filtering burden and spurious emissions. |
| Input IP3 | 0–7 dBm typical - sets third-order intermodulation dynamic range for multi-carrier SATCOM links. |
| Supply Current | 50 mA at +5 V - determines power budget for bias network and thermal management on RF PCB. |
Pinout & Package
The HMC258LM3 uses the LM3 leadless chip carrier package (plastic body, gold-over-nickel plating), measuring 2.0 × 2.0 mm with 7 terminals. All grounds (Pins 1, 2, 7) must be soldered to PCB RF ground plane using CPWG layout for millimeter-wave integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | No Connect (N/C) | May be tied to housing ground or left floating; no electrical function in signal path. |
| 3 | Vdd | +5 V supply for integrated LO amplifier; requires 100–330 pF RF bypass capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| 4 | IF | DC-coupled IF output/input; must be externally DC-blocked; applied DC voltage causes die failure. |
| 5 | RF | AC-coupled 50 Ω RF port, matched 4–20 GHz; connects to antenna or filter chain. |
| 6 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω LO port, matched 7–10 GHz; accepts 0 dBm sub-harmonic drive. |
| 7 | GND | Mandatory RF ground connection; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with multiple vias. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO amplifier | Single +5 V bias, 0 dBm LO drive requirement - eliminates external LO buffer and reduces BOM count. |
| Sub-harmonic (×2) pumping | LO at half-RF frequency - avoids need for expensive 14–20 GHz LO sources and simplifies synthesizer design. |
| High 2LO/RF isolation | >40 dB - removes need for external 2LO rejection filters, saving board space and insertion loss. |
| LM3 SMT package | 2.0 × 2.0 mm leadless ceramic - enables repeatable, wirebond-free assembly compatible with high-volume reflow processes. |
Applications
| 14/20 GHz Microwave Radios | Point-to-Point Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity backhaul links operating in licensed E-band spectrum (14–20 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter core translating RF to 1 GHz IF for digitization and demodulation. Use Value: Sub-harmonic architecture enables use of low-phase-noise 8.5 GHz LO synthesizers while maintaining full 14–20 GHz RF coverage. | Use Scenario: Short-haul wireless infrastructure connecting cell towers or enterprise networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional RF front-end component supporting both uplink and downlink paths. Use Value: Integrated LO amplifier and >40 dB 2LO/RF isolation reduce external component count and improve link budget stability. |
| VSAT Terminals | SATCOM Ground Stations |
Use Scenario: Small-aperture satellite communication terminals requiring low SWaP-C design. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Receive-path mixer converting Ku/Ka-band downconverted signals to IF for processing. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth supports wide instantaneous bandwidth for high-throughput data services. | Use Scenario: Fixed ground station equipment handling multiple satellite beams and modulation schemes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity mixer in transmit/receive modules for upconversion and downconversion. Use Value: Input IP3 of 0–7 dBm and 1 dB compression at –5 to 0 dBm support multi-carrier operation with minimal distortion. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-harmonic mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LP3E | Wider RF range (10–26 GHz), higher conversion loss (12–16 dB), no integrated LO amplifier. | Requires external LO buffer; suited for wider-band test equipment vs. fixed-band radios. | Select when broader RF coverage outweighs need for integrated LO drive and tighter loss spec. |
| QPC1006 | Same LM3 package, 13–20 GHz RF, integrated LO amp, but LO range 6.5–10 GHz and 2LO/RF isolation 35 dB typ. | Slightly lower isolation and narrower LO range; optimized for Ka-band SATCOM with different LO planning. | Prefer when sourcing from Qorvo ecosystem or when 6.5–10 GHz LO availability aligns better with system architecture. |
Compared with HMC1048LP3E and QPC1006, the HMC258LM3 offers the tightest RF band (14–20 GHz) with highest guaranteed 2LO/RF isolation (>40 dB) and lowest LO drive requirement (0 dBm), making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-isolation 14/20 GHz radio designs where LO simplicity and spectral purity are critical.
Availability
HMC258LM3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 14/20 GHz microwave radios, point-to-point radios, and VSAT/SATCOM terminals requiring stable component supply, consistent LM3 package delivery, and traceable GaAs MMIC sourcing.
Supply support for HMC258LM3 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. (including former Hittite Microwave) is a global leader in high-performance analog, RF, and microwave ICs, serving defense, aerospace, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC258LM3 belongs to the Hittite MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for millimeter-wave sub-harmonic downconversion in compact, high-reliability wireless infrastructure and satellite communication systems.
FAQ
What is the LO drive requirement for the HMC258LM3?
The HMC258LM3 requires only 0 dBm LO drive due to its integrated two-stage +5 V LO amplifier. This eliminates need for external LO buffers in most 14–20 GHz radio designs. Drive levels below –2 dBm degrade conversion gain and increase noise figure; above +4 dBm may risk reliability. All specifications assume 0 dBm LO drive at 7–10.5 GHz.
Does the HMC258LM3 support upconversion?
Yes, the HMC258LM3 supports bidirectional operation: it functions as both downconverter (RF→IF) and upconverter (IF→RF). Upconverter performance data - including conversion gain, IP3, and P1dB - is provided in the datasheet for RF = 18 GHz, LO = 8.5 GHz, and IF = 1 GHz. Layout and biasing remain identical in either mode.
What is the recommended PCB layout for the HMC258LM3 LM3 package?
The HMC258LM3 requires grounded coplanar waveguide (CPWG) transitions with GSG probe compatibility. Recommended stack-up uses Rogers 4003 substrate (0.008" dielectric), 0.016" CPWG signal line, 0.005" gap to ground, and multiple 0.008" ground vias under Pins 1, 2, and 7. The official LM3-02 land pattern (±0.003" tolerance) must be followed to ensure RF performance and mechanical reliability.
Can the HMC258LM3 IF port handle DC voltage?
No - the IF port (Pin 4) is DC-coupled internally but must be externally DC-blocked using a series capacitor sized for the target IF bandwidth (DC–3 GHz). Applying any DC voltage to Pin 4 will cause immediate die non-function and possible permanent failure. The datasheet explicitly warns against DC bias on this terminal.
What is the absolute maximum RF/IF input power for the HMC258LM3?
The absolute maximum RF/IF input power for the HMC258LM3 is +13 dBm at Vdd = +5 V. Exceeding this level risks permanent damage to the GaAs mixer diodes. For reliable operation, RF input should be limited to ≤0 dBm (typical 1 dB compression point), and system-level transient protection must be implemented upstream if high-power signals are present.
HMC258LM3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 6-TQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 14GHz ~ 20GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 10dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 50mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 6-SMT (5.08x5.08)
HMC258LM3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC258LM3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC258LM3 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 HMC258LM3 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC258LM3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC258LM3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC258LM3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC258LM3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC258LM3?
HMC258LM3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC258LM3 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 HMC258LM3?
For technical support, including HMC258LM3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC258LM3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC258LM3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC258LM3 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 HMC258LM3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC258LM3?
All HMC258LM3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC258LM3, 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 HMC258LM3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC258LM3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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