Analog Devices Inc. HMC264LC3BTR-R5

Overview

HMC264LC3BTR-R5 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC sub-harmonically pumped (x2) mixer with integrated LO amplifier, operating from 21–31 GHz RF and 10.5–15.5 GHz LO, delivering DC–6 GHz IF bandwidth, 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation, and +3 V to +4 V single-supply operation - ideal for millimeter-wave point-to-point radio front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 datasheet, HMC264LC3BTR-R5 pinout, HMC264LC3BTR-R5 application, or HMC264LC3BTR-R5 equivalent, key selection criteria include sub-harmonic LO drive tolerance (−4 to +4 dBm), wideband IF support up to 6 GHz, 12-lead 3×3 mm SMT package compatibility, and DC-blocked 50 Ω RF/LO matching for rapid integration into high-frequency transceivers.

Technical Context

The HMC264LC3BTR-R5 implements a sub-harmonic (x2) mixing architecture requiring LO frequency at half the RF band (e.g., 13.5 GHz LO for 27 GHz RF), reducing LO synthesis complexity. Its monolithic GaAs design integrates an LO amplifier with bias network and on-die matching, enabling direct connection to low-power LO sources without external amplification.

RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω across full bands; IF port is DC-coupled and requires external series capacitor for DC blocking. Thermal design relies on soldering all ground pins plus the exposed paddle to PCB ground plane, leveraging 397 °C/W junction-to-ground thermal resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 12-lead, 3 mm × 3 mm × 0.85 mm leadless SMT package with exposed ground paddle; alumina ceramic body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rating (260 °C peak reflow).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-harmonic mixer applications.

Compared with HMC264LC3BTR-R5, HMC1048LP3E trades LO integration for wider RF coverage, while QPC1006 offers extended IF bandwidth and higher linearity at the cost of larger footprint and external LO drive - making HMC264LC3BTR-R5 optimal for space-constrained, low-LO-power E-band radios.

Availability

HMC264LC3BTR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment & sensors, and military end-use applications requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging.

Supply support for HMC264LC3BTR-R5 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 continues its high-frequency RFIC portfolio, specializing in GaAs and GaN solutions for defense, aerospace, and wireless infrastructure.

The HMC264LC3BTR-R5 belongs to Hittite's legacy MMIC mixer product line, engineered specifically for millimeter-wave communication systems demanding high isolation, wide IF bandwidth, and simplified LO interface.

FAQ

What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5?

The HMC264LC3BTR-R5 operates optimally with LO drive between −4 dBm and +4 dBm at +3 V or +4 V supply. At −4 dBm and +4 V, typical conversion loss is 9 dB and 2LO-to-RF isolation reaches 30 dB. Driving above +4 dBm risks degradation; below −4 dBm increases conversion loss and degrades noise figure. The integrated LO amplifier eliminates need for external buffering within this range.

Can the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 be used in upconverter configurations?

Yes, the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 supports both upconversion and downconversion. In upconverter mode, RF becomes the output port (21–31 GHz), IF is the input (DC–6 GHz), and LO remains at 10.5–15.5 GHz. Measured upconverter performance shows usable conversion gain across the band, with spurious outputs documented in the datasheet (e.g., mRF ± nLO products at ≤−17 dBc).

Is the IF port of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 DC-coupled, and what precautions are required?

Yes, the IF port (Pin 8) of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 is DC-coupled and must be externally DC-blocked using a series capacitor sized for the target IF bandwidth (e.g., 100 pF for DC–6 GHz). Applying any DC voltage to Pin 8 will cause die non-function and possible permanent failure - this is explicitly warned in the absolute maximum ratings and pin description sections.

What thermal management practices are required for reliable operation of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5?

Reliable thermal operation of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 requires soldering all six GND pins (4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12) and the exposed ground paddle directly to a low-thermal-resistance PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias. With 397 °C/W junction-to-ground thermal resistance, continuous dissipation above 227 mW at >85 °C ambient requires heatsinking. Evaluation PCB 108777 includes thermal via recommendations.

Does the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 require external matching networks at RF and LO ports?

No - the RF (Pin 11) and LO (Pin 5) ports of the HMC264LC3BTR-R5 are internally matched to 50 Ω across their full operating bands (21–31 GHz and 10.5–15.5 GHz, respectively), and both are AC-coupled. This eliminates need for external matching components in most designs, though board-level transmission line impedance control (50 Ω) and grounding remain critical for maintaining specified isolation and return loss.