Analog Devices Inc. HMC265LM3
- Part No.:
- HMC265LM3
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 6-TQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC265LM3.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC CERAMIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,059
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Product details
Overview
HMC265LM3 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC sub-harmonically pumped (×2) downconverter mixer operating from 20–31 GHz RF, with integrated LO amplifier and IF amplification in a leadless SMT LM3 package. It delivers 3 dB typical conversion gain, 13 dB SSB noise figure, and >28 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation at +4 V supply, enabling compact microwave radio front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC265LM3 datasheet, HMC265LM3 pinout, HMC265LM3 application, or HMC265LM3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its -4 dBm LO drive requirement, 0.7–3 GHz IF bandwidth, 2LO/RF and 2LO/IF isolation performance, and compatibility with grounded coplanar waveguide PCB layouts for millimeter-wave test and integration.
Technical Context
The HMC265LM3 implements a sub-harmonic (×2) mixing architecture where the LO input operates at half the RF frequency (10–15.5 GHz), reducing LO generation complexity. Its monolithic GaAs design integrates an LO amplifier and IF amplifier, eliminating external active stages and wirebonding.
It uses AC-coupled 50 Ω interfaces for RF (20–30 GHz), LO (10–15 GHz), and IF (0.7–3 GHz), with all grounds requiring direct soldering to PCB RF ground per the LM3 package mechanical specification. Bias is applied solely to Pin 3 (Vdd), with no separate IF or LO bias lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 20–31 GHz - supports full E-band point-to-point radio links without frequency translation gaps. |
| LO Frequency Range | 10–15.5 GHz - enables use of lower-cost, mature 12–15 GHz synthesizers instead of 20+ GHz sources. |
| IF Frequency Range | 0.7–3 GHz - compatible with standard IF filters, ADCs, and baseband processors in microwave receivers. |
| Conversion Gain | -2 to +4 dB - net gain across band reduces need for cascaded IF amplifiers in receiver chains. |
| Noise Figure (SSB) | 13 dB - defines minimum detectable signal level in low-SNR SATCOM and LMDS applications. |
| 2LO-to-RF Isolation | 28–47 dB - suppresses second-harmonic LO leakage into antenna path, easing filter requirements. |
| Supply Current (Idd) | 40–50 mA at +3 to +4 V - enables low-power operation from single-supply LDOs in compact modules. |
Pinout & Package
The HMC265LM3 is housed in a non-hermetic, epoxy-sealed LM3 leadless chip carrier package (3.0 × 3.0 × 0.1 mm), with gold-over-nickel plating and 7 terminals on a 0.5-mm pitch. All ground pins must be soldered directly to PCB RF ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | No Connect (N/C) | May be tied to housing ground or left floating; no internal connection - used for mechanical stability only. |
| 3 | Vdd | +3 to +4 V DC supply for integrated LO amplifier; requires 100–330 pF RF bypass capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| 4 | RF | AC-coupled 50 Ω RF input port, matched from 20–30 GHz; connects to antenna or RF filter output. |
| 5 | IF | AC-coupled 50 Ω IF output port, matched from 0.7–3 GHz; drives downstream IF amplifiers or ADC drivers. |
| 6 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω LO input port, matched from 10–15 GHz; accepts sub-harmonic drive with -4 dBm typical level. |
| 7 | GND | Primary RF ground terminal; must be soldered to solid PCB ground plane to maintain impedance integrity and isolation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Sub-harmonic (×2) pumping | Enables LO synthesis at half RF frequency - simplifies source design and reduces phase noise contribution from LO chain. |
| Integrated LO amplifier | Accepts -4 dBm LO drive - eliminates need for external LO buffer, saving board space and insertion loss. |
| High 2LO-to-RF/IF isolation | 28–47 dB - minimizes spurious response and relaxes filtering requirements before/after mixer stage. |
| LM3 SMT package | Leadless 3.0 × 3.0 mm footprint with grounded coplanar waveguide interface - supports GSG probe testing and repeatable millimeter-wave assembly. |
| Single-supply operation | +3 to +4 V Vdd only - eliminates negative or dual supplies, simplifying power architecture in compact radios. |
Applications
| 20–31 GHz Microwave Radios | Point-to-Point Downconverter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-capacity backhaul links operating in E-band (71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz) using image-reject or double-conversion architectures where HMC265LM3 serves as first-stage downconverter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF-to-IF downconversion mixer with integrated LO amplification and high 2LO rejection. Use Value: Enables compact, low-power front-end design with -4 dBm LO drive and 3 dB typical conversion gain - reducing system-level noise figure and component count. |
Use Scenario: Fixed wireless access equipment converting 24–30 GHz licensed band signals to 2 GHz IF for digitization and demodulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sub-harmonic downconverter providing RF input, LO input, and IF output with matched 50 Ω ports. Use Value: Delivers 13 dB SSB noise figure and >28 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation - improving dynamic range and suppressing LO feedthrough in interference-prone urban deployments. |
| LMDS Base Stations | SATCOM Terminals |
|
Use Scenario: Local Multipoint Distribution Service transceivers operating at 27.5–29.5 GHz, requiring stable, repeatable mixer performance over temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Surface-mount MMIC mixer with integrated LO driver and wide IF bandwidth (0.7–3 GHz). Use Value: Maintains ±1 dB conversion gain variation from -40°C to +85°C - ensuring consistent link budget across outdoor environmental conditions. |
Use Scenario: Mobile satellite communication terminals receiving uplink bands near 30 GHz, where size, weight, and power (SWaP) are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact GaAs MMIC mixer enabling direct RF-to-IF conversion without wirebonding or discrete LO buffers. Use Value: LM3 package allows automated SMT placement and eliminates bond-wire variability - improving production yield and RF repeatability in volume SATCOM assemblies. |
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 (17–44 GHz), higher LO drive (+2 dBm), no integrated LO amp, 6-pin QFN package. | Requires external LO buffer; better suited for broadband test instrumentation than fixed-frequency radios. | Choose when broader RF coverage is needed and LO drive headroom is available. |
| QPC1006 | 30–40 GHz RF range, -10 dBm LO drive, integrated LO amp, 3.5 × 3.5 mm QFN, 14 dB NF. | Higher noise figure and narrower RF band - optimized for Ka-band, not E-band. | Consider only for 30+ GHz systems where HMC265LM3's 20–31 GHz range is insufficient. |
Compared with HMC1048LP3E and QPC1006, the HMC265LM3 uniquely balances E-band coverage (20–31 GHz), ultra-low LO drive (-4 dBm), integrated amplification, and proven LM3 package reliability - making it the preferred choice for production 24–30 GHz microwave radios where SWaP and manufacturability are prioritized.
Availability
HMC265LM3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 20–31 GHz microwave radios, point-to-point downconverters, and LMDS/SATCOM terminals requiring stable component supply, repeatable RF performance, and surface-mount manufacturability.
Supply support for HMC265LM3 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 maintains its high-frequency RF portfolio, including GaAs MMIC mixers, amplifiers, and switches for defense, communications, and test equipment.
The HMC265LM3 belongs to Hittite's legacy LM3-series millimeter-wave SMT mixer family, designed specifically for production-ready E-band radio front-ends requiring zero wirebonding, high isolation, and low-LO-drive operation.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC265LM3?
The HMC265LM3 is characterized for -4 dBm LO drive at +4 V supply, delivering 3 dB typical conversion gain and 28–47 dB 2LO-to-RF/IF isolation. Performance degrades outside -6 to 0 dBm; below -6 dBm, conversion gain drops sharply, and above 0 dBm, compression and distortion increase. The HMC265LM3 datasheet specifies -4 dBm as the nominal operating point for all key metrics including IP3 and P1dB.
Does the HMC265LM3 require external biasing components beyond Vdd?
No, the HMC265LM3 requires only a single +3 to +4 V DC supply applied to Pin 3 (Vdd). No external bias tees, chokes, or resistors are needed for LO, RF, or IF paths - all ports are AC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω. A 100–330 pF bypass capacitor must be placed adjacent to Pin 3 per the layout guidelines in the HMC265LM3 evaluation board documentation.
Can the HMC265LM3 be used as an upconverter?
No, the HMC265LM3 is specified and characterized exclusively as a downconverter (RF → IF). Its internal architecture, matching networks, and isolation specifications (e.g., 2LO-to-RF) are optimized for downconversion. The datasheet provides no upconversion gain, noise, or linearity data, and the functional diagram shows unidirectional signal flow from RF and LO inputs to IF output.
What is the operating temperature range for the HMC265LM3?
The HMC265LM3 is rated for continuous operation from -40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. Electrical specifications (conversion gain, noise figure, isolation) are guaranteed at +25°C, with characterization data provided from -40°C to +85°C showing <±1 dB gain variation across the 20–31 GHz band at +4 V supply. Storage temperature extends to -65°C to +150°C.
Is the HMC265LM3 pin-compatible with other LM3-package mixers like the HMC262LM3?
No, the HMC265LM3 is not pin-compatible with HMC262LM3 or other LM3 mixers. While both use the same LM3 outline, the HMC265LM3 has 7 terminals (including two N/C pins), whereas HMC262LM3 uses a different pin count and function assignment. The HMC265LM3 pinout - with dedicated Vdd (Pin 3), RF (Pin 4), IF (Pin 5), LO (Pin 6), and GND (Pin 7) - is unique to its sub-harmonic architecture and cannot be substituted without PCB redesign.
HMC265LM3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 6-TQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 20GHz ~ 31GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 4dB
- Noise Figure:
- 13dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 50mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 4V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 6-SMT (5.08x5.08)
HMC265LM3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC265LM3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC265LM3 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 HMC265LM3 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC265LM3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC265LM3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC265LM3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC265LM3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC265LM3?
HMC265LM3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC265LM3 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 HMC265LM3?
For technical support, including HMC265LM3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC265LM3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC265LM3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC265LM3 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 HMC265LM3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC265LM3?
All HMC265LM3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC265LM3, 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 HMC265LM3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC265LM3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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