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Analog Devices Inc. HMC338LC3B
- Part No.:
- HMC338LC3B
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC338LC3B.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC 12SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,970
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Product details
Overview
HMC338LC3B from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC sub-harmonically pumped (x2) mixer with integrated LO amplifier, operating 24–34 GHz RF, 11.5–16.5 GHz LO, and DC–3 GHz IF. It delivers 15 dB typical conversion loss, 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation, and operates from a single +4 V supply drawing 31 mA - ideal for millimeter-wave point-to-point radios and SATCOM front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC338LC3B datasheet, HMC338LC3B pinout, HMC338LC3B application, or HMC338LC3B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2LO-pumped architecture eliminating external LO filtering, DC-coupled IF port requiring external series capacitor, and 12-lead 3×3 mm SMT package with grounded paddle for RF thermal and electrical performance.
Technical Context
The HMC338LC3B implements a sub-harmonic (x2) mixing architecture where the LO frequency is half the RF frequency, enabling use of lower-cost, more stable 12–16.5 GHz LO sources to drive 24–34 GHz RF bands. Its integrated GaAs LO amplifier accepts -5 dBm input and provides sufficient gain to directly drive the mixer core without external amplification.
RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched; the IF port is DC-coupled (requiring external series capacitor) and supports DC–3 GHz bandwidth. The device uses a single positive supply (+3 V to +4 V), with bias applied only to Pin 10 (Vdd), while Pins 11–12 are no-connect and may be grounded.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 24–34 GHz - covers E-band (V-band edge) for high-capacity wireless backhaul and radar. |
| LO Frequency Range | 11.5–16.5 GHz - enables x2 sub-harmonic pumping using mature Ku-band synthesizers. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3 GHz - supports baseband I/Q downconversion and wide instantaneous bandwidth upconversion. |
| Conversion Loss | 11–15 dB typ - defines signal path attenuation; impacts system noise figure and required IF gain staging. |
| 2LO-to-RF Isolation | 25–40 dB - suppresses 2×LO feedthrough into RF path, reducing need for external filtering. |
| Supply Voltage & Current | +4 V @ 31 mA - low-power operation compatible with compact DC-DC regulation in dense RF modules. |
| Input IP3 | 9–14.5 dBm - determines third-order intermodulation handling in multi-carrier or wideband receive systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 12-lead 3×3 mm leadless SMT (alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3, exposed ground paddle). Requires soldering of all ground leads and paddle to PCB RF ground plane per datasheet note.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 | GND | RF/DC ground connections - must be soldered to PCB ground plane; critical for isolation and thermal dissipation. |
| 2 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω LO input - accepts -5 dBm nominal drive; internal matching eliminates external tuning. |
| 5 | IF | DC-coupled IF port - requires external series capacitor (e.g., 100 pF) for DC blocking across DC–3 GHz. |
| 8 | RF | AC-coupled 50 Ω RF port - matched for direct connection to antenna or filter without impedance transformation. |
| 10 | Vdd | +3 V to +4 V supply for integrated LO amplifier - decoupling capacitor (e.g., 100 nF) required near pin. |
| 11, 12 | N/C | No internal connection - may be grounded without performance impact; recommended for mechanical stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO amplifier | Eliminates external LO buffer stage, reducing bill-of-materials and layout complexity in E-band transceivers. |
| Sub-harmonic (x2) pumping | Enables use of lower-frequency, higher-performance LO synthesizers - improves phase noise and simplifies LO chain design. |
| 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation | Reduces or removes need for external 2LO bandstop filters at RF port, saving board space and insertion loss. |
| DC-coupled IF port | Supports true DC-to-3 GHz IF output - essential for zero-IF receivers and wideband digitization without IF transformer limitations. |
| Exposed ground paddle | Provides low-inductance RF grounding and thermal conduction path - mandatory for specified RF performance and reliability. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: High-capacity 5G fixed wireless access links operating in 24–28 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverting received 26 GHz RF signals to 1–2 GHz IF for ADC sampling. Use Value: Sub-harmonic architecture allows use of cost-effective 13 GHz LO sources while maintaining >30 dB 2LO suppression - minimizing adjacent-channel interference. |
Use Scenario: Receive path in Ka-band VSAT terminals supporting broadband satellite internet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Upconverting baseband I/Q signals to 30 GHz transmit band using external quadrature LO. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth accommodates wide modulation bandwidths (e.g., 256-QAM); integrated LO amp reduces external component count in compact outdoor units. |
| Military Radar Sensors | Test Equipment Front-Ends |
|
Use Scenario: FMCW radar transceiver module for short-range surveillance (28–34 GHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simultaneous RF transmit and IF receive path in monostatic configuration using T/R switch and shared LO. Use Value: 2LO-to-IF isolation >40 dB prevents LO leakage from corrupting sensitive IF ADC inputs - critical for dynamic range in Doppler processing. |
Use Scenario: Signal analyzer downconverter stage covering 24–34 GHz spectrum analysis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage mixer converting unknown RF signals to lower IF for digitization and FFT processing. Use Value: Wide RF/LO/IF bandwidths and consistent conversion loss across band enable calibrated amplitude accuracy without real-time correction tables. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sub-harmonic mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LC3B | Wider RF range (17–44 GHz), higher conversion loss (17 dB typ), no integrated LO amp - requires external LO driver. | Better suited for multi-band test equipment needing broader coverage; less suitable for size-constrained radios due to added LO stage. | Select when wider RF bandwidth outweighs power/size penalties and LO driver IC is already present. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | Similar 24–34 GHz RF range but GaN-based; higher P1dB (+10 dBm), higher supply current (65 mA), no integrated LO amp. | Preferred for high-linearity transmit paths; not drop-in for receive-dominant systems due to bias and layout differences. | Select when input-referred compression and robustness under high RF power are prioritized over LO integration. |
Compared with HMC1048LC3B and QM11036, the HMC338LC3B uniquely combines integrated LO amplification, 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation, and DC–3 GHz IF in a 3×3 mm package - optimizing for compact, low-component-count E-band radios where LO source simplicity and IF flexibility are critical.
Availability
HMC338LC3B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, SATCOM terminals, and military radar sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C) and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for HMC338LC3B 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, specializing in GaAs and GaN MMICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC338LC3B belongs to Hittite's legacy SMT mixer product line, engineered specifically for millimeter-wave infrastructure requiring high isolation, wide IF bandwidth, and simplified LO interface in surface-mount form.
FAQ
What is the recommended external capacitor value for the HMC338LC3B IF port?
The HMC338LC3B IF port is DC-coupled and requires an external series capacitor for DC blocking. For full DC–3 GHz bandwidth, a 100 pF NP0/C0G capacitor is recommended - it provides <0.2 dB insertion loss across the band and maintains phase linearity. Placement must be within 2 mm of Pin 5 with minimal trace inductance to preserve IF return loss.
Does the HMC338LC3B support both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes, the HMC338LC3B supports both upconversion and downconversion modes. As a passive doubly-balanced mixer core with integrated LO amplifier, it operates bidirectionally: RF→IF (downconversion) and IF→RF (upconversion), confirmed by measured spurious data and application circuits in the datasheet. LO drive level and bias must remain within specified limits in either mode.
Can Pins 11 and 12 of the HMC338LC3B be left floating?
No - although Pins 11 and 12 are marked N/C (no internal connection), the datasheet explicitly states they "may be connected to RF/DC ground without affecting performance." Leaving them floating is not recommended, as it risks mechanical instability and potential RF coupling; grounding improves thermal and shielding integrity in the 3×3 mm package.
What is the maximum allowable LO drive level for the HMC338LC3B?
The absolute maximum LO drive level for the HMC338LC3B is +13 dBm at Vdd = +5 V, per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, for reliable operation within specifications, LO drive should be maintained between -7 dBm and -3 dBm - outside this range, conversion loss degrades and IP3 drops significantly, as shown in the LO drive vs. conversion gain plots.
Is the HMC338LC3B RoHS compliant and what is its moisture sensitivity level?
Yes, the HMC338LC3B is RoHS compliant and rated MSL3 (Moisture Sensitivity Level 3), with a floor life of 168 hours at ≤30°C/60% RH. The package uses alumina body and gold-over-nickel plating, and reflow peak temperature must not exceed 260°C - consistent with standard lead-free assembly processes.
HMC338LC3B Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 24GHz ~ 34GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 29mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 4V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 12-SMT (3x3)
HMC338LC3B FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC338LC3B through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC338LC3B 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 HMC338LC3B reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC338LC3B are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC338LC3B is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC338LC3B?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC338LC3B transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC338LC3B?
HMC338LC3B orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC338LC3B 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 HMC338LC3B?
For technical support, including HMC338LC3B datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC338LC3B requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC338LC3B is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC338LC3B 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 HMC338LC3B meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC338LC3B?
All HMC338LC3B units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC338LC3B, 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 HMC338LC3B part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC338LC3B:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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