Analog Devices Inc. HMC338LC3BTR-R5

Overview

HMC338LC3BTR-R5 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 - enabling compact millimeter-wave transceivers in point-to-point radios and SATCOM terminals.

For engineers reviewing the HMC338LC3BTR-R5 datasheet, HMC338LC3BTR-R5 pinout, HMC338LC3BTR-R5 application, or HMC338LC3BTR-R5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2LO-pumped architecture eliminating external LO doublers, DC-blocked 50 Ω RF/LO ports, integrated +3V to +4V LO amplifier requiring only −5 dBm drive, and 12-lead 3×3 mm SMT package compatible with automated assembly.

Technical Context

The HMC338LC3BTR-R5 implements a double-balanced sub-harmonic mixing topology using GaAs HBT technology, where the LO signal at half the RF frequency (e.g., 15 GHz for 30 GHz RF) drives an on-die amplifier that pumps the mixer core. Its 2LO-to-RF isolation of ≥30 dB suppresses second-harmonic LO leakage without external filtering.

DC-coupled IF output supports baseband and low-IF architectures up to 3 GHz; RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω. The device functions as both upconverter and downconverter, with spurious output data confirmed across M×N combinations (e.g., 1RF−2LO dominant) at 31 GHz RF / 15 GHz LO.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 12-lead 3×3 mm leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package (alumina substrate, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3). Ground paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground per datasheet note.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC338LC3BTR-R5, the HMC1048LP3E trades integrated LO functionality and lower conversion loss for wider RF bandwidth, while the QM11024 lacks sub-harmonic pumping - increasing LO source complexity and requiring additional 2LO filtering to meet system isolation targets.

Availability

HMC338LC3BTR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, VSAT terminals, and military radar sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (−40°C to +85°C) and high-reliability mmWave performance.

Supply support for HMC338LC3BTR-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, integrating its high-frequency RFIC expertise into a broad portfolio of microwave, millimeter-wave, and RF solutions.

The HMC338LC3BTR-R5 belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer family, designed specifically for E-band wireless infrastructure and defense systems demanding high isolation, wide IF bandwidth, and simplified LO interface.

FAQ

What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC338LC3BTR-R5?

The HMC338LC3BTR-R5 achieves best conversion loss and IP3 performance at −5 dBm LO drive under +4 V supply. Drive levels below −7 dBm increase conversion loss; above −3 dBm yield diminishing IP3 returns and risk compression. Data confirms stable operation from −7 to −3 dBm across the full 24–34 GHz RF band.

Can the HMC338LC3BTR-R5 be used in upconverter mode, and what IF input requirements apply?

Yes, the HMC338LC3BTR-R5 supports bidirectional operation. In upconverter mode, the IF port (Pin 5) accepts DC-coupled signals from DC to 3 GHz; an external series capacitor must block DC, sized for lowest IF frequency. RF output at Pin 8 remains AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched, preserving signal integrity.

What is the thermal management requirement for continuous operation of the HMC338LC3BTR-R5?

The HMC338LC3BTR-R5 has a junction-to-ground-paddle thermal resistance of 397 °C/W. For continuous operation at +85 °C ambient, the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a thermally robust PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner ground layers. Derating begins above 85 °C ambient at 2.52 mW/°C.

Does the HMC338LC3BTR-R5 require external matching networks on RF or LO ports?

No. Both RF (Pin 8) and LO (Pin 2) ports are internally matched to 50 Ω and AC-coupled. No external matching is needed for standard 50 Ω system interfaces. However, the IF port (Pin 5) requires an external DC-blocking capacitor selected for the target IF bandwidth - e.g., 100 pF for 1 GHz low-end cutoff.

How does the 2LO-to-RF isolation specification impact system-level filter design for the HMC338LC3BTR-R5?

The guaranteed 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation (typ. 33 dB) means the HMC338LC3BTR-R5 suppresses second-harmonic LO leakage sufficiently to eliminate discrete 2LO bandpass filters in most designs. This reduces insertion loss, board area, and tuning complexity - verified in application circuits for point-to-point radios and SATCOM terminals.