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Analog Devices Inc. HMC338-SX
- Part No.:
- HMC338-SX
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
HMC338-SX.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC DIE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,524
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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 - enabling compact millimeter-wave transceivers in point-to-point radios and SATCOM terminals.
For engineers reviewing the HMC338LC3B datasheet, HMC338LC3B pinout, HMC338LC3B application, or HMC338LC3B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2LO-pumped architecture eliminating external LO doubler, DC-blocked 50 Ω RF/LO ports, DC-coupled IF requiring external blocking capacitor, and 12-lead 3×3 mm SMT package with exposed ground paddle for thermal and RF grounding.
Technical Context
The HMC338LC3B implements a passive double-balanced mixer core driven by an integrated GaAs LO amplifier, enabling sub-harmonic pumping at half the fundamental LO frequency. Its x2 architecture reduces LO source complexity and suppresses fundamental LO leakage.
DC-blocking on RF and LO ports ensures compatibility with standard 50 Ω test equipment and simplifies interface design, while the DC-coupled IF port requires external series capacitance to prevent bias disruption and enable full DC–3 GHz operation - critical for wideband IF architectures in radar and instrumentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 24–34 GHz - supports E-band wireless backhaul and high-resolution imaging systems |
| LO Frequency Range | 11.5–16.5 GHz - enables use of lower-cost, higher-yield K-band synthesizers |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3 GHz - allows baseband I/Q sampling and wide instantaneous bandwidth capture |
| Conversion Loss | 11–15 dB typical - defines signal path gain budget in receiver front-ends |
| 2LO-to-RF Isolation | 25–40 dB - minimizes need for external filtering between LO source and RF path |
| Input IP3 | 9–14.5 dBm - determines third-order intermodulation performance in multi-carrier environments |
| Supply Voltage | +3 V to +4 V - compatible with standard low-voltage bias rails and LDOs |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C - qualified for outdoor wireless infrastructure and military platforms |
Pinout & Package
Package: 12-lead 3×3 mm leadless SMT (alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3), with exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 | GND | RF/DC ground connections - must be soldered to PCB ground plane for signal integrity and thermal dissipation |
| 2 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω input - accepts −5 dBm nominal LO drive without external matching |
| 5 | IF | DC-coupled output - requires external series capacitor to block DC bias and pass DC–3 GHz signals |
| 8 | RF | AC-coupled 50 Ω input/output - matched for bidirectional use in up/downconverter configurations |
| 10 | Vdd | +3 V to +4 V supply for integrated LO amplifier - bypassing near pin is mandatory for stability |
| 11, 12 | N/C | No internal connection - may be grounded without affecting RF performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO amplifier | Reduces external component count by eliminating discrete LO buffer; accepts −5 dBm drive |
| Sub-harmonic (x2) pumping | Enables use of K-band LO sources for E-band RF operation, lowering system cost and complexity |
| DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth | Supports direct sampling of complex baseband signals and wide instantaneous bandwidth applications |
| 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation | Minimizes spurious feedthrough, reducing need for external LO harmonic filters in RF chain |
| Leadless 3×3 mm SMT package | Enables high-density RF layout with low parasitic inductance; exposed paddle improves thermal resistance (397 °C/W) |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity wireless backhaul links operating in 24–34 GHz E-band spectrum. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter mixing received RF signal with sub-harmonic LO to produce DC–3 GHz IF for digitization. Use Value: 15 dB typical conversion loss and 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation reduce cascaded noise figure and simplify filter requirements. |
Use Scenario: Compact satellite communication terminals requiring low-SWaP millimeter-wave transceivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional mixer in transmit/receive module - upconverting IF to RF and downconverting received RF to IF. Use Value: Single-supply +4 V operation and integrated LO amplifier reduce power supply complexity and board area. |
| Military Radar Sensors | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: FMCW radar modules for precision ranging and velocity detection in defense systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core mixer in quadrature receiver front-end, delivering I/Q IF outputs for phase-coherent processing. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth supports wide chirp bandwidths; −40 °C to +85 °C rating ensures field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Broadband signal analyzers and vector network analyzers requiring calibrated millimeter-wave mixing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision downconversion stage with stable conversion loss and repeatable isolation across temperature. Use Value: 12-lead SMT package enables automated assembly and traceable calibration; MSL3 rating supports reflow manufacturing. |
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 amplifier | Requires external LO buffer; better suited for multi-band lab instruments than fixed-band radios | Select when broader frequency coverage outweighs need for integrated LO drive |
| Qorvo QM11024 | Similar 24–34 GHz RF range but uses fundamental LO pumping; 14 dB conversion loss; +5 V supply | Lacks sub-harmonic architecture - demands 24–34 GHz LO source instead of 12–17 GHz | Select when LO source already covers fundamental band and higher supply voltage is acceptable |
Compared with HMC338LC3B, HMC1048LC3B trades integration for bandwidth breadth, while QM11024 shifts LO architecture to fundamental pumping - making HMC338LC3B uniquely optimized for K-band LO-driven E-band systems requiring minimal external components.
Availability
HMC338LC3B 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 and high-frequency performance consistency.
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, integrating its high-frequency RF expertise into a broad portfolio of microwave, mmWave, and RF solutions.
The HMC338LC3B belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer family, designed specifically for compact, high-isolation sub-harmonic mixing in E-band wireless infrastructure and defense systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC338LC3B?
The HMC338LC3B is specified for nominal −5 dBm LO drive at +4 V supply, delivering 15 dB typical conversion loss and 30 dB 2LO-to-RF isolation. Performance remains stable from −7 dBm to −3 dBm; exceeding −3 dBm risks compression and increased distortion. The integrated LO amplifier eliminates need for external buffering, simplifying system-level LO chain design for the HMC338LC3B.
Can the HMC338LC3B be used in both upconverter and downconverter configurations?
Yes, the HMC338LC3B supports bidirectional operation: RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω, while the IF port is DC-coupled. In downconversion, RF is input and IF is output; in upconversion, IF is input and RF is output. Spurious data in the datasheet confirms validated upconverter performance - confirming dual-mode utility for the HMC338LC3B.
Why does the IF pin of the HMC338LC3B require an external series capacitor?
Pin 5 (IF) is DC-coupled internally but must be externally DC-blocked using a series capacitor to prevent applied DC voltage from disrupting die bias or causing failure. The capacitor value must support the full DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth - typically a 100 pF NP0/C0G type placed adjacent to the pin. This requirement is explicitly stated in the HMC338LC3B pin description and applies across all operating conditions.
What thermal management is required for continuous operation of the HMC338LC3B?
The HMC338LC3B has a junction-to-ground-paddle thermal resistance of 397 °C/W and maximum channel temperature of 175 °C. For reliable continuous operation at +85 °C ambient, the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to a multilayer PCB ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner ground layers. Heat sinking is recommended for high-duty-cycle radar applications using the HMC338LC3B.
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 peak reflow temperature is specified at 260 °C - fully compatible with standard lead-free SMT processes for the HMC338LC3B.
HMC338-SX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 26GHz ~ 33GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 9dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 28mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 4V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- Die
HMC338-SX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC338-SX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC338-SX 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 HMC338-SX reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC338-SX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC338-SX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC338-SX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC338-SX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC338-SX?
HMC338-SX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC338-SX 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 HMC338-SX?
For technical support, including HMC338-SX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC338-SX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC338-SX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC338-SX 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 HMC338-SX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC338-SX?
All HMC338-SX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC338-SX, 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 HMC338-SX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC338-SX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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