Analog Devices Inc. HMC420QS16E
- Part No.:
- HMC420QS16E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
HMC420QS16E.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER LO/IF AMP 16SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,662
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Product details
Overview
HMC420QS16E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a linear downconverter IC for cellular infrastructure receivers operating from 0.7–1.0 GHz RF/LO, delivering 12.5 dB conversion gain, +15 dBm input IP3, and 13 dB single-sideband noise figure at 120 MHz IF. It integrates LO and IF amplifiers, requires only 0 dBm LO drive, and operates from a single +5 V supply drawing 52 mA.
For engineers reviewing the HMC420QS16E datasheet, HMC420QS16E pinout, HMC420QS16E application, or HMC420QS16E equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.7–1.0 GHz RF/LO bandwidth, 50–250 MHz tunable IF range, integrated biasing architecture, RoHS-compliant QSOP-16 package, and suitability for GSM/CDMA/GPRS/EDGE base station receiver front-ends.
Technical Context
The HMC420QS16E implements a passive double-balanced mixer core with integrated high-linearity LO and IF amplifiers, enabling direct downconversion without external baluns. Its RF and LO ports are 50 Ω AC-coupled across 0.7–1.0 GHz, while the IF port supports DC-coupled output with tunable matching networks for 50–250 MHz operation.
It features internal bias control via dedicated Vdd_LO (Pin 5), Vdd_IF (Pin 6), and IF_Bias (Pin 8) terminals, allowing independent optimization of LO amplifier gain and IF amplifier compression point. The design achieves 25 dB LO-to-RF isolation and >40 dB RF-to-IF isolation at 0.9 GHz, minimizing spurious feedthrough in dense multi-carrier environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 0.7–1.0 GHz - Supports full-band GSM900 and CDMA cellular uplink/downlink bands without tuning. |
| IF Frequency Range | 50–250 MHz - Tunable via external L2/C6 network; 120 MHz nominal with 150 nH/12 pF per application circuit. |
| Conversion Gain | 12.5 dB typical - Enables direct interface to ADCs or IF filters without intermediate gain stages. |
| Input IP3 (OIP3) | +15 dBm - Ensures robust two-tone linearity in multi-carrier base station receivers with >60 dB ACLR. |
| Noise Figure (SSB) | 13 dB - Optimized for sensitivity in low-SNR cellular infrastructure applications. |
| LO Drive Requirement | 0 dBm typical - Eliminates need for LO buffer amplifiers, reducing BOM count and power consumption. |
| Supply Voltage & Current | +5 V, 52 mA - Single-rail operation simplifies power delivery; current stable across ±0.5 V supply variation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: RoHS-compliant QSOP-16 (Low Stress Injection Molded Plastic, 100% matte Sn lead finish, MSL1, max reflow 260 °C). Dimensions per Hittite outline drawing; all ground pins require direct connection to RF ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 7, 9, 14, 16 | N/C | No internal connection; must remain unconnected per datasheet. |
| 2 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω input; requires external 6.8 nH series inductor for broadband matching. |
| 3, 4, 11, 12, 13 | GND | RF ground reference; all must be soldered directly to PCB ground plane with multiple vias. |
| 5 | Vdd_LO | LO amplifier supply; bypassed with 10,000 pF capacitor to suppress LO supply noise. |
| 6 | Vdd_IF | IF amplifier supply; bypassed with 10,000 pF capacitor to maintain IF gain stability. |
| 8 | IF_Bias | DC bias setting for IF amplifier; adjusts P1dB and IP3 trade-off without external resistors. |
| 10 | IF | DC-coupled IF output; requires pull-up inductor (L1), matching network (C5/C6/L2), and 10,000 pF bypass. |
| 15 | RF | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF input; matched across 0.7–1.0 GHz without external components. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external baluns required | Integrated balanced mixer topology eliminates discrete balun components and associated insertion loss. |
| 0 dBm LO drive sensitivity | Reduces LO chain complexity and power consumption by removing need for driver amplifiers. |
| Tunable IF bandwidth (50–250 MHz) | Enables reuse across multiple standards (GSM, CDMA, EDGE) via simple L2/C6 component changes. |
| High LO-to-RF isolation (25 dB min) | Minimizes LO leakage into antenna path, easing filtering requirements in FDD transceivers. |
| RoHS-compliant QSOP-16 package | Compatible with standard SMT assembly processes; MSL1 rating enables single-reflow manufacturing. |
Applications
| GSM Base Station Receiver | CDMA Infrastructure Front-End |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Downconverting 925–960 MHz GSM receive band to 120 MHz IF in macrocell BTS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary downconverter IC handling RF-to-IF translation with integrated LO/IF amplification. Use Value: Delivers +15 dBm IIP3 and 13 dB NF to meet ETSI EN 301 908-1 ACLR and sensitivity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Converting 869–894 MHz CDMA forward-link signals to 70 MHz IF in distributed antenna systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity mixer core with tunable IF matching for multi-standard compatibility. Use Value: 50–250 MHz IF tuning range allows shared hardware design across CDMA2000 and WCDMA variants. |
| GPRS/EDGE Packet Data Receiver | Wireless Data CDPD Transceiver |
Use Scenario: Supporting 8PSK modulation in EDGE-capable base stations requiring wide dynamic range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear downconverter providing consistent gain and NF across modulation bandwidths up to 200 kHz. Use Value: +1 dBm input P1dB ensures minimal gain compression under bursty packet traffic conditions. |
Use Scenario: Enabling 19.2 kbps CDPD data reception in legacy wireless infrastructure nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-distortion signal path element in narrowband 902–928 MHz ISM band receivers. Use Value: 13 dB NF and 25 dB LO-to-RF isolation reduce adjacent-channel interference in shared spectrum deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar downconverter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC380QS16G | 1.4–2.3 GHz RF/LO range; same QSOP-16 footprint but higher frequency coverage. | Targeted at PCS/UMTS/WiMAX bands; not suitable for sub-1 GHz GSM/CDMA without redesign. | Select when operating above 1.4 GHz; requires different LO source and matching networks. |
| HMC421QS16 | 1.4–2.3 GHz RF/LO range; identical package footprint and pinout, but no IF bias adjustment pin. | Lacks IF_Bias (Pin 8) for fine-tuning IF amplifier linearity; fixed bias architecture. | Choose for simplified biasing where IF performance margin is sufficient; not drop-in for HMC420QS16E's adjustable IF stage. |
Compared with HMC380QS16G and HMC421QS16, the HMC420QS16E uniquely supports 0.7–1.0 GHz cellular bands with user-adjustable IF bias, enabling optimized linearity in legacy infrastructure where frequency agility and thermal stability are critical.
Availability
HMC420QS16E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GSM infrastructure, CDMA base stations, and EDGE packet data receivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (−40°C to +85°C) and long-lifecycle deployments.
Supply support for HMC420QS16E 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 RFIC portfolio for communications infrastructure.
The HMC420QS16E belongs to Hittite's Cellular RFIC product line, designed specifically for high-linearity, low-noise downconversion in 3G/4G macrocell and microcell base station receivers.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the HMC420QS16E?
The HMC420QS16E is specified for continuous operation from −40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. Electrical parameters including conversion gain, IP3, and noise figure are characterized across this full range, with typical performance maintained using the recommended 50 Ω RF layout and grounding practices outlined in the application circuit.
Does the HMC420QS16E require external baluns for RF or LO inputs?
No, the HMC420QS16E does not require external baluns. Its internal double-balanced mixer architecture and on-die matching networks enable direct 50 Ω AC-coupled connection to both RF (Pin 15) and LO (Pin 2) ports across 0.7–1.0 GHz, eliminating discrete balun components and associated insertion loss.
What is the function of Pin 8 (IF_Bias) on the HMC420QS16E?
Pin 8 (IF_Bias) sets the DC bias point of the integrated IF amplifier, directly influencing input P1dB and IP3 performance. Adjusting this voltage allows designers to optimize linearity versus noise figure trade-offs without changing external resistor networks-enabling fine-tuning for specific system-level dynamic range requirements in the HMC420QS16E.
Can the HMC420QS16E be used with IF frequencies other than 120 MHz?
Yes, the HMC420QS16E supports tunable IF operation from 50 MHz to 250 MHz. The application circuit provides L2 and C6 values for seven discrete IF frequencies-including 70 MHz, 100 MHz, and 250 MHz-allowing flexible reuse across GSM, CDMA, and wireless data standards without changing the HMC420QS16E IC itself.
What is the maximum allowable LO drive level for the HMC420QS16E?
The absolute maximum LO drive level for the HMC420QS16E is +15 dBm, per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, optimal performance (12.5 dB gain, +15 dBm IP3) is achieved at +0 dBm LO drive; exceeding +4 dBm may degrade linearity and increase spurious outputs, as shown in the Input IP3 vs. LO Drive plots.
HMC420QS16E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Cellular, CDMA, GSM
- Frequency:
- 700MHz ~ 1GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 12.5dB
- Noise Figure:
- 13dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 52mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP
HMC420QS16E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC420QS16E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC420QS16E 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 HMC420QS16E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC420QS16E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC420QS16E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC420QS16E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC420QS16E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC420QS16E?
HMC420QS16E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC420QS16E 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 HMC420QS16E?
For technical support, including HMC420QS16E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC420QS16E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC420QS16E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC420QS16E 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 HMC420QS16E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC420QS16E?
All HMC420QS16E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC420QS16E, 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 HMC420QS16E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC420QS16E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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