Analog Devices Inc. HMC520LC4TR-R5
- Part No.:
- HMC520LC4TR-R5
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC520LC4TR-R5.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 6-10GHZ 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,217
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Product details
Overview
HMC520LC4TR-R5 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer designed for RF front-end signal translation in 6–10 GHz systems, functioning as either an image-reject mixer (IRM) or single-sideband upconverter with 100 MHz USB IF output. It delivers 9 dB typical conversion loss, 40 dB image rejection, +23 dBm input IP3, and operates with +15 dBm LO drive.
For engineers reviewing the HMC520LC4TR-R5 datasheet, HMC520LC4TR-R5 pinout, HMC520LC4TR-R5 application, or HMC520LC4TR-R5 equivalent, key selection criteria include RF/LO frequency range (6–10 GHz), IF bandwidth (DC–3.5 GHz), amplitude/phase balance (<0.2 dB / <4°), and 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package compatibility with surface-mount manufacturing.
Technical Context
The HMC520LC4TR-R5 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to enable quadrature mixing without external hybrids. Its DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth supports baseband and wideband intermediate frequencies, while its 40 dB image rejection is achieved via precise amplitude and phase matching between I and Q paths.
LO-to-RF isolation reaches 50 dB, minimizing LO leakage into antenna paths, and the device maintains stable performance across –55°C to +85°C with 128.2 °C/W thermal resistance. All RF/LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched; IF1 and IF2 are DC-coupled with ±3 mA current limit.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 6–10 GHz - supports full-band operation in point-to-point radio and VSAT transceivers |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - enables direct baseband sampling and wide IF channelization |
| Image Rejection | 40 dB typ - suppresses unwanted sideband by >99% power relative to desired sideband |
| Input IP3 | +23 dBm - ensures linearity in high-dynamic-range receivers with strong interferers |
| Conversion Loss | 9 dB typ - defines signal attenuation from RF to IF, critical for cascade noise figure budgeting |
| Amplitude Balance | 0.2 dB typ - limits I/Q gain mismatch that degrades image rejection |
| Phase Balance | 4° typ - constrains quadrature error contributing to residual image power |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead leadless Pb-free SMT package, 4×4 mm body (16 mm²), alumina substrate, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rating, thermal pad on bottom requiring solder connection to PCB ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | RF Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port for 6–10 GHz RF signal injection |
| 9, 11 | IF1 / IF2 Outputs | DC-coupled differential IF outputs; each limited to ±3 mA DC current |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port accepting +13 to +19 dBm LO drive |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | GND | RF/DC ground connections; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with low-inductance vias |
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | N/C | No-connect pins; may be grounded without performance impact |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Eliminates need for external IF hybrid, reducing board area and assembly complexity |
| Surface-Mount Construction | Leadless 4×4 mm package enables automated reflow assembly without wire bonding |
| Wide IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz supports zero-IF and complex IF architectures in software-defined radios |
| High LO–RF Isolation | 50 dB minimizes LO radiation into antenna path, easing EMI compliance |
| Robust Thermal Design | 128.2 °C/W junction-to-package thermal resistance supports continuous operation at +85°C ambient |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio Transceivers | Digital Microwave Backhaul |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Full-duplex bidirectional data links operating in 7–8.5 GHz licensed bands with tight adjacent-channel interference requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q mixer performing image-reject downconversion of received RF to 100 MHz USB IF and single-sideband upconversion of baseband to transmit RF. Use Value: 40 dB image rejection prevents adjacent-channel interference from corrupting demodulated symbols; +23 dBm IP3 handles strong out-of-band blockers without distortion. | Use Scenario: High-capacity 1 Gbps+ wireless backhaul nodes requiring low-latency, spectrally efficient modulation (e.g., 256-QAM). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quadrature mixer enabling complex IF generation and processing in wideband digital IF receivers. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth accommodates multi-MHz channel bandwidths; <0.2 dB amplitude balance preserves EVM under wide dynamic range. |
| VSAT Terminals | Test & Measurement Receivers |
Use Scenario: Ku-band satellite ground terminals receiving 10.7–12.75 GHz signals with stringent spurious suppression mandates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer translating LNB-downconverted C/X-band signals to baseband or low-IF for demodulation. Use Value: 50 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents LO leakage from radiating through feedhorn; 4×4 mm footprint enables compact phased-array LNB modules. | Use Scenario: Benchtop spectrum analyzers and vector signal analyzers requiring calibrated, repeatable RF-to-IF translation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision I/Q downconverter providing phase-coherent I/Q outputs for digital signal processing. Use Value: 4° phase balance ensures <–35 dBc image residual in calibrated measurements; stable performance over –55°C to +85°C supports lab and field use. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LP4E | Wider RF range (4–14 GHz), higher conversion loss (11 dB typ), same 4×4 mm package | Better suited for multi-band test equipment; less optimal for narrowband 7–8.5 GHz links due to higher loss | Select HMC1048LP4E only when extended frequency coverage outweighs 2 dB conversion loss penalty |
| ADL5375-05 | Lower frequency range (300 MHz–6 GHz), integrated LO buffer, requires external IF hybrid | Targeted at sub-6 GHz cellular infrastructure; incompatible with 6–10 GHz RF band without redesign | Choose ADL5375-05 only for LTE/5G FR1 designs; not a drop-in replacement for HMC520LC4TR-R5 |
Compared with HMC1048LP4E and ADL5375-05, the HMC520LC4TR-R5 offers optimal trade-off of 6–10 GHz coverage, 9 dB conversion loss, and integrated hybrid - making it uniquely suitable for compact, high-performance Ku-band transceivers where board space and sideband purity are critical.
Availability
HMC520LC4TR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, VSAT terminal, and digital microwave backhaul applications requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance, and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for HMC520LC4TR-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 and maintains its high-frequency RF portfolio, specializing in GaAs and SiGe MMIC solutions for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC520LC4TR-R5 belongs to Hittite's legacy I/Q mixer product line, engineered specifically for compact, high-linearity, image-reject signal translation in 6–10 GHz wireless infrastructure and satellite communication systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC520LC4TR-R5?
The HMC520LC4TR-R5 achieves best image rejection and conversion loss at +15 dBm LO drive, as specified in the datasheet. Performance remains stable from +13 to +19 dBm; however, drive below +13 dBm increases conversion loss, while above +19 dBm risks compression or reliability degradation. The HMC520LC4TR-R5 absolute maximum LO rating is +27 dBm, but sustained operation above +19 dBm is not recommended.
Can the HMC520LC4TR-R5 operate as both an image-reject mixer and a single-sideband upconverter?
Yes, the HMC520LC4TR-R5 is explicitly designed for dual-mode operation: as an image-reject mixer (downconversion) and as a single-sideband upconverter (upconversion). Its internal 90° hybrid and balanced topology enable both functions without external reconfiguration. The HMC520LC4TR-R5 datasheet provides separate performance curves for both modes, confirming validated operation in either configuration.
What are the DC bias requirements for the IF1 and IF2 ports of the HMC520LC4TR-R5?
The IF1 and IF2 ports of the HMC520LC4TR-R5 are DC-coupled and must not source or sink more than ±3 mA of current. Exceeding this limit risks non-function or permanent damage. For DC-coupled operation, ensure external circuitry stays within this current window; for AC-coupled IF paths, series capacitors must be sized to pass the required IF bandwidth without degrading amplitude/phase balance. The HMC520LC4TR-R5 does not require external DC bias on these ports.
Is the HMC520LC4TR-R5 pin-compatible with other Hittite I/Q mixers like the HMC521LC4?
No, the HMC520LC4TR-R5 is not pin-compatible with the HMC521LC4. While both are 24-lead 4×4 mm packages, their pin functions differ: the HMC521LC4 uses different IF port assignments and lacks the same N/C pin layout. Substituting them requires PCB redesign. The HMC520LC4TR-R5 pinout is unique to its internal hybrid architecture and must be implemented per the official pin description table.
Does the HMC520LC4TR-R5 require external matching networks on RF or LO ports?
No, the HMC520LC4TR-R5 RF and LO ports are internally matched to 50 Ω across 6–10 GHz and require no external matching components. The datasheet confirms 50 Ω AC coupling and broadband return loss better than 10 dB across the band. However, proper PCB layout - including controlled-impedance 50 Ω traces, ground via stitching, and thermal pad soldering - is essential to maintain the HMC520LC4TR-R5 specified RF performance.
HMC520LC4TR-R5 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 6GHz ~ 10GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC520LC4TR-R5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC520LC4TR-R5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC520LC4TR-R5 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 HMC520LC4TR-R5 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC520LC4TR-R5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC520LC4TR-R5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC520LC4TR-R5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC520LC4TR-R5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC520LC4TR-R5?
HMC520LC4TR-R5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC520LC4TR-R5 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 HMC520LC4TR-R5?
For technical support, including HMC520LC4TR-R5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC520LC4TR-R5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC520LC4TR-R5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC520LC4TR-R5 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 HMC520LC4TR-R5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC520LC4TR-R5?
All HMC520LC4TR-R5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC520LC4TR-R5, 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 HMC520LC4TR-R5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC520LC4TR-R5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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