My Inquiry
My Account
Analog Devices Inc. HMC521LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC521LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC521LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,491
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
HMC521LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer designed for RF front-end signal translation in 8.5–13.5 GHz systems, delivering 38 dB image rejection, +23 dBm input IP3, and 100 MHz USB IF output as an Image Reject Mixer or Single Sideband Upconverter.
For engineers reviewing the HMC521LC4 datasheet, HMC521LC4 pinout, HMC521LC4 application, or HMC521LC4 equivalent, this device supports high-isolation downconversion and upconversion in compact SMT designs requiring DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth, low phase/amplitude imbalance, and surface-mount manufacturability without wire bonding.
Technical Context
The HMC521LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to enable precise quadrature signal processing. It operates with LO drive of +13 to +19 dBm and delivers consistent performance across −55°C to +85°C.
Its architecture supports both IRM and SSB upconversion modes using external or internal IF hybrids. Key electrical behaviors-including 50 dB LO-to-RF isolation, <0.1 dB amplitude balance, and <4° phase balance-are validated over full RF band and temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 8.5–13.5 GHz - Enables direct use in X-band point-to-point radio and military radar front ends without frequency translation stages. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - Supports baseband and wideband IF architectures including 100 MHz USB output and complex modulation schemes. |
| Image Rejection | 30–38 dB typical - Reduces need for post-mixer image filtering in sensitive receiver chains. |
| Input IP3 | +23 to +24 dBm - Maintains linearity in high-dynamic-range transceivers handling multi-carrier signals. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 45–55 dB - Minimizes LO leakage into antenna paths, easing filter requirements in TDD/FDD systems. |
| Amplitude Balance | 0.1–0.3 dB - Ensures accurate I/Q signal reconstruction for digital predistortion and coherent detection. |
| Phase Balance | 4° maximum - Preserves quadrature integrity critical for zero-IF and direct-conversion architectures. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead, 4×4 mm leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle requiring soldering to PCB RF ground per MSL3 reflow profile (peak 260°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connect | Electrically isolated; may be grounded for mechanical stability without degrading RF performance. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | Ground | RF/DC ground terminals; must connect to PCB ground plane with low-inductance vias for optimal isolation and thermal dissipation. |
| 4 | RF Input | 50 Ω AC-coupled RF port matched across full 8.5–13.5 GHz band; primary signal path for downconversion or upconversion. |
| 9 | IF1 Output | DC-coupled I-channel output; requires external DC blocking if operating above DC; max ±3 mA current limit. |
| 11 | IF2 Output | DC-coupled Q-channel output; identical interface constraints as IF1 for balanced quadrature output. |
| 15 | LO Input | 50 Ω AC-coupled LO port matched across full RF band; accepts +13 to +19 dBm drive for optimal conversion gain and IP3. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Monolithic GaAs MMIC construction | Eliminates wire bonds and hybrid assembly, enabling repeatable SMT placement and automated manufacturing. |
| Integrated 90° hybrid | Provides inherent quadrature generation without external components, reducing board area and insertion loss. |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth | Supports direct baseband sampling and wideband modulation formats including OFDM and QAM in modern radios. |
| High LO-to-RF isolation (50 dB) | Reduces risk of LO radiation and simplifies front-end filtering in transmit/receive switch architectures. |
| Low amplitude/phase imbalance | Ensures <−35 dBc EVM floor in 256-QAM systems and enables >40 dB ACLR in LTE/WiMAX transmitters. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio | Military Radar |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul links operating in 10–12 GHz bands with tight spectral masks and high-order modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q downconverter translating RF to 100 MHz USB IF for digitization and demodulation. Use Value: 38 dB image rejection and +23 dBm IP3 maintain EVM <2.5% under multi-tone interference, meeting FCC Part 101 spectral purity requirements. |
Use Scenario: Pulse-Doppler radar receivers requiring low-phase-noise mixing and high dynamic range in X-band surveillance systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer in IF-sampling receiver chain, rejecting clutter-induced mirror responses. Use Value: 50 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents LO leakage from saturating LNA stages during high-power transmit bursts. |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) | Satellite Communications (SATCOM) |
Use Scenario: Wideband SIGINT receivers capturing instantaneous bandwidth >1 GHz across 8.5–13.5 GHz for real-time spectrum analysis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel I/Q front-end enabling coherent wideband digitization with DC–3.5 GHz IF support. Use Value: <0.1 dB amplitude and <4° phase balance preserve vector accuracy across full IF band, enabling precise direction-finding algorithms. |
Use Scenario: Mobile SATCOM terminals with size, weight, and power (SWaP)-constrained uplink/downlink transceivers in X-band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SSB upconverter generating clean upper sideband signal with minimal carrier and image leakage. Use Value: 30–38 dB sideband rejection reduces adjacent channel interference, improving link margin by ≥3 dB in multi-beam satellite networks. |
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 (6–18 GHz), higher conversion loss (11.5 dB typ), same 4×4 mm package. | Better suited for multi-band test equipment; less optimal for narrowband high-linearity radar due to lower IP3 (+20 dBm). | Select when broader frequency coverage outweighs need for highest image rejection and IP3. |
| Qorvo QM11020 | SiGe process, lower frequency (7–12 GHz), smaller 3×3 mm package, +21 dBm IP3, 32 dB image rejection. | Targeted at SWaP-constrained UAV comms; lacks DC-coupled IF outputs and requires external hybrid for IRM mode. | Choose for cost-sensitive, space-limited designs where 38 dB image rejection is not mandatory. |
Compared with HMC1048LP4E and QM11020, the HMC521LC4 provides superior image rejection (38 dB vs. ≤32 dB) and higher input linearity (+23 dBm IP3), making it preferred for mission-critical X-band radar and high-spectral-efficiency point-to-point radio where mirror signal suppression directly impacts system sensitivity and ACLR.
Availability
HMC521LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, military radar, and electronic warfare systems requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing for defense-critical programs.
Supply support for HMC521LC4 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, GaN, and SiGe MMIC solutions for defense, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.
The HMC521LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy I/Q mixer product line, engineered specifically for X-band image-reject and single-sideband signal translation in compact, surface-mount form factors.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC521LC4?
The HMC521LC4 achieves best conversion gain, IP3, and image rejection at LO drive levels between +15 dBm and +17 dBm. At +15 dBm, typical conversion loss is 9.5 dB, image rejection reaches 38 dB, and input IP3 is +23 dBm. Driving below +13 dBm increases conversion loss; exceeding +19 dBm risks compression and degradation of linearity. The HMC521LC4 datasheet specifies absolute maximum LO input as +27 dBm.
Can the HMC521LC4 operate as both an Image Reject Mixer and a Single Sideband Upconverter?
Yes, the HMC521LC4 supports both configurations. As an Image Reject Mixer (IRM), it uses external IF hybrids to suppress the image band during downconversion. As a Single Sideband Upconverter, it generates clean upper sideband output at 100 MHz USB when driven with appropriate LO and baseband signals. The functional diagram and application notes confirm dual-mode operation without hardware modification.
What are the grounding requirements for the HMC521LC4 package bottom and leads?
All ground pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) and the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to the PCB RF ground plane using multiple low-inductance vias. Per the outline drawing, failure to solder the paddle causes thermal overload and non-functional behavior. The package marking "H521" and MSL3 rating require peak reflow at 260°C, and grounding integrity directly impacts LO-to-RF isolation (50 dB) and thermal resistance (141.4 °C/W).
Does the HMC521LC4 support DC-coupled IF outputs, and what are the current limits?
Yes, both IF1 (pin 9) and IF2 (pin 11) are DC-coupled outputs. However, each port must not source or sink more than ±3 mA DC current; exceeding this limit causes non-function and possible permanent damage. For AC-only IF operation, external series capacitors are recommended. The HMC521LC4's DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth enables baseband I/Q interfaces essential for zero-IF architectures.
How does temperature affect image rejection and conversion gain in the HMC521LC4?
Over −55°C to +85°C, image rejection varies from 30 dB (min at extremes) to 38 dB (typ at +25°C); conversion gain shifts ±1.5 dB across temperature. Graphs in the datasheet show image rejection remains >30 dB at all temperatures within the 8.5–13.5 GHz band, and conversion gain stays within ±0.8 dB of nominal at +15 dBm LO drive. These stabilities make the HMC521LC4 suitable for uncontrolled environmental deployments.
HMC521LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Radar
- Frequency:
- 8.5GHz ~ 13.5GHz
- 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)
HMC521LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC521LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC521LC4 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 HMC521LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC521LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC521LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC521LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC521LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC521LC4?
HMC521LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC521LC4 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 HMC521LC4?
For technical support, including HMC521LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC521LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC521LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC521LC4 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 HMC521LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC521LC4?
All HMC521LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC521LC4, 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 HMC521LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC521LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC521LC4 Tags
-
MAX2671EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
-
ADEX-10+
Mini-Circuits
-
ADE-2+
Mini-Circuits
-
ADE-1+
Mini-Circuits
-
LT5560EDD#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.
-
LT5560EDD#TRPBF
Analog Devices Inc.
-
LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
Analog Devices Inc.
-
MAX2681EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
-
ADE-1ASK+
Mini-Circuits
-
ADE-1L+
Mini-Circuits
-
ADL5350ACPZ-R7
Analog Devices Inc.
-
AD608ARZ-RL
Analog Devices Inc.
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
