Analog Devices Inc. HMC522LC4TR
- Part No.:
- HMC522LC4TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC522LC4TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,573
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Product details
Overview
HMC522LC4TR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer designed for RF front-end signal translation in 11–16 GHz systems, functioning as either an image-reject mixer or single-sideband upconverter with 100 MHz USB IF output. It delivers 9.5 dB typical conversion loss, 25 dB image rejection, +24 dBm input IP3, and operates with +15 dBm LO drive.
For engineers reviewing the HMC522LC4TR datasheet, HMC522LC4TR pinout, HMC522LC4TR application, or HMC522LC4TR equivalent, this device requires attention to its 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package grounding scheme, DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth, quadrature amplitude/phase balance tolerance, and RF/LO port AC coupling - all critical for high-frequency transceiver design and phase-sensitive modulation schemes.
Technical Context
The HMC522LC4TR integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to enable precise I/Q signal separation and sideband suppression. Its architecture supports both downconversion (as IRM) and upconversion modes without external hybrids for basic operation.
It achieves 3° typical phase balance and 0.2 dB amplitude balance across 11–16 GHz when driven at +15 dBm LO, enabling >25 dB image rejection. The device uses alumina substrate with gold-over-nickel plating and requires full ground paddle soldering for thermal and RF performance compliance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 11–16 GHz - defines usable band for point-to-point radio and VSAT up/down links |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - supports baseband I/Q processing and wideband digital modulation |
| Conversion Loss (IRM) | 7.5–9.5 dB typical - determines system noise figure impact and gain budget allocation |
| Image Rejection | 20–30 dB typical - enables direct sampling of desired sideband without external filtering |
| Input IP3 | +22 to +24 dBm - sets linearity limit for multi-carrier or high-PAPR signals |
| LO–RF Isolation | 40–50 dB - reduces LO leakage into antenna path, easing filter requirements |
| Amplitude Balance | ±0.2 dB typical - directly limits achievable image suppression in I/Q architecture |
| Phase Balance | ±3° typical - constrains quadrature error and residual carrier in modulated outputs |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead, 4×4 mm leadless Pb-free SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle requiring full-solder connection to PCB RF ground plane per MSL3 reflow profile (peak 260°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connect | Internally unconnected; may be grounded externally without performance impact |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | Ground | RF/DC ground terminals - must connect to PCB ground plane with low-inductance paths |
| 4 | RF Input/Output | AC-coupled 50 Ω port for 11–16 GHz RF signal; requires external DC blocking if needed |
| 9 | I-Channel IF Output | DC-coupled I-path IF output; max ±3 mA DC current to avoid damage or malfunction |
| 11 | Q-Channel IF Output | DC-coupled Q-path IF output; identical DC current limits and interface rules as Pin 9 |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled 50 Ω port for 11–16 GHz LO signal; +15 dBm nominal drive level |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Enables true I/Q mixing without external hybrid components, reducing board area and insertion loss |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF Bandwidth | Supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures for software-defined radio and broadband demodulation |
| 24 dBm Input IP3 | Allows handling of high-power multi-tone signals in microwave backhaul without distortion |
| 25 dB Image Rejection | Reduces need for image-reject filters in receiver front ends, simplifying RF chain design |
| 45 dB LO–RF Isolation | Minimizes LO radiation through antenna path, aiding EMC compliance in compact enclosures |
| Alumina SMT Package | Provides stable thermal resistance (150 °C/W) and repeatable RF performance across temperature |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio | Digital Microwave Radio |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 11–16 GHz licensed band wireless backhaul link operating in E-band spectrum with 256-QAM modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q mixer performing image-reject downconversion of received RF to baseband I/Q signals for FPGA-based demodulation. Use Value: 25 dB image rejection and ±3° phase balance preserve EVM under high-order modulation, avoiding external image filters and saving PCB space. |
Use Scenario: Compact outdoor unit (ODU) for enterprise-grade 5G fixed wireless access with integrated upconverter. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter translating baseband I/Q to 13.5 GHz RF with suppressed lower sideband. Use Value: +24 dBm IP3 and 45 dB LO–RF isolation prevent intermodulation and LO leakage, meeting FCC spectral mask requirements. |
| VSAT Terminals | Digital TV Broadcast Receivers |
Use Scenario: Ku-band VSAT terminal receiving satellite downlink at 12.2–12.7 GHz with adjacent channel interference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer rejecting strong out-of-band interferers located in the image band. Use Value: 30 dB typical image rejection suppresses adjacent channel energy before LNA saturation, improving dynamic range. |
Use Scenario: High-density urban DVB-S2X receiver with tight adjacent-channel selectivity requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverting satellite RF to low-IF for high-speed ADC sampling with minimal image contamination. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth enables flexible IF placement and supports variable symbol rates up to 45 Msps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC774ALC3TR | Wider RF range (10–20 GHz), higher IP3 (+26 dBm), but larger 6×6 mm package and no DC-coupled IF | Preferred for multi-band test equipment; less suitable for space-constrained VSAT ODU | Select when wider frequency coverage and higher linearity outweigh size constraints |
| ADMV1013ACPZ | SiGe-based, integrated LO synthesizer, 10–16 GHz RF, but requires external IF hybrid and has lower image rejection (18 dB) | Better for integrated transceiver SoMs; not drop-in for HMC522LC4TR's self-contained I/Q architecture | Select when system-level integration and LO generation are prioritized over image rejection performance |
Compared with HMC522LC4TR, HMC774ALC3TR offers broader bandwidth and higher linearity at the cost of footprint and IF coupling flexibility, while ADMV1013ACPZ trades off image rejection and hybrid integration for on-chip LO synthesis and digital control - making HMC522LC4TR optimal for discrete, high-performance microwave IRM designs where size and quadrature fidelity are critical.
Availability
HMC522LC4TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, VSAT terminals, and digital microwave radio applications requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for HMC522LC4TR 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 MMICs for defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC522LC4TR belongs to Hittite's legacy I/Q mixer product line, engineered specifically for microwave transceivers demanding high image rejection, wide IF bandwidth, and surface-mount manufacturability without wire bonding.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC522LC4TR?
The HMC522LC4TR achieves best image rejection and conversion loss at +15 dBm LO drive, as specified in its electrical characteristics table. Operating below +13 dBm degrades image rejection by up to 8 dB; above +19 dBm increases spurious output and risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings. Always verify LO power at the HMC522LC4TR pin using calibrated RF measurement.
Can the HMC522LC4TR be used for upconversion without an external IF hybrid?
Yes - the HMC522LC4TR supports upconversion natively without external IF hybrid, as confirmed by its functional diagram and upconverter performance plots. However, sideband rejection improves significantly (to >35 dBc) when an external IF hybrid is added; the HMC522LC4TR itself provides ~25 dBc sideband rejection at +15 dBm LO drive in upconverter mode.
How should the ground paddle and ground pins of the HMC522LC4TR be connected on the PCB?
All ground pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) and the exposed ground paddle must be soldered directly to a solid, low-impedance RF ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Per the outline drawing, insufficient grounding causes degraded isolation, increased conversion loss, and thermal runaway above 85°C ambient. Use minimum 8–12 vias under the paddle per Analog Devices' layout guidelines.
Is DC coupling supported on both IF outputs of the HMC522LC4TR?
Yes - Pins 9 (IF1) and 11 (IF2) are DC-coupled I/Q outputs. However, each must sink/source no more than ±3 mA DC current; exceeding this causes non-function or permanent damage. For AC-only IF paths, add series DC-blocking capacitors sized for the lowest IF frequency - e.g., 100 pF for 100 MHz minimum.
What is the maximum RF input power the HMC522LC4TR can handle continuously?
The HMC522LC4TR has an absolute maximum RF/IF input rating of +20 dBm. Continuous operation above +14 dBm input (its P1dB point) compresses conversion gain and increases distortion. For reliable 24/7 operation in outdoor radios, limit RF input to ≤+10 dBm with margin for temperature derating and transient peaks.
HMC522LC4TR 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:
- 11GHz ~ 16GHz
- 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)
HMC522LC4TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC522LC4TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC522LC4TR 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 HMC522LC4TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC522LC4TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC522LC4TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC522LC4TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC522LC4TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC522LC4TR?
HMC522LC4TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC522LC4TR 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 HMC522LC4TR?
For technical support, including HMC522LC4TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC522LC4TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC522LC4TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC522LC4TR 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 HMC522LC4TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC522LC4TR?
All HMC522LC4TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC522LC4TR, 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 HMC522LC4TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC522LC4TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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