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Analog Devices Inc. HMC525LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC525LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC525LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 4-8.5GHZ 24-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,474
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Product details
Overview
HMC525LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer operating from 4–8.5 GHz RF/LO and DC–3.5 GHz IF, delivering 7.5–9.5 dB conversion loss, 30–40 dB image rejection, and +23 dBm input IP3 - enabling high-linearity downconversion in point-to-point radio and VSAT receivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC525LC4 datasheet, HMC525LC4 pinout, HMC525LC4 application, or HMC525LC4 equivalent, this device supports surface-mount manufacturing with no wire bonding, offers wide IF bandwidth to DC, and provides verified quadrature performance for image-reject and SSB upconversion architectures.
Technical Context
The HMC525LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to generate precise I/Q outputs; it operates as either an Image Reject Mixer (IRM) or Single Sideband Upconverter without external hybrids when used in upconverter mode. Its RF and LO ports are AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched across 4–8.5 GHz.
DC-coupled IF1 and IF2 ports support baseband operation to DC with ≤3 mA current handling; amplitude balance is ±0.2 dB and phase balance is ±4° typical at +15 dBm LO drive. Thermal resistance is 103 °C/W (junction-to-die bottom), rated for –55°C to +85°C operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 4.0–8.5 GHz - fully specified band for RF and LO inputs; enables coverage of C- and X-band wireless infrastructure. |
| IF Frequency Range | DC–3.5 GHz - supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures including baseband I/Q demodulation. |
| Conversion Loss (IRM) | 7.5–9.5 dB typical - defines signal attenuation from RF to IF; impacts receiver noise figure and gain budget. |
| Image Rejection | 30–40 dB typical - determines suppression of unwanted image sideband; critical for adjacent-channel interference mitigation. |
| Input IP3 | +23 dBm - quantifies linearity under two-tone conditions; enables robust operation in dense RF environments. |
| LO–RF Isolation | 40–50 dB - limits LO leakage into antenna path; reduces self-interference and improves transmit/receive duplexing margin. |
| Amplitude & Phase Balance | ±0.2 dB / ±4° - ensures accurate I/Q signal orthogonality; directly impacts EVM and error vector magnitude in QAM systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead, 4×4 mm leadless Pb-free RoHS-compliant SMT package with alumina body and gold-over-nickel plating; MSL3 rated; thermal pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connection | Internally unconnected; may be grounded externally without performance impact. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | RF/DC Ground | Must connect to PCB ground plane; essential for RF return path integrity and thermal dissipation. |
| 4 | RF Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port; accepts RF signals from 4–8.5 GHz; requires external DC blocking if DC-coupled source used. |
| 9 | IF1 Output | DC-coupled I-channel output; supports baseband operation but limited to ±3 mA current; external capacitor required if DC blocking needed. |
| 11 | IF2 Output | DC-coupled Q-channel output; identical electrical behavior to IF1; forms orthogonal pair with IF1 for image rejection. |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched port; requires +13 to +19 dBm drive; higher drive improves IP3 and image rejection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | On-die quadrature generation eliminates need for external hybrid coupler - reduces board area and assembly complexity. |
| Wide IF Bandwidth (DC–3.5 GHz) | Enables direct baseband sampling and flexible IF planning - supports both zero-IF and low-IF receiver topologies. |
| High LO–RF Isolation (50 dB) | Minimizes LO radiation into antenna path - simplifies filtering requirements and improves system-level spectral purity. |
| Pb-Free RoHS SMT Package | 4×4 mm footprint with exposed thermal paddle - compatible with standard reflow profiles (peak 260°C) and automated assembly. |
| Operation as IRM or SSB Upconverter | Single device supports dual architectures - reduces BOM count and qualification effort across transceiver designs. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio | VSAT Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave links operating in 6–8 GHz bands requiring low-EVM, high-selectivity downconversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image Reject Mixer providing I/Q outputs for digital demodulation of 256-QAM signals. Use Value: 40 dB image rejection and ±4° phase balance maintain <0.8% EVM at 100 Msps symbol rates. |
Use Scenario: Outdoor satellite terminal receiving Ku-band downlink (10.7–12.75 GHz) with integrated LNB and IF processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverting IRM translating RF to DC–3.5 GHz IF for ADC sampling and DVB-S2 demodulation. Use Value: DC-coupled IF outputs enable DC-offset calibration and carrier recovery loops in software-defined modems. |
| Wireless Backhaul | Military Tactical Radios |
Use Scenario: Compact 5G fixed wireless access units deployed in urban environments with tight size and thermal constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode mixer supporting both receive (IRM) and transmit (SSB upconverter) paths in TDD architecture. Use Value: Single HMC525LC4 replaces discrete hybrid assemblies - reduces PCB area by >60% and eliminates wire-bond reliability risk. |
Use Scenario: Manpack and vehicular radios operating in contested spectrum with jamming resilience requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity front-end mixer rejecting strong out-of-band interferers while preserving weak desired signals. Use Value: +23 dBm input IP3 and –55°C to +85°C operation ensure reliable demodulation under extreme environmental and RF stress. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC8192LP3DE | Wider RF range (2–18 GHz), higher conversion loss (10.5 dB typ), same 4×4 mm package. | Supports multi-band military comms; less optimal for narrowband C/X-band due to higher loss. | Select when broader frequency coverage outweighs 1.5 dB conversion loss penalty. |
| ADL5375-05 | Lower frequency (300 MHz–3.8 GHz), active architecture, requires external LO buffer; different bias scheme. | Targets sub-6 GHz cellular infrastructure; incompatible with 4–8.5 GHz RF band without redesign. | Choose only for LTE/5G FR1 applications where HMC525LC4's frequency range exceeds requirement. |
Compared with HMC8192LP3DE and ADL5375-05, the HMC525LC4 delivers optimized performance specifically within 4–8.5 GHz with superior image rejection and lower conversion loss - making it the preferred choice for C/X-band point-to-point and VSAT systems where band-limited efficiency matters most.
Availability
HMC525LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, VSAT terminals, and wireless backhaul systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and defense programs.
Supply support for HMC525LC4 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 microwave ICs for communications, defense, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC525LC4 belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer product line, engineered for compact, high-performance image-reject and SSB upconversion in wireless infrastructure and satellite communication systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC525LC4?
The HMC525LC4 achieves best image rejection (up to 40 dB) and lowest conversion loss (7.5 dB) at +15 dBm LO drive. Performance remains stable from +13 to +19 dBm; exceeding +19 dBm risks compression or damage. The datasheet specifies +15 dBm as the reference condition for all key specs including IP3 and isolation.
Can the HMC525LC4 operate as both an image-reject mixer and a single-sideband upconverter?
Yes, the HMC525LC4 supports both modes: as an Image Reject Mixer (IRM) for downconversion and as a Single Sideband Upconverter for transmit paths. In upconverter mode, RF and IF roles reverse - IF1/IF2 become inputs and RF becomes output - with sideband rejection up to 50 dBc depending on LO drive and frequency.
What are the grounding requirements for the HMC525LC4 package bottom and pins?
All GND pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) and the exposed thermal paddle on the package bottom must be soldered to a solid RF/DC ground plane using multiple vias. Failure to ground the paddle degrades thermal performance and increases conversion loss by >1 dB; improper grounding also reduces LO–RF isolation below 30 dB.
Does the HMC525LC4 support DC-coupled IF operation, and what are the current limits?
Yes, both IF1 and IF2 ports are DC-coupled and support baseband operation. However, neither port may source or sink more than ±3 mA DC current; exceeding this limit causes non-function or permanent damage. For AC-coupled applications, a series capacitor sized for the IF bandwidth must be added externally.
What is the absolute maximum RF/IF input power rating for the HMC525LC4?
The absolute maximum RF/IF input power rating for the HMC525LC4 is +20 dBm. This is a damage threshold - sustained operation above +14 dBm input (P1dB) compresses conversion gain and degrades linearity. Operation near the absolute max requires careful thermal management and is not recommended for continuous-wave or high-duty-cycle signals.
HMC525LC4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 4GHz ~ 8.5GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC525LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC525LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC525LC4 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 HMC525LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC525LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC525LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC525LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC525LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC525LC4?
HMC525LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC525LC4 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 HMC525LC4?
For technical support, including HMC525LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC525LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC525LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC525LC4 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 HMC525LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC525LC4?
All HMC525LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC525LC4, 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 HMC525LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC525LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC525LC4 Tags
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MAX2671EUT+T
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ADEX-10+
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ADE-2+
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LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
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MAX2681EUT+T
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ADE-1ASK+
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ADE-1L+
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