Analog Devices Inc. HMC526LC4TR
- Part No.:
- HMC526LC4TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC526LC4TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,451
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Product details
Overview
HMC526LC4TR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer operating as an image-reject mixer (IRM) or single-sideband upconverter in 6–10 GHz RF/LO and DC–3.5 GHz IF bands, delivering 9.5 dB typical conversion loss, 40 dB image rejection, and +28 dBm input IP3 at +19 dBm LO drive - deployed in point-to-point radios and military RF front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC526LC4TR datasheet, HMC526LC4TR pinout, HMC526LC4TR application, or HMC526LC4TR equivalent, this page provides verified RF performance data, thermal limits, grounding requirements, and surface-mount package integration guidance for high-frequency transceiver design.
Technical Context
The HMC526LC4TR integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells with an on-die 90° hybrid to enable quadrature signal processing without external hybrids. It supports both downconversion (IRM mode) and upconversion (SSB mode), with IF outputs DC-coupled on IF1/IF2 pins and RF/LO ports AC-coupled and 50 Ω matched across 6–10 GHz.
Its architecture achieves 40 dB image rejection and 50 dB LO-to-RF isolation via precise amplitude/phase balance (≤0.2 dB / ≤5°) and internal hybrid symmetry. Thermal design requires soldering all ground leads and the exposed paddle to PCB RF ground, with junction-to-bottom thermal resistance of 128 °C/W and max channel temperature of 150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 6–10 GHz - fully specified operation band for RF and LO inputs; supports fixed or tunable synthesizer-driven systems. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz - enables baseband-to-UWB IF interfaces without external DC-blocking constraints on IF1/IF2. |
| Image Rejection | Typ. 40 dB - measured at +25°C with +19 dBm LO; determines adjacent-channel interference suppression in IRM mode. |
| Input IP3 | +28 dBm - defines third-order intermodulation distortion floor under +19 dBm LO drive; critical for multi-carrier receiver linearity. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | Typ. 50 dB - minimizes LO leakage into antenna path; reduces need for external filtering in transmit/receive shared-antenna designs. |
| Conversion Loss | Typ. 9.5 dB (as IRM) - sets system noise figure contribution; lower loss preserves SNR in cascaded RF chains. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - validated performance range for outdoor wireless infrastructure and military environmental deployment. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead 4×4 mm leadless SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rating, and exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connect (N/C) | Internally unconnected; may be tied to RF/DC ground without performance impact. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | Ground (GND) | Must be soldered to PCB RF ground; forms part of low-inductance return path for mixer core. |
| 4 | RF Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched input port for 6–10 GHz RF signal; no external matching required. |
| 9 | IF1 Output | DC-coupled I-channel output; sourcing/sinking >3 mA risks non-function or damage. |
| 11 | IF2 Output | DC-coupled Q-channel output; identical electrical behavior to IF1; used with IF1 for quadrature demodulation. |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched input port for 6–10 GHz local oscillator; requires +19 dBm nominal drive. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | Enables true I/Q mixing without external hybrid couplers - reduces board area and assembly complexity in compact radios. |
| DC-Coupled IF Outputs | Supports zero-IF and complex baseband architectures without series DC-blocking capacitors on IF1/IF2 paths. |
| High LO-RF Isolation | 50 dB typical isolation eliminates need for additional LO suppression filters in shared-antenna TDD/FDD systems. |
| Rugged GaAs MESFET Process | Withstands +27 dBm absolute max LO drive and operates reliably from −40°C to +85°C ambient. |
| RoHS-Compliant SMT Package | 4×4 mm footprint with exposed paddle simplifies reflow assembly and improves thermal dissipation over hybrid modules. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | Military Communications |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 7–8.5 GHz licensed microwave backhaul links with high spectral efficiency and co-channel interference rejection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer in receive chain, converting RF to complex IF for digital demodulation. Use Value: 40 dB image rejection suppresses adjacent channel interference, enabling 256-QAM modulation without analog pre-filtering. |
Use Scenario: EW/ESM receivers requiring wide instantaneous bandwidth and phase-coherent signal capture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quadrature downconverter providing I/Q outputs for real-time FFT-based signal analysis. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth supports >3 GHz instantaneous capture, while amplitude/phase balance ensures accurate vector signal reconstruction. |
| VSAT Terminals | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: Ku-band satellite terminal uplink/downlink transceivers with integrated SSB upconversion and IRM downconversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode mixer supporting both transmit (SSB upconverter) and receive (IRM) functions in shared RF frontend. Use Value: Single-component dual functionality reduces BOM count and PCB area versus discrete hybrid solutions. |
Use Scenario: Vector signal analyzers requiring calibrated I/Q downconversion with minimal phase error across 6–10 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision quadrature mixer in calibration-grade IF section, feeding ADCs with matched I/Q paths. Use Value: ≤0.2 dB amplitude and ≤5° phase balance ensures <−40 dBc EVM floor in wideband modulated signal analysis. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC8192LP5E | Wider RF/LO range (4–14 GHz), higher conversion gain (+3 dB), but larger 5×5 mm package and +23 dBm P1dB. | Better suited for wideband test equipment; less optimal for space-constrained 6–10 GHz radios due to size and power. | Select when wider frequency coverage or higher gain outweighs footprint and power constraints. |
| ADL5387ACPZ-R7 | SiGe process, 30–2000 MHz IF bandwidth, +22 dBm IP3, 48-lead LFCSP; lacks DC-coupled IF and 6–10 GHz native LO match. | Targeted at sub-6 GHz cellular infrastructure; requires external LO buffering and IF filtering for 6–10 GHz use. | Select only with full redesign of LO distribution and IF interface; not drop-in for HMC526LC4TR's RF band. |
Compared with HMC8192LP5E and ADL5387ACPZ-R7, the HMC526LC4TR delivers optimized 6–10 GHz performance in the smallest footprint (4×4 mm), with DC-coupled IF and proven 40 dB image rejection - making it the preferred choice for compact, high-linearity microwave radios where frequency band alignment and board area are critical.
Availability
HMC526LC4TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military communications systems, and VSAT terminals requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance, and RoHS-compliant SMT integration.
Supply support for HMC526LC4TR 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, SiGe, and RF SOI components for defense, aerospace, and wireless infrastructure.
The HMC526LC4TR belongs to Hittite's legacy MMIC mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-isolation I/Q signal processing in 6–10 GHz microwave transceivers.
FAQ
What is the maximum LO drive level for the HMC526LC4TR?
The HMC526LC4TR supports a maximum LO drive of +27 dBm per absolute maximum ratings. Operation at +19 dBm is recommended for optimal conversion loss, image rejection, and IP3 performance. Exceeding +27 dBm risks permanent damage to the GaAs MESFET mixer cells.
Can the HMC526LC4TR operate with DC-coupled IF outputs?
Yes, the HMC526LC4TR features DC-coupled IF1 and IF2 outputs. However, each IF pin must not source or sink more than ±3 mA DC current; exceeding this limit may cause non-function or permanent failure. External DC blocking is optional only if baseband operation is not required.
Is the HMC526LC4TR pin-compatible with other Hittite I/Q mixers like the HMC527LC4?
No, the HMC526LC4TR is not pin-compatible with the HMC527LC4. While both are 24-lead 4×4 mm packages, their pin functions differ: HMC527LC4 uses separate RF/LO/IF pin assignments and lacks DC-coupled IF outputs. Layout reuse is not possible without schematic and footprint revision.
What thermal management is required for continuous operation of the HMC526LC4TR?
The HMC526LC4TR requires soldering all GND pins (3, 5, 12, 14, 16) and the exposed paddle to a low-impedance PCB ground plane with multiple thermal vias. At 85°C ambient, derating begins at 7.8 mW/°C above that point; max junction temperature is 150°C, with thermal resistance of 128 °C/W junction-to-paddle.
Does the HMC526LC4TR require an external IF hybrid for image rejection?
No, the HMC526LC4TR integrates a monolithic 90° hybrid and does not require an external IF hybrid to achieve image rejection. The 40 dB typical image rejection is measured with internal hybrid only. An external hybrid may be added for enhanced performance but is not necessary for baseline IRM operation.
HMC526LC4TR 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)
HMC526LC4TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC526LC4TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC526LC4TR 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 HMC526LC4TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC526LC4TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC526LC4TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC526LC4TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC526LC4TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC526LC4TR?
HMC526LC4TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC526LC4TR 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 HMC526LC4TR?
For technical support, including HMC526LC4TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC526LC4TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC526LC4TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC526LC4TR 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 HMC526LC4TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC526LC4TR?
All HMC526LC4TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC526LC4TR, 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 HMC526LC4TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC526LC4TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC526LC4TR Tags

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MAX2671EUT+T
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ADE-1ASK+
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