Analog Devices Inc. HMC527LC4
- Part No.:
- HMC527LC4
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC527LC4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,811
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Product details
Overview
HMC527LC4 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer operating as an image-reject mixer or single-sideband upconverter in the 8.5–13.5 GHz RF/LO band with DC–2 GHz IF bandwidth. It delivers 9.5 dB typical conversion loss, 34 dB image rejection, +28 dBm input IP3, and 45 dB LO-to-RF isolation, enabling high-fidelity signal translation in microwave point-to-point radios and test equipment.
For engineers reviewing the HMC527LC4 datasheet, HMC527LC4 pinout, HMC527LC4 application, or HMC527LC4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package, quadrature amplitude/phase balance (<0.4 dB / <6°), wide IF bandwidth supporting DC-coupled IF1 operation, and compatibility with surface-mount manufacturing-eliminating wire bonding.
Technical Context
The HMC527LC4 integrates two double-balanced GaAs MESFET mixer cells and an on-die 90° hybrid to generate I/Q outputs. Its architecture supports both downconversion (as IRM) and upconversion modes, with external IF hybrid required for optimal image/sideband rejection performance.
It operates over –40°C to +85°C with 460 mW max dissipation at 85°C and requires all ground pins plus the exposed paddle to be soldered to PCB RF ground. LO drive of +19 dBm is specified for typical performance, and RF/IF ports are 50 Ω AC-coupled except IF1, which is DC-coupled with ±3 mA current limit.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 8.5–13.5 GHz - Full-band operation without tuning; supports E-band point-to-point links. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–2 GHz - Enables baseband and low-IF architectures; IF1 port is DC-coupled. |
| Conversion Loss (Typ.) | 9.5 dB - Measured at TA = +25°C, IF = 100 MHz, LO = +19 dBm; defines signal path attenuation. |
| Image Rejection (Typ.) | 34 dB - Achieved with external IF hybrid; critical for suppressing unwanted sideband in IRM mode. |
| Input IP3 (Typ.) | +28 dBm - High linearity enables operation in crowded spectral environments with minimal intermodulation. |
| LO–RF Isolation (Typ.) | 45 dB - Reduces LO leakage into antenna paths; simplifies filtering in transceiver front-ends. |
| Amplitude Balance (Typ.) | 0.4 dB - Ensures matched I/Q channel gain for accurate vector signal synthesis and demodulation. |
| Phase Balance (Typ.) | 6° - Maintains quadrature fidelity across band; directly impacts image suppression capability. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead, 4×4 mm leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package with alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating, and exposed ground paddle. MSL3 rated; peak reflow ≤260°C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 6–8, 10, 13, 17–24 | No Connection | Internally unconnected; may be grounded without performance impact. |
| 3, 5, 12, 14, 16 | RF Ground | Must connect to PCB RF ground plane; part of thermal and RF return path. |
| 4 | RF Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched input port for 8.5–13.5 GHz RF signal. |
| 9 | IF1 Output | DC-coupled I-channel output; max ±3 mA DC current to avoid damage or malfunction. |
| 11 | IF2 Output | DC-coupled Q-channel output; identical electrical handling to IF1. |
| 15 | LO Input | AC-coupled, 50 Ω matched input port for 8.5–13.5 GHz local oscillator signal. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 90° Hybrid | On-die quadrature generation eliminates external hybrid components in compact layouts. |
| DC–2 GHz IF Bandwidth | Supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures; IF1/IF2 ports enable direct connection to baseband ADCs/DACs. |
| High LO–RF Isolation (45 dB) | Minimizes LO radiation into antenna paths, reducing need for external LO filtering in transmitters. |
| Surface-Mount Construction | Leadless 4×4 mm package enables automated assembly; no wire bonding required. |
| Robust Absolute Ratings | +20 dBm RF/IF input, +27 dBm LO drive, and –40°C to +85°C operation suit industrial and military environments. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 11 GHz licensed backhaul link requiring high spectral purity and adjacent channel interference immunity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer in receiver front-end, translating RF to baseband I/Q signals while rejecting image band. Use Value: 34 dB image rejection and +28 dBm IP3 suppress intermodulation from co-channel interferers, improving BER in dense deployments. |
Use Scenario: Vector signal analyzer upconverter stage generating calibrated 10–12 GHz test tones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-sideband upconverter synthesizing clean RF output from baseband I/Q inputs. Use Value: Sideband rejection >35 dBc (at +19 dBm LO) ensures accurate stimulus generation without image contamination. |
| Military Radar Sensors | VSAT Terminals |
|
Use Scenario: X-band pulsed Doppler radar receiver detecting low-RCS targets in cluttered environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverting RF echoes to IF with precise phase coherence for pulse compression. Use Value: 6° phase balance and 0.4 dB amplitude balance preserve quadrature integrity across temperature, maintaining Doppler accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Ku-band satellite terminal transmitting user data via uplink with strict spectral mask compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Upconverter in transmit chain, converting baseband symbols to RF carrier with minimal sideband leakage. Use Value: 45 dB LO–RF isolation prevents LO feedthrough from violating regulatory spurious emission limits. |
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 fixed 11 GHz radios due to higher loss. | Select when broader frequency coverage outweighs 2 dB conversion loss penalty. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | GaAs pHEMT process, 7–13 GHz RF, 22 dBm P1dB, but no integrated hybrid - requires external 90° coupler. | Higher power handling, but larger board area and calibration complexity due to discrete hybrid. | Prefer when input power exceeds +21 dBm and layout allows external hybrid integration. |
Compared with HMC527LC4, HMC1048LP4E trades bandwidth for higher loss and lower linearity, while QM11036 offers higher P1dB but demands external quadrature generation-making HMC527LC4 optimal for space-constrained, high-integration microwave up/downconverters.
Availability
HMC527LC4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment, and military radar sensors requiring stable component supply, consistent RF performance across temperature, and RoHS-compliant SMT assembly.
Supply support for HMC527LC4 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, integrating its high-frequency RF/Microwave portfolio into ADI's communications and defense solutions.
The HMC527LC4 belongs to Hittite's GaAs MMIC I/Q mixer product line, designed specifically for compact, high-performance microwave upconversion and image-reject downconversion in infrastructure and defense systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC527LC4?
The HMC527LC4 achieves best image rejection, conversion loss, and IP3 at +19 dBm LO drive. Performance degrades below +17 dBm (reduced image rejection) and above +21 dBm (increased distortion). The absolute maximum LO rating is +27 dBm, but sustained operation above +21 dBm risks accelerated degradation. Always verify LO power at the HMC527LC4 pin using calibrated RF measurement.
Can the HMC527LC4 operate as both an upconverter and downconverter?
Yes, the HMC527LC4 functions as either an image-reject downconverter (IRM) or single-sideband upconverter depending on signal routing. In downconversion, RF is applied to Pin 4 and LO to Pin 15; in upconversion, baseband I/Q signals are applied to Pins 9 and 11, with LO on Pin 15 and RF output from Pin 4. The functional diagram and application notes confirm bidirectional operation.
Is external DC blocking required on the IF1 and IF2 ports of the HMC527LC4?
No external DC blocking is required on IF1 (Pin 9) or IF2 (Pin 11) because they are DC-coupled. However, IF1 must not source or sink more than ±3 mA DC current-exceeding this risks non-function or permanent damage. For AC-coupled IF use, add a series capacitor sized for the lowest IF frequency; for DC-coupled use, ensure baseband circuitry complies with the ±3 mA limit.
What is the thermal management requirement for the HMC527LC4 in continuous operation?
The HMC527LC4 has a thermal resistance of 140 °C/W (junction to die bottom) and max continuous dissipation of 460 mW at 85°C. To maintain reliability, the PCB must provide low-thermal-resistance grounding: all GND pins (3,5,12,14,16) and the exposed paddle must be soldered to a solid RF ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias. Derate power by 7.1 mW/°C above 85°C ambient.
Does the HMC527LC4 require an external IF hybrid for image rejection?
Yes, the HMC527LC4 requires an external IF hybrid to achieve its specified 34 dB image rejection. The device contains only the RF/LO/IF core mixer cells and internal 90° hybrid for LO splitting; the IF hybrid combines I/Q outputs to reject the image band. Without it, image rejection drops to ~25 dB. Application note HMC527LC4-AN provides recommended hybrid part numbers and layout guidelines.
HMC527LC4 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:
- 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)
HMC527LC4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC527LC4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC527LC4 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 HMC527LC4 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC527LC4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC527LC4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC527LC4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC527LC4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC527LC4?
HMC527LC4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC527LC4 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 HMC527LC4?
For technical support, including HMC527LC4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC527LC4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC527LC4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC527LC4 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 HMC527LC4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC527LC4?
All HMC527LC4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC527LC4, 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 HMC527LC4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC527LC4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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