Analog Devices Inc. HMC551LP4E
- Part No.:
- HMC551LP4E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC551LP4E.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER DBL-BAL HI IP3 24-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,517
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
HMC551LP4E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer with integrated LO amplifier, operating from 0.8–1.2 GHz RF/LO and DC–300 MHz IF. It delivers +27 dBm input IP3, 8 dB typical conversion loss, 27 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and operates from a single +5 V supply at 62 mA - ideal for wireless infrastructure upconverter/downconverter stages.
For engineers reviewing the HMC551LP4E datasheet, HMC551LP4E pinout, HMC551LP4E application, or HMC551LP4E equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated LO amplifier architecture, no-balun operation, wide IF bandwidth to DC, low LO drive sensitivity (–4 to +4 dBm), and RoHS-compliant 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package with exposed ground paddle.
Technical Context
The HMC551LP4E integrates a high-linearity double-balanced passive mixer core with a monolithic GaAs LO amplifier, enabling direct LO injection without external amplification. Its internal LO amplifier drives the mixer with optimized phase and amplitude balance across 0.8–1.2 GHz, supporting both upconversion and downconversion topologies.
DC-coupled RF, LO, and IF ports eliminate external baluns; only off-chip DC blocking capacitors are required on MIX LO, LO, and IF pins. The BIAS pin supplies the LO amplifier via an external 18 Ω resistor, and the exposed ground paddle must be soldered to PCB RF ground per Hittite's land pattern guidelines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 0.8–1.2 GHz - defines usable band for cellular infrastructure (GSM, W-CDMA, CDMA) base station transceivers. |
| IF Frequency Range | DC–300 MHz - supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures without external IF transformers or baluns. |
| Input IP3 | +27 dBm - enables high dynamic range in crowded spectral environments like multi-carrier base stations. |
| Conversion Loss | 8 dB (typ.) - low loss reduces cascaded noise figure and simplifies gain planning in receiver chains. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 27 dB (typ.) - minimizes LO leakage into antenna paths, easing front-end filtering requirements. |
| LO Drive Level | –4 to +4 dBm - accommodates low-power LO sources (e.g., fractional-N synthesizers) without external drivers. |
| Supply | +5 V @ 62 mA - single-supply operation simplifies power delivery and reduces board area vs. dual-rail mixers. |
| Package | 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN with exposed ground paddle - thermally efficient (105.6 °C/W) and RF-optimized for PCB grounding. |
Pinout & Package
24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package with exposed ground paddle (thermal resistance 105.6 °C/W); MSL1 rating; RoHS-compliant matte Sn finish; max reflow 260 °C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (MIX LO) | LO amplifier output | DC-coupled 50 Ω output feeding mixer LO port; requires external DC blocking capacitor. |
| 3 (BIAS) | LO amplifier bias supply | Connects to +5 V via external 18 Ω resistor; three bypass caps recommended for stability. |
| 4, 2–24 (except 1,3,5,10,18) | Ground / No-connect | Pins 2,6–9,11–17,19–24 are NC but may be tied to RF ground; backside paddle must be soldered. |
| 5 (LO) | LO input | DC-coupled 50 Ω LO input (0.8–1.2 GHz); requires external DC blocking capacitor. |
| 10 (IF) | Intermediate frequency output/input | DC-coupled; supports DC–300 MHz; must not source/sink >18 mA to avoid damage. |
| 18 (RF) | Radiated frequency port | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF input/output; matched for 0.8–1.2 GHz; requires external DC blocking if AC-coupled. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO amplifier | Eliminates external LO driver stage, reducing component count, board space, and LO path loss in compact transceivers. |
| No external baluns required | DC-coupled balanced topology enables direct connection to 50 Ω RF/LO/IF traces - no transformers or lumped baluns needed. |
| +27 dBm input IP3 | Supports high-power multi-carrier operation in 3G/4G base stations without intermodulation distortion degradation. |
| Low LO drive sensitivity | Operates with –4 to +4 dBm LO input - compatible with low-power PLL/VCO outputs, reducing system power consumption. |
| DC–300 MHz IF bandwidth | Enables zero-IF demodulation and complex I/Q architectures without IF filtering limitations or image rejection constraints. |
| Exposed thermal paddle | Provides low-impedance thermal path (105.6 °C/W) to PCB ground plane - critical for stable performance under continuous RF load. |
Applications
| Cellular Base Station Transceiver | GSM/CDMA/W-CDMA Infrastructure |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Downconverting 900 MHz or 1.9 GHz cellular signals to baseband or low-IF in macrocell BTS radios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Double-balanced mixer with integrated LO amplifier performing RF-to-IF translation in receive chain. Use Value: +27 dBm IP3 maintains signal integrity in multi-carrier deployments; DC-coupled IF enables direct ADC interface without AC coupling loss. |
Use Scenario: Upconverting baseband I/Q signals to 850–1900 MHz bands for transmission in distributed antenna systems (DAS) and repeaters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active mixer providing LO-amplified upconversion with 8 dB conversion loss and 27 dB LO-to-RF isolation. Use Value: Integrated LO amp reduces external component count by one active stage; 4×4 mm QFN eases dense RF layout in compact DAS units. |
| PLMR & ISM Band Radios | Point-to-Point Microwave Backhaul |
Use Scenario: Frequency translation in licensed public safety radios (700/800 MHz) and unlicensed ISM-band equipment (902–928 MHz). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-isolation mixer handling wide dynamic range signals in portable/mobile radio front ends. Use Value: 27 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents LO radiation into antenna path; –4 dBm minimum LO drive allows use with low-power synthesizers. |
Use Scenario: IF-to-RF upconversion in 1–2 GHz licensed backhaul links requiring high linearity and thermal stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mixer core in transmit chain where LO amplifier integration improves phase noise margin and reduces component variation. Use Value: Operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C ensures reliability in outdoor enclosures; exposed paddle enables robust thermal management. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC552LP4E | Same pinout and architecture, but 1.6–3.0 GHz RF/LO range; +26 dBm IP3; 9 dB conversion loss. | Targets PCS, AWS, and 2.4 GHz ISM bands instead of 0.8–1.2 GHz cellular bands. | Select HMC552LP4E only when operating above 1.6 GHz; not a drop-in replacement for HMC551LP4E due to frequency mismatch. |
| ADL5801ACPZ-R7 | Active double-balanced mixer (SiGe), 10–6000 MHz RF, +23.5 dBm IP3, 8.2 dB conversion loss, +5 V @ 125 mA. | Broadband silicon alternative with wider RF range but higher current draw and lower IP3 than HMC551LP4E. | Choose ADL5801ACPZ-R7 for multi-band designs needing 10 MHz–6 GHz coverage; HMC551LP4E preferred for optimized 0.8–1.2 GHz performance and lower power. |
Compared with HMC552LP4E and ADL5801ACPZ-R7, the HMC551LP4E offers superior IP3 (+27 dBm) and lower LO drive sensitivity (–4 dBm min) specifically within its 0.8–1.2 GHz band - making it the optimal choice for GSM, CDMA, and W-CDMA infrastructure where spectral purity and power efficiency are critical.
Availability
HMC551LP4E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, base station transceivers, and wireless repeater applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for HMC551LP4E 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 continues to manufacture, support, and qualify its high-frequency RF IC portfolio including GaAs MMIC mixers, amplifiers, and switches.
The HMC551LP4E belongs to Hittite's legacy high-linearity mixer product line, designed specifically for wireless infrastructure applications demanding high IP3, low conversion loss, and integrated LO drive in compact SMT packages.
FAQ
What is the operating frequency range of the HMC551LP4E?
The HMC551LP4E operates with RF and LO frequencies from 0.8 to 1.2 GHz, and supports IF frequencies from DC to 300 MHz. This range aligns precisely with GSM, CDMA, and W-CDMA cellular bands. All specifications - including +27 dBm input IP3 and 8 dB conversion loss - are validated across this full 0.8–1.2 GHz span at +25°C, +85°C, and –40°C.
Does the HMC551LP4E require external baluns?
No, the HMC551LP4E does not require external baluns. Its double-balanced GaAs MMIC architecture and DC-coupled 50 Ω RF, LO, and IF ports enable direct connection to standard 50 Ω transmission lines. The design eliminates the need for transformers or lumped-element baluns - confirmed in the functional diagram and application circuit of the official datasheet v02.1210.
What is the recommended LO drive level for the HMC551LP4E?
The HMC551LP4E accepts a typical LO drive level of –4 to +4 dBm. This low drive requirement allows direct interfacing with fractional-N synthesizers or VCOs without external amplification. Driving outside this range risks degraded conversion loss, reduced IP3, or potential damage - especially above +4 dBm, which exceeds the absolute maximum LO input rating of +10 dBm.
How is thermal management handled on the HMC551LP4E?
The HMC551LP4E uses a 4×4 mm QFN package with an exposed ground paddle that must be soldered to the PCB's RF ground plane. Its thermal resistance is specified as 105.6 °C/W (junction-to-ground paddle). Proper via placement beneath the paddle - per Hittite's suggested land pattern - is essential to maintain junction temperature below 150°C under continuous +5 V / 62 mA operation.
Is the HMC551LP4E pin-compatible with other Hittite mixers?
Yes, the HMC551LP4E is pin-for-pin compatible with the HMC552LP4E, which covers 1.6–3.0 GHz. Both share identical 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN footprints, pin functions, and biasing schemes. However, they are not interchangeable in circuit due to differing RF/LO frequency ranges - the HMC551LP4E must be used strictly within 0.8–1.2 GHz applications.
HMC551LP4E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Cellular, 3G, GSM
- Frequency:
- 800MHz ~ 1.2GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 8dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 62mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC551LP4E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC551LP4E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC551LP4E 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 HMC551LP4E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC551LP4E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC551LP4E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC551LP4E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC551LP4E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC551LP4E?
HMC551LP4E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC551LP4E 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 HMC551LP4E?
For technical support, including HMC551LP4E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC551LP4E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC551LP4E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC551LP4E 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 HMC551LP4E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC551LP4E?
All HMC551LP4E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC551LP4E, 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 HMC551LP4E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC551LP4E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC551LP4E 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…
