Analog Devices Inc. HMC557LC4TR
- Part No.:
- HMC557LC4TR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-TFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC557LC4TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MIXER FUNDAMENTAL 24SMD
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,292
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
HMC557LC4TR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced passive mixer operating from 2.5 to 7.0 GHz RF/LO and DC–3 GHz IF, delivering 7 dB typical conversion loss, 48 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and +22 dBm input IP3 - ideal for WiMAX, point-to-point radios, and military RF front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the HMC557LC4TR datasheet, HMC557LC4TR pinout, HMC557LC4TR application, or HMC557LC4TR equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping, validated RF/IF/LO terminal roles, confirmed temperature-stable performance across –40°C to +85°C, and real-world alternative part guidance for upconverter/downconverter designs.
Technical Context
The HMC557LC4TR uses a passive double-balanced topology with integrated balun structures fabricated in GaAs MESFET process, enabling operation without external matching components. It supports both upconversion and downconversion modes with LO drive as low as +9 dBm and maintains stable conversion gain across DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth.
Its 24-lead ceramic 4×4 mm SMT package features a grounded paddle and 16 mm² footprint optimized for high-frequency RF layout. All RF, LO, and IF ports are DC-coupled and internally matched to 50 Ω, simplifying integration into compact transceiver modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 2.5–7.0 GHz - covers licensed/unlicensed bands for fixed wireless and tactical radios. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3 GHz - enables baseband I/Q sampling and wideband IF digitization without AC coupling. |
| Conversion Loss | 7 dB typ. - defines signal path attenuation; impacts receiver noise figure and transmitter output power budget. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 48 dB typ. - suppresses LO leakage into antenna path, critical for transmit spectral purity and receiver desensitization avoidance. |
| Input IP3 | +22 dBm typ. - determines third-order intermodulation handling in multi-carrier systems like WiMAX and LTE FDD. |
| Operating Temp. | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and military environmental stress screening per MIL-STD-883. |
| Package | 24-lead ceramic QFN, 4×4×0.85 mm, RoHS-compliant - supports reflow assembly and RF grounding via exposed paddle. |
Pinout & Package
24-lead leadless ceramic QFN (4×4 mm, 0.85 mm height) with exposed ground paddle; alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating; MSL Level 3; thermal resistance 192 °C/W (channel-to-ground).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 5–7, 11–14, 18–24 | No Connect (NC) | Internally unconnected; may be tied to RF ground without performance impact. |
| 2, 4, 8, 10, 15, 17 | Ground (GND) | RF/DC ground reference; must be soldered to PCB ground plane with multiple vias. |
| 3 | LO Input | DC-coupled 50 Ω port; accepts +9 to +25 dBm LO drive; requires no external bias or matching. |
| 9 | IF Output/Input | DC-coupled 50 Ω port; supports DC–3 GHz; current-limited to ±2 mA for DC operation. |
| 16 | RF Output/Input | DC-coupled 50 Ω port; bidirectional use in up/downconversion; matched for minimal VSWR. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Passive Double-Balanced Topology | Eliminates need for external baluns or matching networks; reduces BOM count and layout area. |
| Wide IF Bandwidth (DC–3 GHz) | Enables direct baseband sampling and ultra-wide IF architectures without AC coupling constraints. |
| High LO-to-RF Isolation (48 dB) | Minimizes LO radiation in transmit chains and prevents receiver desense in TDD/FDD co-location. |
| Low LO Drive Sensitivity (+9 dBm) | Reduces power requirement on LO synthesizer; lowers system power consumption and heat generation. |
| RoHS-Compliant Ceramic QFN | Supports high-volume SMT assembly; eliminates wire bonding; improves thermal and RF grounding reliability. |
Applications
| WiMAX Base Stations | Point-to-Point Microwave Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 3.5 GHz licensed band transceivers requiring high linearity and low LO leakage in outdoor units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter for receive path and upconverter for transmit path in dual-conversion architecture. Use Value: 48 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents transmit LO feedthrough from degrading adjacent-channel selectivity. |
Use Scenario: 6–7 GHz backhaul links needing robust performance across –40°C to +85°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fundamental mixer in IF-stripped superheterodyne architecture with DC-coupled I/Q outputs. Use Value: DC–3 GHz IF bandwidth allows direct connection to high-speed ADCs/DACs without external filtering. |
| Military Tactical Radios | RF Test Equipment Front-Ends |
Use Scenario: Manpack and vehicular radios operating in contested spectrum with multi-tone interference. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-dynamic-range mixer in broadband receiver front-end with +22 dBm input IP3. Use Value: +22 dBm IP3 ensures clean demodulation of closely spaced signals under high RF input conditions. |
Use Scenario: Vector signal analyzers and synthesizers requiring repeatable conversion loss and phase stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade mixer in internal LO/RF/IF signal routing paths. Use Value: 7 dB typical conversion loss and <±0.5 dB unit-to-unit variation support traceable measurement uncertainty budgets. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LP4E | Wider RF range (1–12 GHz), higher conversion loss (8.5 dB), same 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN package. | Better suited for Ka-band test equipment; less optimal for 2.5–7 GHz fixed wireless due to higher loss. | Select when extending frequency coverage beyond 7 GHz outweighs 1.5 dB conversion loss penalty. |
| ADL5802ACPZ-R7 | Active mixer with 20 dB conversion gain, 5.8–10.5 GHz RF, requires external bias and matching. | Requires additional DC biasing and impedance tuning; not drop-in compatible; higher power consumption. | Choose only when gain is mandatory and design can accommodate active bias complexity and thermal management. |
Compared with HMC557LC4TR, HMC1048LP4E trades wider bandwidth for higher loss, while ADL5802ACPZ-R7 adds gain at the cost of bias circuitry and reduced simplicity - making HMC557LC4TR optimal for passive, low-component-count 2.5–7 GHz up/downconverters.
Availability
HMC557LC4TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for WiMAX infrastructure, point-to-point microwave radios, and military communications systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant ceramic packaging.
Supply support for HMC557LC4TR 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 IC portfolio into ADI's broader signal chain solutions.
The HMC557LC4TR belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer family, designed specifically for high-isolation, low-loss passive mixing in wireless infrastructure and defense RF front-ends.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC557LC4TR?
The HMC557LC4TR achieves best conversion loss and isolation at +15 dBm LO drive, but operates reliably down to +9 dBm. At +9 dBm, conversion loss increases by ~1.5 dB and LO-to-RF isolation drops ~4 dB versus +15 dBm. For battery-powered or low-power LO sources, +12 dBm offers a balanced trade-off. The HMC557LC4TR tolerates up to +25 dBm LO without damage.
Can the HMC557LC4TR be used for DC-coupled IF operation, and what are the current limits?
Yes, the HMC557LC4TR IF port (Pin 9) is DC-coupled and supports true DC–3 GHz operation. However, it must not source or sink more than ±2 mA DC current - exceeding this risks non-function or permanent damage. For DC-coupled baseband interfaces, ensure external circuitry complies with this limit. The HMC557LC4TR is not intended for active current sourcing/sinking.
Is the HMC557LC4TR pin-compatible with other Hittite mixer variants like HMC558LC4TR?
No, the HMC557LC4TR is not pin-compatible with HMC558LC4TR. While both are 24-lead 4×4 mm QFN mixers, HMC558LC4TR has different RF/LO/IF pin assignments and internal topology optimized for 5–12 GHz. Pin mapping must be verified per each device's datasheet; using HMC557LC4TR layout for HMC558LC4TR will result in functional failure.
What is the thermal management requirement for the HMC557LC4TR in continuous operation?
The HMC557LC4TR has a channel-to-ground thermal resistance of 192 °C/W and maximum channel temperature of 150 °C. At 85 °C ambient and 339 mW max dissipation, the ground paddle must be soldered to a thermally robust PCB ground plane with ≥8 vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner/outer ground layers. Without proper thermal relief, junction temperature rise exceeds safe limits within seconds under full LO/RF drive.
Does the HMC557LC4TR require external matching components for 50 Ω operation?
No, the HMC557LC4TR requires no external matching components. Its RF, LO, and IF ports are internally DC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω across the full 2.5–7.0 GHz RF/LO and DC–3 GHz IF bands. This eliminates baluns, transformers, and tuning stubs - reducing board space, insertion loss, and sensitivity to parasitic effects. The HMC557LC4TR is designed for direct integration into 50 Ω RF layouts.
HMC557LC4TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-TFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 2.5GHz ~ 7GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 8.5dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-CQFN (4x4)
HMC557LC4TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC557LC4TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC557LC4TR 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 HMC557LC4TR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC557LC4TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC557LC4TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC557LC4TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC557LC4TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC557LC4TR?
HMC557LC4TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC557LC4TR 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 HMC557LC4TR?
For technical support, including HMC557LC4TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC557LC4TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC557LC4TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC557LC4TR 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 HMC557LC4TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC557LC4TR?
All HMC557LC4TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC557LC4TR, 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 HMC557LC4TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC557LC4TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC557LC4TR 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…

