Analog Devices Inc. HMC663LC3
- Part No.:
- HMC663LC3
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 16-VFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC663LC3.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER LO/IF AMP 16-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,292
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Product details
Overview
HMC663LC3 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced passive mixer designed for RF/IF signal translation in 6–12 GHz systems. It delivers 8 dB typical conversion loss, 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and +30 dBm input IP3, operating without DC bias or external matching components in upconverter or downconverter configurations.
For engineers reviewing the HMC663LC3 datasheet, HMC663LC3 pinout, HMC663LC3 application, or HMC663LC3 equivalent, this device is selected for high-linearity microwave transceivers where wide IF bandwidth (DC–4 GHz), low noise figure (10 dB SSB), and robust LO drive tolerance (+17 to +23 dBm) are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The HMC663LC3 employs a passive double-balanced topology with integrated balun structures optimized for high LO-to-RF and LO-to-IF isolation-achieving 40 dB and 42 dB respectively at +21 dBm LO drive. Its GaAs MESFET fabrication enables operation across RF (6–12 GHz), LO (6–14 GHz), and IF (DC–4 GHz) bands without DC power.
It requires no external biasing or matching networks, supports surface-mount assembly via its 16-lead ceramic 3×3 mm package, and maintains stable performance over −40°C to +85°C. Conversion gain varies with LO drive level and frequency, with measured P1dB input of +20 dBm and IP2 of +55 dBm.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 6–12 GHz - defines usable signal band for antenna interface or IF upconversion in point-to-point radios. |
| LO Frequency Range | 6–14 GHz - supports high-side or low-side injection with ≥2 GHz guard band beyond RF band. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–4 GHz - enables baseband-to-4 GHz IF processing, including zero-IF and complex I/Q architectures. |
| Conversion Loss | 8 dB typ. - determines system noise figure impact and required gain staging before/after mixing. |
| Input IP3 | +30 dBm - sets third-order intermodulation distortion floor for multi-carrier or dense-spectrum applications. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 40 dB typ. - minimizes LO leakage into antenna path, reducing spurious emissions and receiver desensitization. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - qualifies for outdoor wireless infrastructure and military-grade environmental deployment. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-lead leadless ceramic SMT package (3 mm × 3 mm, 9 mm²), alumina body with gold-over-nickel plating, MSL3 rated, ground paddle thermally and electrically connected to PCB RF ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 4, 5, 8–13, 16 | N/C | No internal connection; must remain unconnected on PCB layout. |
| 2 | LO | AC-coupled 50 Ω matched port; accepts +17 to +23 dBm LO drive without external matching. |
| 3, 6, 15 | GND | RF/DC ground terminals; require low-inductance solder connection to PCB ground plane and exposed paddle. |
| 7 | IF | DC-coupled output; supports DC–4 GHz IF; current-limited to ±2 mA for DC operation. |
| 14 | RF | AC-coupled 50 Ω matched port; interfaces directly to antenna or filter without external matching. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No DC bias required | Eliminates bias network complexity, reduces BOM count, and improves reliability in high-volume RF modules. |
| Passive double-balanced architecture | Suppresses even-order harmonics and LO feedthrough, enabling cleaner spectral output in sensitive receivers. |
| High LO-to-RF/IF isolation | Reduces need for external filtering between LO and RF/IF paths, simplifying front-end design. |
| Wide IF bandwidth (DC–4 GHz) | Supports direct-conversion, low-IF, and wideband digital IF sampling without additional IF amplification stages. |
| RoHS-compliant ceramic SMT package | Enables automated reflow assembly and thermal management via ground paddle (60 °C/W channel-to-ground). |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | Test Equipment & Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul links operating at 7–11 GHz with tight adjacent-channel interference requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter translating received 10.5 GHz RF to 100 MHz IF for digitization and demodulation. Use Value: +30 dBm IP3 and 40 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevent intermodulation distortion and LO leakage-induced desense in dense spectrum deployments. |
Use Scenario: Vector network analyzer (VNA) receiver front-end requiring broadband IF response and minimal added noise. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Passive mixer core in VNA's heterodyne receiver, converting swept RF signals to fixed IF for ADC sampling. Use Value: DC–4 GHz IF bandwidth enables real-time baseband analysis; 10 dB SSB noise figure preserves dynamic range during low-level signal measurement. |
| Point-to-Multi-Point Radios | Military End-Use |
Use Scenario: Base station transceiver supporting multiple subscriber units across 6–12 GHz licensed bands with simultaneous uplink/downlink operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role mixer performing both upconversion (IF→RF) and downconversion (RF→IF) in TDD/FDD architectures. Use Value: Bidirectional operation without reconfiguration; +20 dBm P1dB input handles burst-mode transmit power without compression. |
Use Scenario: EW/ESM receiver module deployed in airborne platforms requiring ruggedized, temperature-stable RF performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end mixer in wideband surveillance receiver covering 6–12 GHz threat bands. Use Value: −40°C to +85°C operating range and 150°C channel temperature rating ensure reliability under extreme thermal cycling and vibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar passive double-balanced mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1048LP3E | Wider RF range (4–14 GHz), higher conversion loss (9.5 dB typ.), same 3×3 mm package. | Better suited for sub-6 GHz extensions but trades off linearity (IP3 = +27 dBm). | Select when broader RF coverage below 6 GHz is needed and +3 dB IP3 margin is acceptable. |
| Qorvo QM11036 | Higher IF bandwidth (DC–6 GHz), +28 dBm IP3, GaAs pHEMT process, same frequency bands. | Optimized for 5G FR2 test equipment requiring >4 GHz IF; slightly lower LO isolation (35 dB). | Prefer for next-gen millimeter-wave instrumentation where extended IF bandwidth outweighs isolation loss. |
Compared with HMC663LC3, HMC1048LP3E extends low-end RF coverage at the cost of linearity and efficiency, while QM11036 prioritizes ultra-wide IF bandwidth over LO-to-RF isolation-making HMC663LC3 optimal for balanced microwave infrastructure where 40 dB isolation and +30 dBm IP3 are non-negotiable.
Availability
HMC663LC3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment & sensors, and military end-use requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for RF subsystems.
Supply support for HMC663LC3 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 integrates its high-frequency RF portfolio into precision analog and RF solutions for communications, defense, and instrumentation markets.
The HMC663LC3 belongs to Hittite's legacy GaAs MMIC mixer product line, engineered specifically for high-linearity, bias-free microwave signal translation in 6–12 GHz infrastructure and test systems.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC663LC3?
The HMC663LC3 achieves best conversion loss (8 dB typ.) and IP3 (+30 dBm) at +21 dBm LO drive. It operates reliably from +17 dBm to +23 dBm, with conversion gain improving by ~0.5 dB per 2 dB increase in LO power. Below +17 dBm, conversion loss rises sharply and IP3 degrades-so +21 dBm is the design target for HMC663LC3 in production systems.
Does the HMC663LC3 require external DC bias or matching components?
No. The HMC663LC3 is a fully passive double-balanced mixer fabricated in GaAs MESFET technology and requires no DC bias voltage or current. All ports (LO, RF, IF) are internally matched to 50 Ω, eliminating external matching networks. Only the IF port may need external DC blocking for AC-coupled operation above DC-HMC663LC3 itself needs no external components to function.
Can the HMC663LC3 be used for both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes. The HMC663LC3 is bidirectional: it functions identically as an upconverter (IF→RF) or downconverter (RF→IF) within its specified 6–12 GHz RF and DC–4 GHz IF bands. Its passive topology and symmetric port design mean no hardware or configuration changes are needed-only LO frequency placement relative to RF/IF determines mode, making HMC663LC3 ideal for flexible transceiver architectures.
What is the thermal management requirement for the HMC663LC3?
The HMC663LC3 features an exposed ground paddle with 60 °C/W thermal resistance (channel-to-ground). To maintain ≤150 °C channel temperature at max dissipation (1.08 W), the PCB must provide low-thermal-resistance grounding: ≥6 vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting paddle to inner/outer ground planes, plus full-solder coverage of all GND pins (3, 6, 15) and the paddle. Ambient temperature must stay ≤85 °C for continuous operation-HMC663LC3 derates linearly above that.
Is the HMC663LC3 still in active production or obsolete?
The HMC663LC3 is marked "OBSOLETE" in official documentation, but remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics with full traceability and remaining factory stock. Analog Devices continues to support it with datasheets, application notes, and evaluation PCBs (e.g., 122393). For new designs, confirm long-term availability with Aetrix; for legacy repair or continuity builds, HMC663LC3 is fully supported as-is.
HMC663LC3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFCQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 6GHz ~ 12GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 10dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-CSMT (3x3)
HMC663LC3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC663LC3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC663LC3 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 HMC663LC3 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC663LC3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC663LC3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC663LC3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC663LC3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC663LC3?
HMC663LC3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC663LC3 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 HMC663LC3?
For technical support, including HMC663LC3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC663LC3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC663LC3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC663LC3 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 HMC663LC3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC663LC3?
All HMC663LC3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC663LC3, 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 HMC663LC3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC663LC3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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