Analog Devices Inc. HMC688LP4E
- Part No.:
- HMC688LP4E
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC688LP4E.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER BICMOS 24-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,793
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Product details
Overview
HMC688LP4E from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a BiCMOS MMIC double-balanced mixer with integrated LO amplifier, designed for RF-to-IF downconversion and upconversion in 2.0–2.7 GHz systems. It delivers 7.5 dB typical conversion loss, +35 dBm input IP3, and +25 dBm input P1dB at 0 dBm LO drive, supporting LTE/WiMAX base station transceivers with DC–700 MHz differential IF output.
For engineers reviewing the HMC688LP4E datasheet, HMC688LP4E pinout, HMC688LP4E application, or HMC688LP4E equivalent, key selection criteria include its low-side LO optimization, 24-pin 4×4 mm QFN package with RF/IF balun integration, and verified performance across -40°C to +85°C for cellular infrastructure signal chains.
Technical Context
The HMC688LP4E implements a passive double-balanced mixer core with on-die LO buffer amplifier and integrated RF/IF baluns, enabling single-ended 50 Ω RF/LO interfaces and differential 50 Ω IF ports. Its BiCMOS process supports high linearity while maintaining low LO drive sensitivity (-9 to +3 dBm).
Optimized for low-side LO injection in downconversion mode, it achieves 16–25 dB LO-to-RF isolation and 20–27 dB LO-to-IF isolation. The device operates with three independent +5 V supplies (Vcc1/Vcc2/Vcc3), external G_BIAS at +2.5 V, and requires grounding of all ground pins and the exposed paddle per RF layout best practices.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 2.0–2.7 GHz - Covers full LTE Band 7 (2.5–2.69 GHz) and Band 1 (1.92–1.98 GHz) extended operation. |
| LO Frequency Range | 1.7–2.4 GHz - Enables low-side LO injection for 2.0–2.7 GHz RF with IF = RF − LO in 300 MHz nominal configuration. |
| IF Frequency Range | DC–700 MHz - Supports baseband I/Q processing and zero-IF architectures without external IF filtering. |
| Conversion Loss | 7.5 dB typ - Low loss preserves SNR in receiver front-ends; measured at TA = +25°C, IF = 300 MHz, LO = 0 dBm. |
| Input IP3 | +35 dBm typ - Enables handling of strong adjacent-channel interferers in multi-carrier GSM/CDMA/LTE base stations. |
| Noise Figure (SSB) | 8 dB - Defines minimum detectable signal level in receiver applications with 300 MHz IF. |
| Supply Current | 140–168 mA total - Draws from three +5 V rails; enables thermal design with 27.6 °C/W channel-to-paddle thermal resistance. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead 4×4 mm RoHS-compliant QFN with exposed thermal paddle (MSL1, 260 °C peak reflow). Ground paddle and all GND pins must be soldered to PCB RF ground plane using multiple vias.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 6, 7, 11–14, 18, 20, 23 | N/C | No internal connection; may be tied to RF ground without performance impact. |
| 2, 5, 15, 17 | GND | DC and RF ground reference; must connect to PCB ground plane. |
| 3 | RF | Single-ended 50 Ω RF input matched via internal balun; DC shorted to ground. |
| 4 | TAP | Center tap of RF balun secondary; requires 0 Ω resistor to ground near IC for optimal balance. |
| 8, 10, 24 | Vcc1, Vcc2, Vcc3 | Three independent +5 V supply inputs for LO buffer and mixer biasing; each requires local decoupling. |
| 9 | LO_BIAS | Adjusts LO buffer current via external resistor; sets LO drive capability and power consumption. |
| 16 | LO | Single-ended 50 Ω LO input matched via internal balun; DC shorted to ground. |
| 19 | G_BIAS | Optional external bias node; +2.5 V applied for nominal conversion loss and IP3 performance. |
| 21, 22 | IFN, IFP | Differential 50 Ω IF output; supports DC-coupled or AC-coupled (with blocking caps) baseband interfaces. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LO amplifier | Reduces external driver stage count; accepts -9 to +3 dBm LO drive for flexible system-level LO distribution. |
| DC–700 MHz differential IF | Enables direct connection to I/Q demodulators or ADCs without IF transformers or active filters. |
| +35 dBm input IP3 | Supports high-dynamic-range operation in multi-carrier LTE eNodeB receivers with co-site interference. |
| Low-side LO optimized | Ensures predictable image rejection and LO leakage behavior in downconverters targeting 300 MHz IF. |
| 24-pin 4×4 mm QFN | Minimizes PCB footprint while providing thermal path via exposed paddle; compatible with standard SMT assembly. |
Applications
| Cellular Base Station Receiver | LTE FDD Transmitter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Downconverting 2.6 GHz LTE Band 7 signals to 300 MHz IF in macrocell remote radio heads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Double-balanced mixer with integrated LO amplifier performing RF-to-IF translation and LO amplification. Use Value: 7.5 dB conversion loss and +35 dBm IP3 maintain EVM and ACLR compliance under high-input-power multi-tone conditions. | Use Scenario: Upconverting 300 MHz I/Q baseband signals to 2.5 GHz for LTE Band 7 transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active mixer core with LO amplification enabling direct IF-to-RF synthesis without external LO buffers. Use Value: Differential IF interface simplifies connection to high-speed DACs; low LO drive reduces synthesizer output power requirements. |
| GSM/CDMA Repeater Front-End | WiMAX Subscriber Unit |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional signal conditioning in in-building repeaters covering 2.1 GHz UMTS and 2.6 GHz LTE bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode mixer supporting both upconversion and downconversion paths with shared LO chain. Use Value: Pin-compatible operation with HMC689LP4E allows single PCB design for low-side and high-side LO variants. | Use Scenario: IF-stage mixing in 2.5 GHz WiMAX CPE units requiring DC-coupled I/Q outputs to analog front-end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Balanced mixer delivering DC–700 MHz differential IF for direct sampling by 100 MSPS ADCs. Use Value: 8 dB SSB noise figure ensures adequate sensitivity for 64-QAM reception at edge-of-cell SNR conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC689LP4E | Same 24-pin QFN package and pinout; optimized for high-side LO injection (LO > RF), not low-side. | Used where LO frequency exceeds RF (e.g., 2.8 GHz LO for 2.5 GHz RF), requiring different LO synthesizer planning. | Select HMC689LP4E only when high-side LO architecture is mandated by system frequency plan. |
| ADL5801ACPZ-R7 | Active double-balanced mixer; 10–6000 MHz RF range; no integrated LO amp; requires +7 dBm LO drive. | Broadband alternative for lab equipment or multi-band radios; lacks integrated LO amplification and low-side LO optimization. | Choose ADL5801ACPZ-R7 when wide RF bandwidth or external LO control is prioritized over LO drive efficiency. |
Compared with HMC688LP4E, HMC689LP4E offers identical packaging and layout but shifts LO optimization to high-side injection, while ADL5801ACPZ-R7 trades LO integration and narrowband linearity for ultra-wide RF coverage and higher LO power tolerance-making HMC688LP4E optimal for fixed-frequency, high-dynamic-range LTE/WiMAX infrastructure.
Availability
HMC688LP4E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular base station receivers, LTE FDD transmitters, GSM/CDMA repeaters, and WiMAX subscriber units requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for HMC688LP4E 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 product portfolio for communications infrastructure.
The HMC688LP4E belongs to Hittite's legacy BiCMOS MMIC mixer family, engineered specifically for high-linearity, low-LO-drive cellular infrastructure applications operating between 2–2.7 GHz.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC688LP4E?
The HMC688LP4E achieves best-in-class IP3 (+35 dBm) and conversion loss (7.5 dB) at 0 dBm LO drive. It operates across -9 to +3 dBm; lower LO drive increases conversion loss, while higher drive raises supply current without improving linearity. For production designs, 0 dBm is the validated nominal point per datasheet test conditions.
Does the HMC688LP4E support both upconversion and downconversion modes?
Yes, the HMC688LP4E supports both modes. Its datasheet specifies downconversion performance (e.g., IF = RF − LO) as primary, but upconversion data (IF → RF) is provided in Figures 10–4. Performance differs: conversion gain is lower in upconversion, and LO-to-RF isolation degrades slightly. System validation is required for each mode.
How should the TAP pin (Pin 4) be connected on the HMC688LP4E?
Pin 4 (TAP) must be shorted to RF ground using a 0 Ω resistor placed as close as possible to the HMC688LP4E package. This center-tap connection stabilizes the internal RF balun's common-mode rejection and ensures specified conversion loss and isolation. Leaving it floating or capacitively coupled degrades RF balance and increases even-order distortion.
What is the function of the G_BIAS pin (Pin 19) on the HMC688LP4E?
The G_BIAS pin (Pin 19) is an optional external bias node. Applying +2.5 V yields nominal conversion loss, IP3, and noise figure per datasheet specs. Omitting this voltage or using alternate values shifts bias points, altering linearity and noise trade-offs. It is not required for basic operation but strongly recommended for repeatable production performance of the HMC688LP4E.
Is the HMC688LP4E pin-compatible with any other Hittite/Analog Devices mixers?
Yes, the HMC688LP4E is pin-for-pin compatible with the HMC689LP4E, differing only in internal LO buffer tuning for low-side vs. high-side LO injection. Both share identical 24-pin 4×4 mm QFN footprints, pin functions, and supply requirements-enabling single PCB reuse across dual-architecture radio designs without layout changes.
HMC688LP4E Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- LTE, WiMax
- Frequency:
- 2GHz ~ 2.7GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 8dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 140mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC688LP4E FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC688LP4E through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC688LP4E 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 HMC688LP4E reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC688LP4E are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC688LP4E is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC688LP4E?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC688LP4E transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC688LP4E?
HMC688LP4E orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC688LP4E 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 HMC688LP4E?
For technical support, including HMC688LP4E datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC688LP4E requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC688LP4E is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC688LP4E 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 HMC688LP4E meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC688LP4E?
All HMC688LP4E units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC688LP4E, 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 HMC688LP4E part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC688LP4E:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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