Analog Devices Inc. HMC773

Overview

HMC773LC3B from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC double-balanced passive mixer operating from 6 to 26 GHz RF/LO and DC–8 GHz IF, delivering 9–11 dB typical conversion loss, +22 dBm input IP3, and 37–39 dB LO-to-RF isolation - used in microwave up/downconversion for point-to-point radios and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the HMC773LC3B datasheet, HMC773LC3B pinout, HMC773LC3B application, or HMC773LC3B equivalent, key selection considerations include its 12-lead 3×3 mm ceramic SMT package, no-DC-bias operation, wide IF bandwidth supporting DC-coupled baseband, and LO drive requirement of ≥+13 dBm for optimal linearity and isolation.

Technical Context

The HMC773LC3B employs an integrated passive balun architecture enabling fundamental-mode mixing without external matching components or DC bias. Its monolithic GaAs construction supports broadband operation across two RF/LO bands: 6–16 GHz and 16–26 GHz, with consistent IF response from DC to 8 GHz.

LO-to-RF and LO-to-IF isolation are optimized via on-chip transformer-based baluns, achieving ≥37 dB and ≥31 dB respectively at +13 dBm LO drive. The device operates as both upconverter and downconverter, with measured P1dB input of +10–11 dBm and input IP2 of +45–50 dBm under standard test conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

12-lead leadless ceramic package (alumina body, gold-over-nickel plating) with exposed ground paddle; requires soldering all ground leads (1,3,7,9,10,12) and paddle to PCB RF ground plane using ≥6 thermal vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar passive mixer applications.

Compared with HMC773LC3B, HMC1048LP3E trades E-band coverage for broader low-band support and lower cost, while QM11036 extends IF bandwidth and linearity at the expense of LO drive and footprint - making HMC773LC3B optimal for balanced 6–26 GHz systems with constrained LO power and space.

Availability

HMC773LC3B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, test equipment & sensors, and military end-use applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance across temperature, and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for HMC773LC3B 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 HMC773LC3B belongs to Hittite's GaAs MMIC fundamental mixer product line, designed specifically for broadband microwave systems demanding high isolation, wide IF bandwidth, and surface-mount manufacturability without external bias or matching.

FAQ

What is the minimum LO drive level required for specified performance of the HMC773LC3B?

The HMC773LC3B achieves its published specifications - including conversion loss, IP3, and isolation - at +13 dBm LO drive. Performance degrades below this level: conversion loss increases by ~0.5 dB per 1 dB reduction in LO power, and IP3 drops ~2 dB per 1 dB reduction. Operating the HMC773LC3B below +13 dBm is possible but requires system-level verification of linearity and noise figure impact.

Can the HMC773LC3B be used for DC-coupled IF operation, and what are the current limits?

Yes, the HMC773LC3B IF port (Pin 5) is DC-coupled and supports true baseband 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 use, ensure the connected stage (e.g., amplifier or ADC driver) presents a high-impedance load or includes series current-limiting resistors per Analog Devices' application guidance for the HMC773LC3B.

Does the HMC773LC3B require external matching components or bias circuitry?

No. The HMC773LC3B is a fully matched, passive double-balanced mixer with integrated baluns. All ports (LO, RF, IF) are internally matched to 50 Ω (LO and RF AC-coupled; IF DC-coupled), eliminating the need for external matching networks, bias tees, or DC blocking capacitors - except where DC blocking is intentionally added for IF band limiting.

What is the thermal management requirement for continuous operation of the HMC773LC3B?

The HMC773LC3B has a junction-to-ground-paddle thermal resistance of 170 °C/W. To maintain channel temperature ≤150 °C at maximum dissipation (210 mW at +85 °C ambient), the PCB must provide low-thermal-resistance grounding: solder the exposed paddle and all GND pins (1,3,7,9,10,12) to a solid ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤1 mm apart) connecting to inner/secondary ground layers.

How does the HMC773LC3B perform in upconverter versus downconverter configurations?

The HMC773LC3B is bidirectional and performs equivalently as an upconverter or downconverter. All published specs - including conversion loss (9–11 dB), IP3 (+22 dBm), and isolation (LO–RF ≥37 dB) - were measured in downconverter mode (IF = 0.5 GHz), but application notes confirm identical RF/LO port symmetry and validated upconverter data at 18–24 GHz with +13 dBm LO drive. No reconfiguration or external changes are needed.