Analog Devices Inc. HMC815BLC5TR-R5

Overview

HMC815BLC5TR-R5 from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC I/Q upconverter operating from 21 GHz to 27 GHz RF, with 10.5–14.5 GHz LO input and DC–3.75 GHz IF bandwidth. It delivers 12 dB typical conversion gain, 20 dBc sideband rejection, and 20 dBm OP1dB - enabling high-fidelity single-sideband upconversion in millimeter-wave transmitters for satellite comms and radar front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 datasheet, HMC815BLC5TR-R5 pinout, HMC815BLC5TR-R5 application, or HMC815BLC5TR-R5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated 2× LO multiplier, quadrature IF inputs (IF1/IF2), exposed-pad 32-terminal ceramic LCC package, and requirement for an external 90° hybrid to select upper or lower sideband.

Technical Context

The HMC815BLC5TR-R5 integrates a pHEMT-based I/Q mixer core with a driver amplifier and active 2× LO multiplier in a monolithic GaAs structure. Its architecture eliminates wire bonding and supports surface-mount assembly while reducing post-mix filtering needs via inherent sideband suppression.

It operates across −40°C to +85°C with three independent drain supplies (VDD1 for LO amp; VDD2/VDD3 for RF amp) and requires external biasing of VGG for RF amplifier gate control. IF ports accept differential quadrature signals, and sideband selection depends on external 90° hybrid phasing at IF1/IF2.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 4.90 mm × 4.90 mm, 32-terminal ceramic LCC with exposed thermal pad (EPAD), RoHS compliant, MSL3 rated.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q upconverter applications.

Compared with HMC815ALC5TR-R5, the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 extends RF coverage to 27 GHz with improved sideband rejection; versus HMC1040LP5E, it trades IF bandwidth and output power for smaller footprint and integrated LO multiplication - critical for size-constrained mmWave systems.

Availability

HMC815BLC5TR-R5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military radar transmitters, and satellite communications uplinks requiring stable component supply, controlled thermal performance, and repeatable RF behavior across temperature.

Supply support for HMC815BLC5TR-R5 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets with precision signal processing solutions.

The HMC815BLC5TR-R5 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC product line, designed specifically for millimeter-wave infrastructure and defense systems requiring integrated, surface-mount upconversion with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the required LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC815BLC5TR-R5?

The HMC815BLC5TR-R5 specifies a nominal LO drive of 4 dBm at the LOIN pin, with operational range from 0 dBm to 6 dBm. Performance metrics including conversion gain, sideband rejection, and OIP3 are characterized at 4 dBm; deviation beyond ±2 dBm may reduce sideband suppression or increase distortion. The internal 2× multiplier ensures robust operation without external amplification.

Does the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 require external filtering on the RF output?

The HMC815BLC5TR-R5 delivers 20 dBc sideband rejection but does not eliminate the need for final-stage bandpass filtering before antenna coupling. Its RF output contains residual image energy and harmonics; system-level spectral mask compliance typically requires a cavity or microstrip filter centered at 21–27 GHz with ≥30 dB stopband attenuation beyond the desired sideband.

Can the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 operate with DC-coupled IF inputs?

Yes - the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 supports true DC-coupled IF operation on IF1 and IF2, provided total source/sink current remains within ±3 mA per pin. For AC-coupled applications, off-chip dc blocking capacitors are recommended; DC coupling enables baseband I/Q generation directly from high-speed DACs without additional biasing circuitry.

How is sideband selection implemented in the HMC815BLC5TR-R5?

Sideband selection in the HMC815BLC5TR-R5 is determined by the relative phase relationship applied to IF1 and IF2 via an external 90° hybrid coupler. Feeding in-phase signals yields lower sideband (high-side LO); feeding quadrature signals yields upper sideband (low-side LO). No internal configuration or pin strapping is required - selection is entirely external and signal-path dependent.

What thermal management is required for continuous operation of the HMC815BLC5TR-R5?

The HMC815BLC5TR-R5 requires connection of its exposed pad (EPAD) to a low-impedance thermal and electrical ground plane with ≥5 × 5 thermal vias to a solid inner ground layer. At full bias (VDD1 = VDD2 = VDD3 = 4.5 V), total drain current reaches ~470 mA, generating ~2.1 W dissipation; θJA is 46.4°C/W, so ambient must remain ≤+65°C for junction temperature to stay below 175°C maximum rating.