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Analog Devices Inc. HMC951ALP4ETR
- Part No.:
- HMC951ALP4ETR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP
- Datasheet:
-
HMC951ALP4ETR.pdf
- Description:
- DOWN-CONVERTER
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,006
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Product details
Overview
HMC951ALP4ETR from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter operating from 5.6 GHz to 8.6 GHz, providing 13 dB typical conversion gain, 32 dBc image rejection, and 2 dB typical noise figure. It integrates an LNA, image-reject mixer, and LO buffer for RF-to-IF signal translation in high-frequency radar and satellite receivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC951ALP4ETR datasheet, HMC951ALP4ETR pinout, HMC951ALP4ETR application, or HMC951ALP4ETR equivalent, key selection criteria include RF input frequency range (5.6–8.6 GHz), IF output bandwidth (DC–3.5 GHz), image rejection performance, thermal design for exposed paddle package, and external 90° hybrid requirement for sideband selection.
Technical Context
The HMC951ALP4ETR implements an image-reject mixer topology with integrated LNA and LO driver amplifier, enabling direct RF-to-I/Q IF conversion without pre-mixer filtering. Its architecture eliminates thermal noise at the image frequency and reduces post-conversion filtering requirements.
It operates with high-side or low-side LO injection depending on desired sideband, supports DC-coupled IF outputs (with ≤3 mA current sourcing/sinking), and requires external 90° hybrid for final sideband selection - no internal phase-shifting network is included.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 5.6 GHz to 8.6 GHz - defines usable input band for radar, EW, and SATCOM front-ends. |
| Conversion Gain | 13 dB typical - provides net signal amplification across full RF band, reducing need for additional IF gain stages. |
| Image Rejection | 32 dBc typical - suppresses unwanted image signal without external image-reject filter after LNA. |
| Noise Figure | 2 dB typical - enables high sensitivity in low-SNR applications such as long-range radar detection. |
| Input IP3 | 3 dBm typical (6.0–8.6 GHz) - indicates strong linearity for handling multi-tone interference in dense RF environments. |
| LO Drive Range | −4 dBm to +4 dBm - accommodates variable LO source power without external driver stage. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C - supports deployment in harsh environmental conditions including airborne and ground-based military systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4 mm × 4 mm, 24-lead LFCSP with exposed thermal paddle (HCP-24-31). Requires low-impedance RF/dc ground connection to exposed pad for thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN (Pin 5) | RF Input | 50 Ω ac-coupled RF port; matched input for direct connection to antenna or filter output. |
| LOIN (Pin 10) | LO Input | 50 Ω ac-coupled local oscillator port; accepts −4 to +4 dBm drive for flexible LO source integration. |
| VDRF (Pin 2) | RF Amplifier Supply | 5 V bias for integrated LNA; requires local decoupling per typical application circuit (Figure 96). |
| VDLO (Pin 16) | LO Amplifier Supply | 5 V bias for integrated LO buffer; independent supply rail enables optimized LO drive control. |
| IF1 / IF2 (Pins 23 / 20) | I/Q IF Outputs | Differential quadrature outputs; require external 90° hybrid to select upper or lower sideband; support DC–3.5 GHz operation. |
| GND (Pins 4,6,9,11,19,21,22,24) | Ground Connect | Multiple dedicated RF/dc ground terminals; must be connected to low-impedance ground plane with thermal vias. |
| NIC (Pins 1,3,7,8,12–15,17,18) | Not Internally Connected | Unused pins; may be grounded externally without affecting RF performance or thermal behavior. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LNA + Image-Reject Mixer | Eliminates need for discrete image filter after LNA, reducing BOM count and board area in compact RF front-ends. |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF Bandwidth | Supports wide instantaneous bandwidth applications including pulsed radar and high-data-rate SATCOM links. |
| Exposed Thermal Paddle | Enables efficient heat dissipation (θJC = 46.4 °C/W); critical for stable operation at full RF power and temperature extremes. |
| High LO-to-RF Isolation | 48 dB typical - minimizes LO leakage into antenna path, easing EMI compliance and improving receiver dynamic range. |
| Amplitude/Phase Balance | 0.2 dB / −2° typical - ensures accurate I/Q signal reconstruction for digital demodulation and beamforming algorithms. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radios | Military Radar Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity backhaul links operating in 6–8 GHz licensed bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q downconverter translating 5.6–8.6 GHz RF signals to baseband I/Q for OFDM demodulation. Use Value: 32 dBc image rejection enables clean channel separation without external image filters, reducing system size and insertion loss. | Use Scenario: Pulse-Doppler radar front-end requiring wide instantaneous bandwidth and low-noise reception. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RF-to-I/Q converter in receive chain, supporting DC–3.5 GHz IF output for digitization and pulse compression. Use Value: 2 dB noise figure and 13 dB conversion gain maintain SNR integrity for weak target detection at long range. |
| Satellite Communications | Electronic Warfare Systems |
Use Scenario: Mobile SATCOM terminals receiving Ka-band downlinks via frequency translation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconversion stage translating 5.6–8.6 GHz uplink/downlink signals to lower IF for processing. Use Value: Dual-sideband operation (via external 90° hybrid) allows flexible selection of upper or lower sideband per mission profile. | Use Scenario: Wideband signal intelligence (SIGINT) receivers capturing unknown emitters across C/X bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end downconverter enabling real-time spectrum analysis over 3 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. Use Value: 3 dBm input IP3 and 13 dB gain support high-dynamic-range capture of co-channel threats without saturation. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar I/Q downconverter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC1040LP4E | Wider RF range (4.8–7.8 GHz), lower noise figure (1.8 dB), but no integrated LNA; requires external LNA stage. | Best suited for systems where external LNA optimization is preferred and RF band slightly lower. | Select when prioritizing lowest possible NF and external LNA control; not drop-in due to missing LNA and different pinout. |
| ADL5380ACPZ-R7 | Lower frequency range (400 MHz–6 GHz), higher IF bandwidth (DC–4.5 GHz), silicon-based, no integrated LNA or LO buffer. | Targeted at sub-6 GHz wireless infrastructure and test equipment, not millimeter-wave radar/SATCOM. | Choose for cost-sensitive, non-millimeter-wave designs requiring broader IF bandwidth and commercial temperature range only. |
Compared with HMC1040LP4E and ADL5380ACPZ-R7, the HMC951ALP4ETR uniquely integrates LNA, LO buffer, and image-reject mixer in a single GaAs die for 5.6–8.6 GHz operation - delivering superior noise performance and simplified layout at the expense of narrower IF bandwidth than ADL5380 and lack of external LNA flexibility versus HMC1040.
Availability
HMC951ALP4ETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radios, military radar receivers, and satellite communications systems requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed performance across −40°C to +85°C.
Supply support for HMC951ALP4ETR 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 HMC951ALP4ETR belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC product line, designed specifically for broadband microwave and millimeter-wave communication and sensing systems requiring integrated, high-linearity downconversion.
FAQ
What is the RF input frequency range supported by the HMC951ALP4ETR?
The HMC951ALP4ETR supports an RF input frequency range of 5.6 GHz to 8.6 GHz, as specified in both the 5.6–6.0 GHz and 6.0–8.6 GHz performance tables of its datasheet. This range is validated across temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and LO drive levels (−4 to +4 dBm), making it suitable for C- and X-band radar and SATCOM applications where stable wideband downconversion is required.
Does the HMC951ALP4ETR include an integrated local oscillator (LO) generator?
No, the HMC951ALP4ETR does not include an integrated LO generator. It requires an external LO signal applied to the LOIN pin (Pin 10), with specified drive range of −4 dBm to +4 dBm. The device contains an integrated LO buffer amplifier (driven by VDLO) to ensure proper LO distribution to the mixer core, but the LO source itself must be provided externally.
How is sideband selection implemented in the HMC951ALP4ETR?
Sideband selection in the HMC951ALP4ETR is achieved using an external 90° hybrid coupler connected to the IF1 and IF2 differential outputs. The device outputs raw I and Q signals; the hybrid selects either upper or lower sideband based on LO injection mode (high-side for LSB, low-side for USB). No internal phase-shifting circuitry is present - sideband choice depends entirely on external hybrid configuration and LO frequency planning.
What is the maximum allowable current for the IF output pins of the HMC951ALP4ETR?
The IF1 and IF2 output pins (Pins 23 and 20) of the HMC951ALP4ETR must not source or sink more than 3 mA of current when operating to DC. Exceeding this limit risks device malfunction or permanent damage. For AC-coupled applications, external DC-blocking capacitors are recommended; for DC-coupled use, load impedance must be selected to ensure compliance with this current constraint.
Is the HMC951ALP4ETR pin-compatible with other devices in the HMC951 family?
Yes, the HMC951ALP4ETR is pin-compatible with the HMC951A (base part number), as confirmed by identical pin configuration diagrams, function descriptions, and package dimensions (4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP) in the datasheet. The "LP4ETR" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging and RoHS compliance, with no functional or pinout differences from the base HMC951A variant.
HMC951ALP4ETR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 5.6GHz ~ 8.6GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 2dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 155mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-LFCSP-VQ (4x4)
HMC951ALP4ETR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC951ALP4ETR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC951ALP4ETR 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 HMC951ALP4ETR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC951ALP4ETR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC951ALP4ETR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC951ALP4ETR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC951ALP4ETR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC951ALP4ETR?
HMC951ALP4ETR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC951ALP4ETR 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 HMC951ALP4ETR?
For technical support, including HMC951ALP4ETR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC951ALP4ETR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC951ALP4ETR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC951ALP4ETR 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 HMC951ALP4ETR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC951ALP4ETR?
All HMC951ALP4ETR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC951ALP4ETR, 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 HMC951ALP4ETR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC951ALP4ETR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC951ALP4ETR Tags
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ADEX-10+
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MAX2681EUT+T
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ADE-1ASK+
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