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Analog Devices Inc. HMC951LP4ETR
- Part No.:
- HMC951LP4ETR
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
HMC951LP4ETR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC IQ DOWNCONVERTER 24-QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,952
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Product details
Overview
HMC951LP4ETR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter IC designed for RF front-end signal translation in 5.6–8.6 GHz systems. It delivers 13 dB small-signal conversion gain, 2 dB noise figure, and 25 dB image rejection with DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth, enabling high-fidelity quadrature demodulation in point-to-point radio and EW receivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC951LP4ETR datasheet, HMC951LP4ETR pinout, HMC951LP4ETR application, or HMC951LP4ETR equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated LNA + image-reject mixer architecture, 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package, LO drive sensitivity (0 dBm), and requirement for an external 90° hybrid to select sideband - critical for compact, filterless receiver designs.
Technical Context
The HMC951LP4ETR integrates a low-noise RF amplifier followed by an image-reject mixer driven by an on-chip LO buffer amplifier. Its architecture eliminates the need for an image-reject filter after the LNA by suppressing thermal noise at the image frequency through inherent quadrature cancellation.
It operates with separate bias networks for RF and LO amplifier stages (VBIAS_RF, VBIAS_LO), supports DC-coupled IF outputs (IF1/IF2), and requires external 50 Ω AC coupling on RFIN and LOIN. The device functions across LO frequencies from 3–12.1 GHz, enabling flexible IF planning while maintaining >40 dB LO-to-RF isolation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 5.6–8.6 GHz: Covers C-band radar and satellite uplink/downlink bands. |
| Conversion Gain | 13 dB typical: Enables single-stage downconversion without cascaded gain stages. |
| Noise Figure | 2 dB typical: Preserves SNR in sensitive receive chains for low-SNR signals. |
| Image Rejection | 25 dB typical: Reduces need for external image-filtering components. |
| LO Input Drive | 0 dBm required: Compatible with standard LO synthesizers without amplification. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–3.5 GHz: Supports wide instantaneous bandwidths including baseband I/Q. |
| Supply Current | 55–105 mA total: Configurable via external bias resistors for power optimization. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package, 4×4 mm body, exposed ground paddle. Requires soldering of all ground leads and paddle to PCB RF ground per Hittite Application Note.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1,4,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,19,21,22,24 | GND | RF/DC ground connections; must be low-inductance paths to PCB ground plane. |
| 2 | VDD | Power supply for RF amplifier stage; requires local bypassing (100 pF + 4.7 µF). |
| 3 | VBIAS_RF | DC bias control for RF amplifier current; sets Idd1 via external resistor (e.g., 390 Ω). |
| 5 | RFIN | 50 Ω AC-coupled RF input; matched for 5.6–8.6 GHz operation. |
| 10 | LOIN | 50 Ω AC-coupled LO input; accepts 0 dBm drive across 3–12.1 GHz. |
| 14,16 | VDD1, VDD2 | Separate supplies for LO amplifier; each requires independent bypassing. |
| 15 | VBIAS_LO | Bias control for LO amplifier; sets ~140 mA LO amp current (e.g., 1 kΩ resistor). |
| 17,18 | N/C | No internal connection; externally grounded per measurement conditions. |
| 20 | IF2 | DC-coupled quadrature IF output; max ±3 mA DC current to avoid damage. |
| 23 | IF1 | DC-coupled in-phase IF output; used with external 90° hybrid for sideband selection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated LNA + image-reject mixer | Eliminates post-LNA image filtering, reducing BOM count and board area. |
| 25 dB image rejection | Enables direct sampling of wide IF bandwidths without image contamination. |
| DC–3.5 GHz IF outputs | Supports zero-IF and low-IF architectures with baseband I/Q processing. |
| 48 dB LO-to-RF isolation | Minimizes LO leakage into antenna path, easing front-end filtering requirements. |
| 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package | Enables high-density RF layout compatible with automated surface-mount assembly. |
Applications
| Point-to-Point Radio | Military Radar Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity licensed microwave backhaul operating in 6–8 GHz band with stringent EVM and adjacent channel rejection requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: I/Q downconverter translating RF to baseband I/Q for digital demodulation and error correction. Use Value: 13 dB gain and 2 dB NF maintain link margin; 25 dB image rejection avoids interference from mirror channels without external filters. |
Use Scenario: Pulse-Doppler radar front-end requiring wide instantaneous bandwidth and low phase noise downconversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Image-reject mixer core in superheterodyne receiver chain, converting X-band RF to intermediate frequency for pulse compression. Use Value: DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidth supports wide chirp bandwidths; 48 dB LO-to-RF isolation prevents transmit leakage from corrupting receive sensitivity. |
| Satellite Communications Terminals | Electronic Warfare (EW) Receivers |
Use Scenario: Mobile SATCOM terminal receiving Ku-band downlinks (10.7–12.75 GHz) using harmonic mixing with LO in 3–12.1 GHz range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Flexible I/Q downconverter accepting wide LO range to enable harmonic mixing and reduce synthesizer complexity. Use Value: 3–12.1 GHz LO range allows fundamental or 2nd-harmonic mixing; 2 dB NF preserves weak signal integrity in mobile environments. |
Use Scenario: Wideband SIGINT receiver scanning 5.6–8.6 GHz with real-time spectrum analysis and direction finding. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core downconversion element in multi-channel parallel receiver architecture, delivering phase-coherent I/Q data to FPGA-based DSP. Use Value: Amplitude/phase balance <1 dB / <7° enables accurate direction-of-arrival estimation; 24-lead SMT package supports dense multichannel PCB layouts. |
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 (6–18 GHz), higher NF (3.5 dB), same 24-lead 4×4 mm package. | Targets Ka-band and multi-octave systems; less optimal for C-band-only designs due to higher noise. | Select when broader frequency coverage outweighs 1.5 dB NF penalty. |
| ADL5380ACPZ-R7 | SiGe process, 400–6000 MHz RF range, 7.5 dB gain, 10.5 dB NF, requires external LNA for comparable sensitivity. | Lower-cost solution for sub-6 GHz comms; lacks integrated LNA and image rejection at C-band. | Select for cost-sensitive, non-military applications where external filtering and LNA are acceptable. |
Compared with HMC951LP4ETR, HMC1040LP4E extends upper frequency but sacrifices noise performance, while ADL5380ACPZ-R7 offers wider low-frequency coverage but requires external gain and filtering to match C-band sensitivity and image rejection - making HMC951LP4ETR optimal for compact, high-performance 5.6–8.6 GHz receivers.
Availability
HMC951LP4ETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, military radar receivers, and satellite communications terminals requiring stable component supply and legacy RF IC support.
Supply support for HMC951LP4ETR 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, specializing in GaAs and SiGe MMICs for defense, aerospace, and communications.
The HMC951LP4ETR belongs to Hittite's legacy IRM (Image Reject Mixer) family, engineered specifically for compact, high-dynamic-range downconversion in C-band radar and secure wireless links.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC951LP4ETR?
The HMC951LP4ETR is characterized and optimized for 0 dBm LO input power. Operating below –2 dBm reduces conversion gain and image rejection; above +2 dBm increases distortion and may degrade reliability. The datasheet specifies 0 dBm as the nominal drive condition for all key specs including 13 dB gain and 25 dB image rejection - ensuring repeatable performance in production designs.
Does the HMC951LP4ETR require an external 90° hybrid, and why?
Yes, the HMC951LP4ETR requires an external 90° hybrid on the IF outputs to select the desired sideband (USB or LSB). The device provides separate I and Q baseband outputs (IF1 and IF2) but does not internally combine them - the hybrid performs the vector summation needed for sideband suppression. Without it, both sidebands appear simultaneously at the outputs, defeating the image-reject function.
What is the maximum allowable DC current on the IF1 and IF2 pins of the HMC951LP4ETR?
The HMC951LP4ETR IF1 and IF2 pins are DC-coupled and must not sink or source more than ±3 mA of DC current. Exceeding this limit risks non-function or permanent damage. For AC-coupled applications, series blocking capacitors are recommended; for DC-coupled use, ensure downstream circuitry presents high impedance or uses active biasing within the ±3 mA constraint.
How is bias current set for the RF and LO amplifier stages in the HMC951LP4ETR?
Bias current for the RF amplifier is set via external resistor on VBIAS_RF (Pin 3); a 390 Ω resistor yields ~55 mA Idd1. LO amplifier current is set via VBIAS_LO (Pin 15); a 1 kΩ resistor yields ~140 mA Idq. Total supply current ranges 55–105 mA depending on configuration. Both resistors must be placed close to respective pins with proper decoupling.
Is the HMC951LP4ETR still in active production, and what is its lifecycle status?
The HMC951LP4ETR is marked OBSOLETE in official Analog Devices documentation. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains inventory and supports legacy design continuity through traceable, tested stock and lifecycle coordination - enabling continued use in existing military, aerospace, and industrial systems where redesign is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
HMC951LP4ETR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 5.6GHz ~ 8.6GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 13dB
- Noise Figure:
- 2dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- 55mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
HMC951LP4ETR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC951LP4ETR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC951LP4ETR 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 HMC951LP4ETR reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC951LP4ETR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC951LP4ETR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC951LP4ETR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC951LP4ETR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC951LP4ETR?
HMC951LP4ETR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC951LP4ETR 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 HMC951LP4ETR?
For technical support, including HMC951LP4ETR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC951LP4ETR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC951LP4ETR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC951LP4ETR 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 HMC951LP4ETR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC951LP4ETR?
All HMC951LP4ETR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC951LP4ETR, 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 HMC951LP4ETR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC951LP4ETR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC951LP4ETR Tags
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