Analog Devices Inc. HMC967LP4ETR

Overview

HMC967LP4ETR from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter IC designed for RF front-end signal translation in 21–24 GHz systems. It delivers 15 dB small-signal conversion gain, 2.5 dB noise figure, and 25 dBc image rejection with integrated LNA and active x2 LO multiplier. Used in millimeter-wave point-to-point radios and satellite communications receivers.

For engineers reviewing the HMC967LP4ETR datasheet, HMC967LP4ETR pinout, HMC967LP4ETR application, or HMC967LP4ETR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 21–24 GHz RF bandwidth, DC–3.5 GHz IF output range, 24-lead 4×4 mm SMT package, and requirement for external 90° hybrid to select USB/LSB sideband.

Technical Context

The HMC967LP4ETR implements an image-reject mixer architecture combining an RF LNA, active x2 LO multiplier, and quadrature mixer core. Its internal LNA eliminates need for external image-filtering before mixing, reducing thermal noise contribution at the image frequency.

It operates with LO input in 8.8–13.5 GHz range, supports USB/LSB selection via external IF 90° hybrid, and provides differential I/Q IF outputs (IF1/IF2) with amplitude balance of ±0.5 dB and phase balance of ±12° at 500 MHz - critical for high-fidelity quadrature demodulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead leadless RoHS-compliant SMT package, 4 × 4 mm body, 16 mm² footprint, exposed ground paddle requiring solder connection to PCB RF ground per Hittite land pattern guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC967LP4ETR, HMC1040LP4E offers broader RF coverage but lacks integrated LNA and requires higher LO drive, while ADMV1013ACPZ adds digital control and wider frequency range at the cost of larger size and higher complexity - making HMC967LP4ETR optimal for compact, analog-focused E-band receivers prioritizing noise performance and integration density.

Availability

HMC967LP4ETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point radio, satellite communications, and military EW systems requiring stable component supply, high-frequency RF performance, and RoHS-compliant SMT packaging.

Supply support for HMC967LP4ETR 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 with focus on performance, reliability, and application-specific integration.

The HMC967LP4ETR belongs to the Hittite MMIC mixer family engineered for millimeter-wave communication and defense systems where image rejection, low noise, and compact SMT integration are critical.

FAQ

What is the recommended LO drive level for optimal performance of the HMC967LP4ETR?

The HMC967LP4ETR achieves best conversion gain (15 dB), noise figure (2.5 dB), and image rejection (25 dBc) at +6 dBm LO drive. Performance degrades below +4 dBm, and exceeding +7 dBm risks compression or reliability impact. The device includes an internal active x2 LO multiplier, so the applied LO must be in the 8.8–13.5 GHz range to target the 21–24 GHz RF band. Always verify LO return loss across temperature per datasheet plots.

Does the HMC967LP4ETR require an external 90° hybrid, and why?

Yes, the HMC967LP4ETR requires an external 90° hybrid at the IF outputs to select either upper or lower sideband. The device provides separate I and Q IF outputs (IF1 and IF2), but sideband selection depends on how those signals are combined. Without the hybrid, both sidebands appear simultaneously at baseband, causing ambiguity. The datasheet specifies all image rejection data assumes use of an external IF 90° hybrid, and performance metrics like amplitude/phase balance are measured without it to isolate device characteristics.

What are the absolute maximum ratings for HMC967LP4ETR supply voltages and operating temperature?

HMC967LP4ETR has absolute maximum ratings of 4 V for all supply pins (VDRF, VDLO1, VDLO2), –55 °C to +85 °C operating temperature, and +175 °C channel temperature. Exceeding 4 V risks gate oxide breakdown in the GaAs process; operation beyond +85 °C ambient requires derating based on thermal resistance (79.6 °C/W) and PCB heat sinking. The device is ESD-sensitive (HBM Class 1A), so handling and assembly must follow strict ESD protocols to avoid latent damage to HMC967LP4ETR.

Can the HMC967LP4ETR operate with DC-coupled IF outputs, and what are the limitations?

Yes, HMC967LP4ETR supports DC-coupled IF outputs on pins IF1 and IF2, enabling true zero-IF architectures. However, each IF pin must not sink or source more than ±3 mA DC current - exceeding this causes non-function or permanent failure. For AC-coupled applications, external series capacitors are required, sized per lowest IF frequency of interest. The DC-coupled capability simplifies baseband filtering but demands careful attention to DC bias conditions in downstream circuitry interfacing with HMC967LP4ETR.

How does the HMC967LP4ETR achieve image rejection without an external image filter?

HMC967LP4ETR achieves 25 dBc image rejection through its integrated image-reject mixer architecture, which combines an RF LNA, active x2 LO multiplier, and quadrature mixer core. This topology inherently cancels the image frequency by exploiting 90° phase relationships between I and Q paths - eliminating need for external image-reject filters before the mixer. As a result, HMC967LP4ETR reduces system insertion loss, board space, and thermal noise contribution from passive filtering, directly improving overall receiver noise figure and dynamic range.