Analog Devices Inc. HMC977LP4ETR

Overview

HMC977LP4ETR from Analog Devices is a GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter IC operating from 20 GHz to 28 GHz RF, with 8.3–15.7 GHz LO and DC–3.5 GHz IF bandwidths. It delivers 14 dB typical conversion gain, 21 dBc image rejection (20–26.5 GHz), and 2.5 dB noise figure, enabling high-fidelity signal translation in millimeter-wave radar and satellite uplink/downlink receivers.

For engineers reviewing the HMC977LP4ETR datasheet, HMC977LP4ETR pinout, HMC977LP4ETR application, or HMC977LP4ETR equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated LNA + image-reject mixer architecture, 24-lead 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package, external 90° hybrid requirement for sideband selection, and bias supply flexibility across VDRF, VDLO1, and VDLO2 pins.

Technical Context

The HMC977LP4ETR implements an active 2× LO multiplier driving a double-balanced image-reject mixer core, preceded by a low-noise amplifier - eliminating the need for post-LNA image filtering. Its architecture inherently suppresses thermal noise at the image frequency while delivering quadrature IF outputs (IF1/IF2) requiring external 90° hybrid coupling for sideband selection.

It operates across two RF bands: 20–26.5 GHz (2.5 dB NF, 21 dBc image rejection) and 26.5–28 GHz (3.0 dB NF, 20 dBc image rejection), with LO drive range of 2–6 dBm and total supply current of 170–210 mA at 3.5 V. All RF, LO, and IF ports are 50 Ω matched, with ac-coupled RF/LO and dc-coupled IF interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead 4 mm × 4 mm leadless LFCSP (HCP-24-2), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad requiring solder connection to ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC1040LP4E and ADMV1013ACPZ, the HMC977LP4ETR uniquely integrates LNA + image-reject mixer + 2× LO multiplier in a single 4 mm × 4 mm package, offering optimal trade-off of size, noise, and architectural simplicity for production mmWave radios.

Availability

HMC977LP4ETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for military radar, satellite communications, and point-to-point radio systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (−40°C to +85°C) and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for HMC977LP4ETR 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 HMC977LP4ETR belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave product line, designed specifically for millimeter-wave communication and sensing systems requiring compact, high-linearity, image-suppressed downconversion.

FAQ

What is the required external 90° hybrid configuration for upper sideband selection in the HMC977LP4ETR?

For upper sideband selection with the HMC977LP4ETR, connect the IF2 pin to the 0° port and the IF1 pin to the 90° port of the external 90° hybrid coupler. This configuration ensures proper phase alignment between I and Q paths when the LO is at low-side injection (RF = LO + IF). The HMC977LP4ETR datasheet confirms this wiring in the Applications Information section (Figure 52).

Does the HMC977LP4ETR require power sequencing between VDRF, VDLO1, and VDLO2 supplies?

No, the HMC977LP4ETR does not require power sequencing between VDRF, VDLO1, and VDLO2 supplies. The datasheet explicitly states "No power sequence is required" in the Electrical Specifications table, allowing simultaneous ramp-up of all three bias rails. This simplifies power management design in compact mmWave modules where sequencing circuitry adds cost and board area.

Can the HMC977LP4ETR operate with DC-coupled IF outputs, and what are the current limits?

Yes, the HMC977LP4ETR supports DC-coupled IF outputs on pins IF1 and IF2, but each pin must not source or sink more than 3 mA of current to prevent device nonfunctionality or failure. For AC-coupled operation, external series capacitors are required. This constraint is specified in the Pin Function Descriptions table (Page 5) and applies to both IF1 and IF2 pins of the HMC977LP4ETR.

What is the thermal resistance (θJC) of the HMC977LP4ETR package, and how is it achieved?

The HMC977LP4ETR has a channel-to-case thermal resistance (θJC) of 56.3°C/W, measured on a JEDEC 2S2P test board with 4 mm × 4 mm thermal vias under the exposed pad. Achieving this value requires soldering the EPAD directly to a solid ground plane with ≥9 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner ground layers - as detailed in the Layout section (Page 19) of the HMC977LP4ETR datasheet.

How does the HMC977LP4ETR handle spurious responses, and what is a representative M×N spur level?

The HMC977LP4ETR exhibits defined spurious performance: at RF = 24 GHz and LO = 11.5 GHz, the (1×RF) − (2×LO) spur is 0 dBc relative to IF output power, while the (2×RF) − (3×LO) spur is −57.6 dBc. These values are measured with −20 dBm RF input and 4 dBm LO drive (Spurious Performance section, Page 15). Such characterization enables accurate IF filter design for the HMC977LP4ETR in sensitive receiver applications.