Analog Devices Inc. HMC-MDB169
- Part No.:
- HMC-MDB169
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- Die
- Datasheet:
-
HMC-MDB169.pdf
- Description:
- IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL DIE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,108
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
HMC-MDB169 from Analog Devices is a passive GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer die operating at 54–64 GHz RF/LO and DC–5 GHz IF, delivering 8 dB typical conversion loss, 30 dB LO-to-RF isolation, and −55 °C to +85 °C operating temperature-designed for millimeter-wave up/downconversion in SATCOM transceivers.
For engineers reviewing the HMC-MDB169 datasheet, HMC-MDB169 pinout, HMC-MDB169 application, or HMC-MDB169 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.9 × 1.0 mm die size, Ti/Au metallized bond pads, DC-coupled 50 Ω RF/LO ports, and compatibility with eutectic die attach and thermosonic wire bonding in MCM/hybrid microcircuit assemblies.
Technical Context
The HMC-MDB169 implements a passive double-balanced topology using GaAs HBT Schottky diode technology, enabling bidirectional operation as both upconverter and downconverter without DC bias. Its RF and LO ports are DC-coupled and impedance-matched to 50 Ω, while the IF port supports DC coupling across 0–5 GHz.
Performance is characterized under probed-die conditions at TA = 25 °C with +13 dBm LO drive; it achieves 13 dBm input IP3 and +4 dBm input 1 dB compression, with all bond pads and backside metallized in gold for reliable hybrid integration and thermal management.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF/LO Frequency Range | 54–64 GHz - Enables E-band short-haul radio and military radar front-end operation. |
| IF Bandwidth | DC–5 GHz - Supports baseband and wideband intermediate frequency signal processing. |
| Conversion Loss | 8 dB typical - Minimizes signal path attenuation in high-frequency transceiver chains. |
| LO-to-RF Isolation | 30 dB - Reduces LO leakage into antenna paths, easing filtering requirements. |
| DIE Size | 0.9 × 1.0 × 0.1 mm - Enables compact MCM integration with minimal PCB footprint. |
| Operating Temperature | −55 °C to +85 °C - Qualified for industrial and defense-grade environmental operation. |
| Input IP3 | 13 dBm - Provides linearity headroom for multi-carrier SATCOM and EW systems. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Bare die (0.9 mm × 1.0 mm × 0.1 mm), Ti/Au metallized bond pads, gold backside ground plane, supplied in GP-2 gel pack. Compatible with eutectic (AuSn) and conductive epoxy die attach; RF/IF/LO pads support thermosonic ribbon or wedge wire bonding.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF | DC-coupled 50 Ω RF port; accepts 54–64 GHz signals in up/downconversion mode. |
| 2 | IF | DC-coupled IF port supporting 0–5 GHz baseband or intermediate frequency signals. |
| 3 | LO | DC-coupled 50 Ω local oscillator port; requires +13 dBm drive for specified performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Passive double-balanced topology | Eliminates need for external biasing and enables inherent LO/RF/IF port isolation without active circuitry. |
| GaAs HBT Schottky diode process | Delivers stable millimeter-wave performance with full passivation for reliability in harsh environments. |
| Gold metallization (pads & backside) | Ensures robust wire bondability and low-resistance ground connection in hybrid microcircuits. |
| 0.004″ square bond pads | Supports standard 0.003″ × 0.0005″ ribbon bonding with 40–60 g force and ≤12 mil bond length. |
Applications
| Short-Haul Radios | SATCOM Terminals |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-capacity point-to-point wireless links in 60 GHz unlicensed band. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Downconverter in receiver chain and upconverter in transmitter chain. Use Value: 8 dB conversion loss and 30 dB LO-to-RF isolation reduce cascaded noise figure and simplify front-end filtering. |
Use Scenario: Mobile satellite communication terminals requiring compact, broadband RF front ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fundamental mixer translating between L-band IF and E-band RF in transmit/receive modules. Use Value: DC–5 GHz IF bandwidth accommodates wide modulation bandwidths; 0.9 × 1.0 mm die size enables dense array integration. |
| Military Radar | ECM/EW Systems |
Use Scenario: Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar receivers operating at 57–64 GHz. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise downconversion stage in distributed receive modules. Use Value: −55 °C to +85 °C operating range and MIL-STD-883 inspected die ensure field reliability under thermal stress. |
Use Scenario: Broadband electronic countermeasures jammers covering 54–64 GHz threat bands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Upconverter generating high-power jamming signals from baseband waveforms. Use Value: 13 dBm input IP3 and +4 dBm 1 dB compression enable linear amplification of complex modulated jamming signals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar passive millimeter-wave mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC-MDB168 | Same die family; operates at 47–57 GHz RF/LO range with identical 0.9 × 1.0 mm package and 8 dB conversion loss. | Targeted for V-band (47–57 GHz) systems rather than E-band (54–64 GHz); not interchangeable without RF redesign. | Select HMC-MDB168 only when system RF center frequency falls below 54 GHz. |
| HMC-MDB170 | Same architecture; extends RF/LO range to 63–73 GHz with 8.5 dB typical conversion loss and reduced LO-to-RF isolation (27 dB). | Optimized for W-band extensions beyond 64 GHz; exhibits higher conversion loss and lower isolation than HMC-MDB169. | Choose HMC-MDB170 only if system requires coverage above 64 GHz and can tolerate 0.5 dB higher loss. |
Compared with HMC-MDB168 and HMC-MDB170, the HMC-MDB169 uniquely balances E-band coverage (54–64 GHz), 8 dB conversion loss, and 30 dB LO-to-RF isolation-making it the optimal choice for fixed 60 GHz radios, SATCOM terminals, and radar receivers where spectral purity and insertion loss are critical.
Availability
HMC-MDB169 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for short-haul radios, SATCOM terminals, and military radar systems requiring stable component supply, traceable bare-die sourcing, and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for HMC-MDB169 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and defense markets with precision signal processing solutions.
The HMC-MDB169 belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave MMIC mixer product line, engineered specifically for millimeter-wave wireless infrastructure and defense electronics requiring compact, high-isolation, passive mixing at E-band frequencies.
FAQ
What is the recommended LO drive level for HMC-MDB169?
The HMC-MDB169 is characterized and optimized for +13 dBm LO drive power. Operating below this level increases conversion loss; exceeding +20 dBm risks permanent damage per absolute maximum ratings. For stable performance in production designs, maintain LO drive within +12 to +14 dBm using calibrated sources or controlled amplifier stages feeding the LO pad of the HMC-MDB169.
Is HMC-MDB169 a surface-mount device or bare die?
HMC-MDB169 is supplied as a bare GaAs die (0.9 × 1.0 × 0.1 mm), not a packaged SMT component. It requires hybrid assembly via die attach to a grounded substrate and wire bonding to RF transmission lines. The die features Ti/Au bond pads and a gold backside ground plane-making it suitable for MCM, LTCC, and alumina-based microwave modules-not standard PCB reflow processes.
Does HMC-MDB169 require DC bias or external power?
No, the HMC-MDB169 is a fully passive double-balanced mixer based on GaAs Schottky diodes and requires no DC bias or external power supply. All three ports-RF, IF, and LO-are DC-coupled, allowing baseband IF operation down to 0 Hz. This eliminates bias network design complexity and enhances reliability in high-frequency front ends using the HMC-MDB169.
What is the thermal handling limit during die attach for HMC-MDB169?
HMC-MDB169 must not be exposed to temperatures above 320 °C for more than 20 seconds during eutectic die attach. Recommended AuSn (80/20) attachment uses a work surface at 255 °C and tool tip at 265 °C (or 290 °C with hot N₂/H₂ gas). Exceeding thermal limits risks Schottky junction degradation-directly impacting conversion loss and isolation specs of the HMC-MDB169.
Can HMC-MDB169 be used for both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes, the HMC-MDB169 supports bidirectional operation: as an upconverter (IF → RF) or downconverter (RF → IF), due to its symmetric passive double-balanced topology. Performance data confirms consistent conversion loss and isolation in both modes when RF, LO, and IF ports are correctly assigned per the HMC-MDB169 pad layout-enabling flexible reuse in full-duplex or TDD transceiver architectures.
HMC-MDB169 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Die
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- RF Type:
- General Purpose
- Frequency:
- 54GHz ~ 64GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- -
- Secondary Attributes:
- Up/Down Converter
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- Die
HMC-MDB169 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for HMC-MDB169 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for HMC-MDB169 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 HMC-MDB169 reliable?
The price and inventory of HMC-MDB169 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for HMC-MDB169 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for HMC-MDB169?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for HMC-MDB169 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for HMC-MDB169?
HMC-MDB169 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your HMC-MDB169 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 HMC-MDB169?
For technical support, including HMC-MDB169 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your HMC-MDB169 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that HMC-MDB169 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All HMC-MDB169 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 HMC-MDB169 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of HMC-MDB169?
All HMC-MDB169 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with HMC-MDB169, 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 HMC-MDB169 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for HMC-MDB169:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
HMC-MDB169 Tags

-
MAX2671EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
ADEX-10+
Mini-Circuits

-
ADE-2+
Mini-Circuits

-
ADE-1+
Mini-Circuits

-
LT5560EDD#PBF
Analog Devices Inc.

-
LT5560EDD#TRPBF
Analog Devices Inc.

-
LTC5562IUC#TRPBF
Analog Devices Inc.

-
MAX2681EUT+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
ADE-1ASK+
Mini-Circuits

-
ADE-1L+
Mini-Circuits

-
ADL5350ACPZ-R7
Analog Devices Inc.

-
AD608ARZ-RL
Analog Devices Inc.
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

