HMC521LC4

v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Typical Applications Features

The HMC521LC4 is ideal for: Wide IF Bandwidth: DC - 3.5 GHz
MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

• Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-Point Radio Image Rejection: 38 dB

• Military Radar LO to RF Isolation: 50 dB
High Input IP3: +23 dBm
24 Lead 4x4mm SMT Package: 16mm²

Functional Diagram General Description

The HMC521LC4 is a compact I/Q MMIC mixer in a
leadless “Pb free” RoHS compliant SMT package,
which can be used as either an Image Reject Mixer
or a Single Sideband Upconverter. The mixer utilizes
two standard Hittite double balanced mixer cells and
a 90 degree hybrid fabricated in a GaAs MESFET
process. A low frequency quadrature hybrid was used
to produce a 100 MHz USB IF output. This product is a
much smaller alternative to hybrid style Image Reject
Mixers and Single Sideband Upconverter assemblies.
The HMC521LC4 eliminates the need for wire
bonding allowing use of surface mount manufacturing
techniques.

Electrical Specifications, TA = +25 °C, IF= 100 MHz, LO = +15 dBm*

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Min. Typ. Max. Units

Frequency Range, RF/LO 8.5 - 13.5 10.5 - 11.7 GHz

Frequency Range, IF DC - 3.5 DC - 3.5 GHz
Conversion Loss (As IRM) 8 10 7.5 9.5 dB
Image Rejection 20 30 30 38 dB
1 dB Compression (Input) +14 +15 dBm
LO to RF Isolation 35 45 45 55 dB
LO to IF Isolation 18 22 20 24 dB
IP3 (Input) +23 +24 dBm
Amplitude Balance 0.3 0.1 dB
Phase Balance 4 4 Deg
* Unless otherwise noted, all measurements performed as downconverter.

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone: Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
1 license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Application
• Order online at www.analog.com
Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Data Taken As IRM With External IF Hybrid

Conversion Gain vs. Temperature Image Rejection vs. Temperature

0 60

MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

50
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

IMAGE REJECTION (dB)

-5
40

-10 30

20
+25C +25C
-15 +85C +85C
-55C -55C
10

-20 0
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) RF FREQUENCY (GHz)

Conversion Gain vs. LO Drive Return Loss

0 0

-5
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

-5
RETURN LOSS (dB)

-10

-10 -15

-20
+13 dBm
-15 +15 dBm
+17 dBm
+19 dBm -25 RF
LO

-20 -30
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) FREQUENCY (GHz)

Input P1dB vs. Temperature Input IP3 vs. LO Drive

20 35

30
16

25
P1dB (dBm)

12
IP3 (dBm)

20
+25C
8 +85C
-55C 15 LO = +13 dBm
LO = +15 dBm
4 LO = +17 dBm
10 LO = +19 dBm

0 5
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) RF FREQUENCY (GHz)

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone:
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
• Order online at www.analog.com 2
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Quadrature Channel Data Taken Without IF Hybrid

Isolations IF Bandwidth*
-10 0
MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

-20
LO/IF2 -5
ISOLATION (dB)

RESPONSE (dB)
-30
LO/IF1
-10
RF/IF1
-40

-15 RETURN LOSS

-50 CONVERSION GAIN

LO/RF RF/IF2
-60 -20
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) IF FREQUENCY (GHz)

Amplitude Balance vs. LO Drive Phase Balance vs. LO Drive

2 10

1.5 LO = +13 dBm LO = +13 dBm

LO = +15 dBm LO = +15 dBm
PHASE BALANCE (degrees)
AMPLITUDE BALANCE (dB)

LO = +17 dBm LO = +17 dBm

1 LO = +19 dBm 5 LO = +19 dBm

0.5

0 0

-0.5

-1 -5

-1.5

-2 -10
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) RF FREQUENCY (GHz)

Upconverter Performance Conversion Upconverter Performance Sideband

Gain vs. LO Drive Rejection vs. LO Drive
0 0
SIDEBAND REJECTION (dBc)

-10
CONVERSION GAIN (dB)

-5 LO = +13 dBm
LO = +15 dBm
LO = +17 dBm
LO = +19 dBm
-20
-10
-30
LO = +13 dBm
-15 LO = +17 dBm
LO = +15 dBm -40
LO = +19 dBm

-20 -50
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
RF FREQUENCY (GHz) RF FREQUENCY (GHz)

* Conversion gain data taken with external IF hybrid

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone: Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
3 license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Application
• Order online at www.analog.com
Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Harmonics of LO MxN Spurious Outputs

nLO Spur at RF Port nLO
LO Freq. (GHz)
1 2 3 4 mRF 0 1 2 3 4

MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

8.5 42 44 44 70 0 xx -5 29 23 52
9.5 50 53 59 77 1 27 0 51 59 81
10.5 51 54 63 xx 2 92 85 76 82 92
11.5 47 58 66 xx 3 92 92 92 92 92
12.5 45 59 70 xx 4 92 92 92 92 92
13.5 45 57 xx xx RF = 10.6 GHz @ -10 dBm
LO = + 15 dBm LO = 10.5 GHz @ +15 dBm
Values in dBc below input LO level measured at RF Port. Data taken without IF hybrid
All values in dBc below IF power level

Absolute Maximum Ratings

RF / IF Input +20 dBm ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICE
LO Drive + 27 dBm OBSERVE HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Channel Temperature 150°C
Continuous Pdiss (T=85°C)
460 mW
(derate 6.9 mW/°C above 85°C)
Thermal Resistance (RTH)
141.4 °C/W
(junction to package bottom)
Storage Temperature -65 to +150 °C
Operating Temperature -55 to +85 °C

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone:
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
• Order online at www.analog.com 4
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Outline Drawing
MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

NOTES:
1.. PACKAGE BODY MATERIAL: ALUMINA
2.. LEAD AND GROUND PADDLE PLATING: 30 - 80 MICROINCHES
GOLD OVER 50 MICROINCHES MINIMUM NICKLE
3.. DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES [MILLIMETERS]
4.. LEAD SPACING TOLERANCE IS NON-CUMULATIVE
5.. PACKAGE WARP SHALL NOT EXCEED 0.05mm DATUM
6.. ALL GROUND LEADS AND GROUND PADDLE MUST BE SOLDERED
TO PCB RF GROUND

Package Information
Part Number Package Body Material Lead Finish MSL Rating Package Marking [2]
[1] H521
HMC521LC4 Alumina, White Gold over Nickel MSL3
XXXX
[1] Max peak reflow temperature of 260 °C
[2] 4-Digit lot number XXXX

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone: Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
5 license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Application
• Order online at www.analog.com
Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Pin Descriptions
Pin Number Function Description Interface Schematic

MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

1, 2, 6 - 8, 10, No connection required. These pins may be connected
N/C
13, 17 - 24 to RF/DC ground without affecting performance.

These pins and package bottom must

3, 5, 12, 14, 16 GND
be connected to RF/DC ground.

This pin is AC coupled and matched to

4 RF
50 Ohms from 8.5 to 13.5 GHz.

This pin is DC coupled. For applications

9 IF1 not requiring operation to DC, this port should be
DC blocked externally using a series capacitor whose
value has been chosen to pass the necessary IF
frequency range. For operation to DC, this pin must not
11 IF2 source/sink more than 3mA of current or part non-func-
tion and possible part failure will result.

This pin is AC coupled and matched to

15 LO
50 Ohms from 8.5 to 13.5 GHz.

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone:
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
• Order online at www.analog.com 6
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

Evaluation PCB
MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

List of Materials for Evaluation PCB 109998 [1]

Item Description The circuit board used in the application should use
J1, J2 PCB Mount SMA RF Connector, SRI RF circuit design techniques. Signal lines should
J3 - J4 PCB Mount SMA Connector, Johnson have 50 Ohm impedance while the package ground
U1 HMC521LC4 leads and exposed paddle should be connected
PCB [2] 109996 Evaluation Board directly to the ground plane similar to that shown.
[1] Reference this number when ordering complete evaluation PCB
A sufficient number of via holes should be used to
[2] Circuit Board Material: Rogers 4350
connect the top and bottom ground planes. The
evaluation circuit board shown is available from
Hittite upon request.

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone: Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
7 license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Application
• Order online at www.analog.com
Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. or [email protected]
 HMC521LC4
v04.0514

GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER

8.5 - 13.5 GHz

MIXERS - I/Q MIXERS, IRMS & RECEIVERS - SMT

Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no

For price, delivery and to place orders: For price, 2delivery, and to placeChelmsford,
orders: Analog MA
Devices, Inc.,
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for anyHittite Microwave
infringements Corporation,
of patents or other Elizabeth Drive, 01824
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No
Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373 Phone:
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
Order781-329-4700
On-line at www.hittite.com
• Order online at www.analog.com 8
Trademarks and registered trademarks are Application Support:
the property of their Phone: 978-250-3343
respective owners. Application Support: Phone: 1-800-ANALOG-D
or [email protected]