HMC525ALC4 4–8.5GHz Wideband I/Q Mixer

The HMC525ALC4 from Analog Devices is a passive GaAs MMIC in-phase and quadrature mixer covering RF and LO frequencies from 4GHz to 8.5GHz. It can operate as an image-reject downconverter or single-sideband upconverter in microwave communication, test and military RF systems.

The device integrates two double-balanced mixer cells and a 90-degree hybrid in a compact 4mm × 4mm ceramic LCC package. Its passive design requires no DC bias, while the two quadrature IF ports support an IF frequency range from DC to 3.5GHz.

Explore additional ADI and Hittite RF components or compare related models in the ADI Hittite Mixer Selection Guide.

HMC525ALC4 Key Specifications

Typical performance values are measured with a 15dBm LO signal, 100MHz IF and 25°C ambient temperature unless otherwise specified.

Main Features

• 4GHz to 8.5GHz RF and LO coverage

• DC to 3.5GHz IF bandwidth

• Image-reject downconversion

• Single-sideband upconversion

• 8dB typical conversion loss

• 20dBm typical input IP3

• 47dB typical LO-to-RF isolation

• Passive operation with no DC bias

• Compact surface-mount ceramic LCC package

Image-Reject Downconversion

In a receiver signal path, the HMC525ALC4 can operate as an image-reject mixer. Its two quadrature IF outputs are combined using an external 90-degree IF hybrid to select the required sideband and suppress the unwanted image.

Under the specified test conditions, the device provides approximately 30dBc typical image rejection across the supported 4GHz to 8.5GHz RF range.

The external hybrid, PCB phase balance and amplitude balance directly influence the final image-rejection performance.

Single-Sideband Upconversion

The HMC525ALC4 can also operate as a single-sideband upconverter. Quadrature IF signals are applied through an external 90-degree hybrid, allowing selection of the upper or lower RF sideband.

Typical upconversion performance includes 7.5dB conversion loss, 20dBm input IP3 and 30dBc sideband rejection.

Typical Applications

• Microwave point-to-point radio systems

• VSAT and satellite communication radios

• Image-reject receivers

• Single-sideband transmitters

• Microwave test and measurement equipment

• Radar and electronic-warfare receivers

• Electronic countermeasure systems

• Command, control, communications and intelligence equipment

Design Considerations

The RF and LO ports are internally AC-coupled and matched to 50Ω. The IF1 and IF2 ports are DC-coupled.

An external 90-degree hybrid is required to obtain the specified image-reject or single-sideband performance. The IF1 and IF2 connections determine whether the upper or lower sideband is selected.

For applications that do not require operation down to DC, external DC-blocking capacitors should be selected according to the required IF bandwidth. When using DC operation or LO suppression circuitry, each IF port must not source or sink more than 2mA.

The exposed package pad must be soldered to a low-impedance PCB ground plane. Multiple grounding vias should be placed beneath the package to maintain RF and thermal performance.

HMC525ALC4 Ordering Options

The package, quantity, stock, date code and delivery schedule should be confirmed using the complete ordering code.

HMC525ALC4 Availability and RFQ

DataStorageIC supports sourcing for HMC525ALC4, HMC525ALC4TR, HMC525ALC4TR-R5 and related Analog Devices/Hittite RF mixer products.

For an availability and quotation check, please provide:

• Complete manufacturer part number

• Required quantity

• Target delivery date

• Packaging requirement

• Date-code requirement

• RF, LO and IF frequency plan

• Image-reject or single-sideband application

Contact DataStorageIC for HMC525ALC4 pricing, stock and lead-time information.