**HMC577LC4B: A 6 to 26 GHz GaAs pHEMT MMIC Double-Balanced Mixer**

**Introduction**

The **HMC577LC4B** represents a significant advancement in microwave mixing technology, operating across an exceptionally wide frequency range from **6 to 26 GHz**. This monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is fabricated using a high-performance **GaAs pHEMT** (Gallium Arsenide pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor) process. Engineered for superior performance in demanding applications, this double-balanced mixer is a critical component in modern radar systems, electronic warfare (EW) suites, satellite communications, and 5G infrastructure, where high linearity and broad bandwidth are paramount.

**Key Features and Technical Specifications**

The core architecture of the HMC577LC4B is a double-balanced mixer, which provides inherent suppression of unwanted spurious signals and excellent port-to-port isolation. This design effectively minimizes the number of harmonics and intermodulation products, a crucial factor for maintaining signal integrity in dense spectral environments.

A standout feature of this mixer is its **remarkably wide intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth**, which extends from DC to 14 GHz. This allows for tremendous flexibility in system design, supporting both up-conversion and down-conversion operations for a vast array of modulation schemes and bandwidths.

The mixer boasts an outstanding **local oscillator (LO) to radio frequency (RF) isolation of 40 dB** typical at 18 GHz. High isolation is critical as it prevents the powerful LO signal from leaking into other parts of the system, thereby reducing de-sensitization and improving overall receiver performance. Furthermore, the HMC577LC4B achieves a low **conversion loss of just 9 dB**, ensuring minimal signal power is lost during the frequency translation process. Its high input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of +23 dBm underscores its excellent linearity, enabling it to handle strong interfering signals without generating significant distortion.

**Applications**

The combination of wide bandwidth, high isolation, and superior linearity makes the HMC577LC4B indispensable in several high-frequency domains:

* **Radar and EW Systems:** Used in signal intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) for wideband frequency conversion.

* **Test and Measurement Equipment:** Serves as a reliable component in spectrum analyzers and signal generators for accurate high-frequency signal analysis.

* **Satellite and Microwave Communications:** Facilitates up/down-conversion in point-to-point radio links and satellite transponders.

* **5G Infrastructure:** Supports the high-data-rate, millimeter-wave backhaul links essential for next-generation networks.

**Package and Integration**

Housed in a compact, RoHS-compliant **4x4 mm ceramic leadless chip carrier (LCC) package**, the HMC577LC4B is designed for easy integration into multi-chip modules (MCMs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs) using surface-mount technology (SMT). Its small form factor is ideal for systems where space is at a premium.

**ICGOODFIND**

**ICGOODFIND**: The HMC577LC4B stands out as a premier solution for high-performance RF systems demanding operation from 6 to 26 GHz. Its **exceptional LO-to-RF isolation, low conversion loss, and wide IF bandwidth** make it a versatile and robust choice for designers tackling the most challenging applications in communications, radar, and test instrumentation.

**Keywords**

Mixer, MMIC, pHEMT, GHz, Isolation