RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LT5512EUF#PBF

LT5512EUF#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 1KHZ-3GHZ DWN 16QFN

0

ADE-4+

ADE-4+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

LTC5562IUC#TRPBF

LTC5562IUC#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

LF-7GHZ LOW-POWER, WIDEBAND ACTI

0

F1178NBGI

F1178NBGI

Renesas Electronics America

IC RF-IF MIXER 3800MHZ 36VFQFPN

422

MAX2537ETI

MAX2537ETI

Analog Devices, Inc.

QUAD-MODE MIXER

18695

MY50A

MY50A

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

935

CSM4TH

CSM4TH

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,COMMERCIAL

63185

ADE-10H+

ADE-10H+

LEVEL 17, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MAX9984ETP+

MAX9984ETP+

Maxim Integrated

IC MIXER 400MHZ-1GHZ DWN 20TQFN

1860

LTC5551IUF#TRPBF

LTC5551IUF#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXR .3-3.5GHZ DWNCONV 16QFN

0

HMC553ALC3BTR

HMC553ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 12SMD

65

SA636BS,115

SA636BS,115

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 500MHZ UP CONV 20HVQFN

105

BGX7221HN/1,518

BGX7221HN/1,518

NXP Semiconductors

TRANSMITTER IQ MODULATOR 36HVQFN

0

SIM-43H+

SIM-43H+

LEVEL 17, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

ADRF6650ACPZ

ADRF6650ACPZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL CONVERTER WITH INTEGRATED L

0

SM6D

SM6D

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

22

TMC2249AKEC2

TMC2249AKEC2

MIXER, 12-BIT, CMOS, PQFP120

928

MAX2531ETI

MAX2531ETI

Analog Devices, Inc.

QUAD-MODE MIXER

2315

ADE-1MHW+

ADE-1MHW+

LEVEL 13, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MDS-223-PIN

MDS-223-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

RF Mixers

1. Overview

RF/IF Mixers are three-port nonlinear devices that convert signals from one frequency to another by multiplying two input signals (RF and LO) to produce intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband outputs. They are critical components in wireless communication systems, enabling frequency translation for signal processing. RFID RF Mixers specialize in handling signals for Radio Frequency Identification systems, ensuring accurate data transmission between readers and tags. These components underpin modern technologies including 5G, IoT, and industrial automation.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
Passive MixersUse diodes or FETs without external power, offering high linearity and wide bandwidthSatellite communication, test equipment
Active MixersUse transistors with power supply, provide conversion gain and isolation5G base stations, RFID readers
Up-Conversion MixersConvert low-frequency signals to higher RF frequenciesWireless transmitters, radar systems
Down-Conversion MixersConvert high-frequency signals to lower IF/basebandSmartphone receivers, RFID interrogators
Zero-IF MixersDirect conversion to DC/baseband, eliminating IF stagesSoftware-defined radios, BLE modules

3. Structure and Components

Typical RF Mixers consist of nonlinear semiconductor elements (diodes, BJTs, or FETs), impedance matching networks, and three frequency-selective ports (RF, LO, IF). Advanced designs integrate baluns for balanced signal processing and temperature compensation circuits. Packaging varies from surface-mount (SMD) for PCB integration to coaxial connectors for high-power applications. RFID-specific mixers often include on-chip filtering for 860-960 MHz UHF bands.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterSignificanceTypical Values
Frequency RangeDetermines operational bandwidth50 MHz - 100 GHz
Conversion Loss/GainMeasures efficiency of frequency translation-6 dB to +12 dB
LO Drive LevelRequired local oscillator power0 dBm - 20 dBm
Isolation (RF-LO, IF-LO)Prevents signal leakage20 dB - 45 dB
IP3 (Third-Order Intercept)Indicates linearity performance+5 dBm - +25 dBm
Phase NoiseAffects signal purity-150 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz offset

5. Application Fields

  • Telecommunications: 5G NR base stations, microwave backhaul
  • RFID Systems: UHF Gen2 readers, NFC payment terminals
  • Test & Measurement: Spectrum analyzers, signal generators
  • Industrial IoT: Wireless sensor networks, asset tracking
  • Medical Imaging: MRI system frequency conversion
  • Automotive Radar: 76-81 GHz FMCW radar mixers

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Features
Analog DevicesADL58016 GHz active mixer, +18 dBm IIP3, 4G/5G applications
Mini-CircuitsZMX-7R2-S+26.5 GHz passive mixer, 50-4000 MHz bandwidth
Nordic SemiconductornRF24L012.4 GHz active mixer for Bluetooth LE
InfineonB4100N60ESiC mixer for 600V RFID systems
STMicroelectronicsSAW36R1M3.6 GHz SAW mixer for RFID readers

7. Selection Recommendations

Key selection criteria include: matching target frequency bands, required conversion gain/loss budget, LO power availability, and linearity requirements. For RFID applications, prioritize low LO leakage (<-15 dBm) and integrated filters. High-volume manufacturing should consider package type (QFN vs. die) and RoHS compliance. Always verify IP3 performance for multi-signal environments and check temperature stability (-40 C to +85 C) for industrial use.

8. Industry Trends

The market shifts toward: 1) Millimeter-wave mixers for 28/39 GHz 5G FR2 bands 2) System-on-Chip (SoC) integration with on-die mixers 3) Energy-efficient designs for battery-powered RFID tags 4) Software-defined radio (SDR) compatibility with programmable IF 5) Increased adoption of GaN mixers for high-power aerospace applications 6) Refined zero-IF architectures reducing component count in mobile devices

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