RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAX2538ETI-G104

MAX2538ETI-G104

Analog Devices, Inc.

QUAD-MODE MIXER

118

LTC5556IUH#PBF

LTC5556IUH#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

1.5GHZ TO 7GHZ DUAL PROGRAMMABLE

68

MZ7407

MZ7407

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

21

HMC264LC3B

HMC264LC3B

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC 12SMD

56

SYM-30DHW+

SYM-30DHW+

LEVEL 17, SMT TRIPLE BALANCED MI

0

HMC260ALC3BTR

HMC260ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER FUNDAMENTAL 12SMD

0

MC2720

MC2720

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.OPEN CARRIER

12

HMC553ALC3BTR-R5

HMC553ALC3BTR-R5

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 12SMD

0

MY63

MY63

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

M2T

M2T

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,STANDARD

25

ADE-13+

ADE-13+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

MY88

MY88

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

1044

SIM-73L+

SIM-73L+

LEVEL 4, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

M2GC

M2GC

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DOUBLE BALANCED,CASCADED

10

HMC773ALC3BTR

HMC773ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 6-26GHZ DUAL 12QFN

1421

ADE-12+

ADE-12+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

AK1228

AK1228

Asahi Kasei Microdevices / AKM Semiconductor

IC RF MIXER 10-2000MHZ 16UQFN

0

F1701NBGI

F1701NBGI

Renesas Electronics America

IC MIXER RX 1CH 20VFQFPN

148

MAC-50-PIN

MAC-50-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

DM0412LW2

DM0412LW2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

HIGH ISOLATION, DOUBLE BALANCED

3

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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