RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SM4T

SM4T

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER SURFACE MOUNT

1575

MAX2538EGI

MAX2538EGI

Analog Devices, Inc.

QUAD-MODE MIXER

58561

LTC5541IUH#TRPBF

LTC5541IUH#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXR 1.3-2.3GHZ DWNCONV 20QFN LTC5541IUH#TRPBF

7500

ADEX-10+

ADEX-10+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

SA639DH/01,112

SA639DH/01,112

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 500MHZ UP CONV 24TSSOP

2159

LT5521EUF#PBF

LT5521EUF#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 10MHZ-3.7GHZ UP 16QFN

430

UPC8172TB-E3-A

UPC8172TB-E3-A

Renesas Electronics America

DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER

3950

QMC-MIX12-FB00

QMC-MIX12-FB00

Quantum Microwave Components

WR-12 FULL BAND MIXER

0

AD608ARZ-RL

AD608ARZ-RL

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 500MHZ DOWN CONV 16SOIC

1323

DB0418LW1

DB0418LW1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

BROADBAND DOUBLE BALANCED

7

HMC687LP4ETR

HMC687LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER BICMOS 24-QFN

0

ADEX-10L+

ADEX-10L+

LEVEL 4, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

MDS-189-PIN

MDS-189-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER DB

10525

LTC5540IUH#TRPBF

LTC5540IUH#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 600MHZ-1.3GHZ DWN 20QFN

0

ADRF6658BCPZ-RL7

ADRF6658BCPZ-RL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER DUAL

0

M2E

M2E

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DOUBLE BALANCED

10

MC4113

MC4113

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.LARGE OPEN CARRIER

4

SYM-2500+

SYM-2500+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

MAX2032ETP+

MAX2032ETP+

Analog Devices, Inc.

MAX2032 HIGH-LINEARITY, 650MHZ T

6540

PE4140B-Z

PE4140B-Z

pSemi

IC MIXER 0-6GHZ QUAD MSFT 6DFN

942

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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