RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAX2682EUT

MAX2682EUT

Analog Devices, Inc.

SIGE DOWNCONVERTER MIXER

5803

MRFIC1813R2

MRFIC1813R2

UP CONVERTER

22500

HMC521ALC4

HMC521ALC4

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24CLCC

20

MD-149-PIN

MD-149-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

25

ADE-12H+

ADE-12H+

LEVEL 17, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MAX2671EUT+T

MAX2671EUT+T

Maxim Integrated

IC MIXR 400MHZ-2.5GHZ UP SOT23-6

8966

ADRF6603ACPZ-R7

ADRF6603ACPZ-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

2100 MHZ TO 2600 MHZ RX MIXER WI

5053

HMC1042LC4TR

HMC1042LC4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER GAAS 24SMD

2

MAX9996ETP+

MAX9996ETP+

Maxim Integrated

IC MIXER 1.7-2.2GHZ DWN 20TQFN

51

LTC5562IUC#TRMPBF

LTC5562IUC#TRMPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

LF-7GHZ LOW-POWER, WIDEBAND ACTI

0

SYM-30DLHW+

SYM-30DLHW+

LEVEL 10, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

M85

M85

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

HMC264LC3BTR-R5

HMC264LC3BTR-R5

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC 12SMD

0

MC2707

MC2707

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,OPEN CARRIER

10

MC2307

MC2307

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.OPEN CARRIER

0

MAX2682EUT-G21

MAX2682EUT-G21

Analog Devices, Inc.

SIGE DOWNCONVERTER MIXER

4339

HMC688LP4ETR

HMC688LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

BICMOS MMIC MIXER WITH INTEGRATE

3490

ADE-30+

ADE-30+

LEVEL 7, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MIX

0

HMC815BLC5TR

HMC815BLC5TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

MIXER, UPCONVERTER

0

MY93

MY93

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

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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