RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LT5511EFE#PBF

LT5511EFE#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 10MHZ-3GHZ UP 16TSSOP

185

TB0218LW2

TB0218LW2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

BROADBAND TRIPLE BALANCED

15

TRF1216IRGPR

TRF1216IRGPR

Texas Instruments

DOWN CONVERTER

42000

DM0052LA2

DM0052LA2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

HIGH ISOLATION DOUBLE BALANCED

8

F1192BNLGK

F1192BNLGK

Renesas Electronics America

VFQFPN 4.00X4.00X0.90 MM, 0.50MM

0

MAX9986AETP+T

MAX9986AETP+T

Maxim Integrated

IC MIXER 815MHZ-1GHZ DWN 20TQFN

2500

LTC5577IUF#PBF

LTC5577IUF#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER DOWN CONVERTER 16QFN

794

CSM1-10

CSM1-10

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.LOW COST

100387

MZ9310C

MZ9310C

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

141

ADE-17H+

ADE-17H+

LEVEL 17, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

AD8344ACPZ-REEL7

AD8344ACPZ-REEL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MXR 400MHZ-1.2GHZ DWN 16LFCSP

1455

HMC-MDB277-SX

HMC-MDB277-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL DIE

0

LTC5567IUF#PBF

LTC5567IUF#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 300MHZ-4GHZ DWN 16QFN

1425

HMC292ALC3B

HMC292ALC3B

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 12-QFN

9

ADEX-10H+

ADEX-10H+

LEVEL 17, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MD-123-PIN

MD-123-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

48

SYM-25DLHW+

SYM-25DLHW+

LEVEL 10, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MD-169-PIN

MD-169-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,TB,RF,TIM

15

LTC5591IUH#TRPBF

LTC5591IUH#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 1.3-2.3GHZ 24QFN

0

AK1221

AK1221

Asahi Kasei Microdevices / AKM Semiconductor

IC RF MIXER 700-3500MHZ 16UQFN

0

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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