RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LTC5548IUDB#TRMPBF

LTC5548IUDB#TRMPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

2GHZ TO 14GHZ MICROWAVE MIXER WI

875

BFS540

BFS540

TRANS RF NPN 15V 9GHZ SOT323

18000

MDS-148-PIN

MDS-148-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

1015

MD-148-PIN

MD-148-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER

10

HMC329A

HMC329A

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER MIXER 22-38GHZ

100

SA636DK/02J

SA636DK/02J

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 500MHZ RSSI 20SSOP

2500

F1701NBGI8

F1701NBGI8

Renesas Electronics America

VFQFPN 5.00X5.00X0.80 MM, 0.65MM

0

TMC2249AH6C

TMC2249AH6C

MIXER, 12-BIT, CMOS, CPGA120

8936

LTC5549IUDB#TRPBF

LTC5549IUDB#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 2GHZ-14GHZ 12QFN

0

BF1118WR

BF1118WR

NXP Semiconductors

IC RF SWITCH SOT343N

585000

HMC560ALM3

HMC560ALM3

Analog Devices, Inc.

GAAS MMIC DBL-BAL MIX SMT, 24 -

0

HMC554A

HMC554A

Analog Devices, Inc.

MIXERS

0

HMC560A-SX

HMC560A-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

GAAS MMIC DBL-BAL MIX CHIP, 24 -

6

HMC560ALM3TR

HMC560ALM3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

GAAS MMIC DBL-BAL MIX SMT, 24 -

0

F1178NBGI8

F1178NBGI8

Renesas Electronics America

VFQFPN 6.00X6.00X0.80 MM, 0.50MM

0

HMC420QS16ETR

HMC420QS16ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER LO/IF AMP 16SSOP

0

HMC141C8

HMC141C8

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL CERMIC

0

HMC399MS8E

HMC399MS8E

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 8-MSOP

0

UPC8112TB-A

UPC8112TB-A

CEL (California Eastern Laboratories)

IC MIXER 800MHZ-2GHZ DWN 6SMD

0

HMC399MS8

HMC399MS8

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 8-MSOP

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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