RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAX2041ETP+

MAX2041ETP+

Maxim Integrated

IC MXR 1.7-3GHZ UP/DWN 20TQFN

0

HMC-C043

HMC-C043

Analog Devices, Inc.

I/Q MIX / IRM MODULE 11 - 16 GHZ

0

HMC581LP6E

HMC581LP6E

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC DOWNCONVERTER HI IP3 28-QFN

0

HMC144LH5

HMC144LH5

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL CERAMIC

0

HMC560LM3TR

HMC560LM3TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24-40GHZ 6SMD

0

HMC400MS8

HMC400MS8

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 8-MSOP

0

U2796B-MFP

U2796B-MFP

Roving Networks / Microchip Technology

IC MIXER 2GHZ SINGLE BAL 8SO

0

HMC560

HMC560

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL DIE

0

HMC620LC4TR

HMC620LC4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD

0

HMC402MS8ETR

HMC402MS8ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HIGH IP3 8MSOP

0

HMC558-SX

HMC558-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL DIE

0

HMC220AMS8E

HMC220AMS8E

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER 5-12GHZ UP/DWN 8MSOP

0

HMC387MS8E

HMC387MS8E

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 8-MSOP

0

HMC620

HMC620

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER DIE

0

HMC-C047

HMC-C047

Analog Devices, Inc.

I/Q MIX MODULE 30 - 38 GHZ

0

SA612AN/01,112

SA612AN/01,112

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 500MHZ UP CONVRT 8DIP

0

MY52

MY52

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

0

HMC552LP4ETR

HMC552LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER DBL-BAL HI IP3 24SMD

0

HMC557LC4TR-R5

HMC557LC4TR-R5

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER FUNDAMENTAL 24SMD

0

HMC521

HMC521

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER DIE

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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