RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
M80

M80

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

M93C

M93C

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

10

QMC-MIX10-FB00

QMC-MIX10-FB00

Quantum Microwave Components

WR-10 BALANCED MIXER

0

F1792NLGI8

F1792NLGI8

Renesas Electronics America

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

0

HMC682LP6CE

HMC682LP6CE

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC DOWNCONVERTER 2CH 40-QFN

0

SA606DK/01,112

SA606DK/01,112

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 150MHZ UP CONVRT 20SSOP

0

SM5T17

SM5T17

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

1010

HMC400MS8ETR

HMC400MS8ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER HI IP3 8-MSOP

586

HMC787ALC3BTR

HMC787ALC3BTR

Analog Devices, Inc.

DOUBLE-BALANCED - MIXER, 3-11GHZ

105

ADE-751MH+

ADE-751MH+

LEVEL 13, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

MAX2388EGC+

MAX2388EGC+

Analog Devices, Inc.

MAX2388 W-CDMA LNA/MIXER IC

7770

MAX2031ETP+

MAX2031ETP+

Maxim Integrated

IC MXR 650MHZ-1GHZ UP/DWN 20TQFN

115180

ADL5812ACPZ-R7

ADL5812ACPZ-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL HIGH IP3, 700 MHZ TO 2800 M

4407

SIM-792LH+

SIM-792LH+

LEVEL 10, SMT DOUBLE BALANCED MI

0

HMC558ALC3B

HMC558ALC3B

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 12SMD

432

AK1222

AK1222

Asahi Kasei Microdevices / AKM Semiconductor

IC RF MIXER 100-900MHZ 16UQFN

0

HMC8191LC4TR

HMC8191LC4TR

Analog Devices, Inc.

SMT I/Q MIXER 6-26.5GHZ

59

HMC-MDB172

HMC-MDB172

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER DIE

50

HMC8193LC4

HMC8193LC4

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC IQ MIXER 24SMD

255

HMC404-SX

HMC404-SX

Analog Devices, Inc.

I.C., 30GHZ IRM, DIE

18

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

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top