RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LTC5576IUF#PBF

LTC5576IUF#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER DOWN CONVERTER 16QFN

602

MAX2681EUT+T

MAX2681EUT+T

Maxim Integrated

IC MXR 400MHZ-2.5GHZ DWN SOT23-6

4727

MDS-158-PIN

MDS-158-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

HMC773ALC3BTR-R5

HMC773ALC3BTR-R5

Analog Devices, Inc.

FUNDAMENTAL MIXER SMT, 6 - 26 GH

0

LTC5555IUFD#PBF

LTC5555IUFD#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

1.5GHZ TO 7GHZ PRGM GAIN DWNCONV

87

F1162NBGI

F1162NBGI

Renesas Electronics America

IC RF-IF DOWNCONV MIXER 36VFQFPN

229

HMC685LP4ETR

HMC685LP4ETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER LO AMP 24-QFN

0

HMC264

HMC264

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC DIE

0

MDS-149-PIN

MDS-149-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

HMC218BMS8GETR

HMC218BMS8GETR

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MMIC MIXER DBL-BAL 8MSOP

106

MAX19985AETX+T

MAX19985AETX+T

Maxim Integrated

IC MIXER 700MHZ-1GHZ DWN 36TQFN

0

MZ7407C

MZ7407C

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

21

ADL5354ACPZ-R7

ADL5354ACPZ-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

2200MHZ TO 2700MHZ, DUAL-BALANCE

70499

MAX2671EUT-T

MAX2671EUT-T

Analog Devices, Inc.

UPCONVERTER MIXER

15144

SA636DK/01,112

SA636DK/01,112

NXP Semiconductors

IC MIXER 500MHZ UP CONVRT 20SSOP

880

AD8343ARUZ

AD8343ARUZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC MXR 0HZ-2.5GHZ UP/DWN 14TSSOP

100

MAX2029ETP+T

MAX2029ETP+T

Maxim Integrated

IC MXR 815MHZ-1GHZ UP/DWN 20TQFN

0

SM4TH

SM4TH

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

15

MAX2673EUA-T

MAX2673EUA-T

Analog Devices, Inc.

UPCONVERTER MIXER

2500

CSM2-10

CSM2-10

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

100247

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