RF Mixers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LTC5544IUF#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MIXER DOWN CONVERTER 16QFN	0
MAX9995ETX Analog Devices, Inc.	DOWN-CONVERSION MIXER	11552
MAX2029ETP Analog Devices, Inc.	UP/DOWNCONVERSION MIXER	1698
HMC520ALC4TR-R5 Analog Devices, Inc.	GAAS MMIC I/Q MIXER 6-10 GHZ	0
HMC265 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC DIE	0
HMC798ALC4TR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MMIC MIXER SUB-HARM 24SMD	0
MAX9982ETP+T Analog Devices, Inc.	825MHZ TO 915MHZ, SIGE HIGH-LINE	2500
HMC-C044 Analog Devices, Inc.	I/Q MIX / IRM MODULE 15 - 23 GHZ	1
LTC5543IUH#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MIXER 2.3-4GHZ 20QFN	0
MAX2539EGI Analog Devices, Inc.	QUAD-MODE MIXER	5191
AD6636BBC Analog Devices, Inc.	150 MSPS WIDEBAND RSP	520
HMC977LP4ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	I/Q DOWNCONVERTER SMT, 20 - 28 G	1480
ADRF6602ACPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	1550 MHZ TO 2150 MHZ RX MIXER WI	781
LTC5510IUF#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	HIGH LINEARITY MIXER 16QFN	478
MAX2685EEE Analog Devices, Inc.	DOWNCONVERTER MIXER	5316
MAX2531ETI+ Analog Devices, Inc.	QUAD-MODE MIXER	50
HMC292ALC3BTR-R5 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MMIC MIXER16-30GHZ 12SMD	490
HMC338LC3BTR Analog Devices, Inc.	DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER, GAAS	976
HMC265-SX Analog Devices, Inc.	IC MIXER SUB-HARMONIC DIE	0
HMC1081 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

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Passive Mixers	Use diodes or FETs without external power, offering high linearity and wide bandwidth	Satellite communication, test equipment
Active Mixers	Use transistors with power supply, provide conversion gain and isolation	5G base stations, RFID readers
Up-Conversion Mixers	Convert low-frequency signals to higher RF frequencies	Wireless transmitters, radar systems
Down-Conversion Mixers	Convert high-frequency signals to lower IF/baseband	Smartphone receivers, RFID interrogators
Zero-IF Mixers	Direct conversion to DC/baseband, eliminating IF stages	Software-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

Parameter	Significance	Typical Values
Frequency Range	Determines operational bandwidth	50 MHz - 100 GHz
Conversion Loss/Gain	Measures efficiency of frequency translation	-6 dB to +12 dB
LO Drive Level	Required local oscillator power	0 dBm - 20 dBm
Isolation (RF-LO, IF-LO)	Prevents signal leakage	20 dB - 45 dB
IP3 (Third-Order Intercept)	Indicates linearity performance	+5 dBm - +25 dBm
Phase Noise	Affects 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

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Analog Devices	ADL5801	6 GHz active mixer, +18 dBm IIP3, 4G/5G applications
Mini-Circuits	ZMX-7R2-S+	26.5 GHz passive mixer, 50-4000 MHz bandwidth
Nordic Semiconductor	nRF24L01	2.4 GHz active mixer for Bluetooth LE
Infineon	B4100N60E	SiC mixer for 600V RFID systems
STMicroelectronics	SAW36R1M	3.6 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