RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAMX-011036-TR0100

MAMX-011036-TR0100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

8-43 GHZ DBL BAL MIXER

2502

MAMX-011054-TR0100

MAMX-011054-TR0100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER 18-46 GHZ 12-AQFN

537

MDS-158-PIN

MDS-158-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

MDS-149-PIN

MDS-149-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

MZ7407C

MZ7407C

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

21

SM4TH

SM4TH

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

15

CSM2-10

CSM2-10

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

100247

M6E-50

M6E-50

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

3

CSM2-13

CSM2-13

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

95288

M79H

M79H

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

SM4T17

SM4T17

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER SURFACE MOUNT

38

M2TC

M2TC

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,STANDARD

10

CSM5T17

CSM5T17

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

95

SM6EH

SM6EH

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

15

SM4A

SM4A

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,SURFACE MOUNT

1048

M2BC

M2BC

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DOUBLE BALANCED,CASCADED

0

MZ7420

MZ7420

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE,VERSAPAC

22

MC4120

MC4120

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.LARGE OPEN CARRIER

4

MC4107

MC4107

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.LARGE OPEN CARRIER

10

MY87

MY87

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10132

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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