RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MDS-223-PIN

MDS-223-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DB,RF

10

MZ5010

MZ5010

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

MC4507-2

MC4507-2

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.OPEN CARRIER

1014

MZ9313

MZ9313

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

22

M4A

M4A

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DOUBLE BALANCED

10255

MY85

MY85

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

4

MZ8813

MZ8813

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

CSM2-17

CSM2-17

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER

59

MAMX-011021-TR1000

MAMX-011021-TR1000

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

IC PASSIVE MIXER ENGINE 6TDFN

526

MAMX-011035-TR0100

MAMX-011035-TR0100

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER, DOUBLE BALANCED, 5.5-19GH

53

SM4T

SM4T

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER SURFACE MOUNT

1575

MDS-189-PIN

MDS-189-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER DB

10525

M2E

M2E

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,DOUBLE BALANCED

10

MC4113

MC4113

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.LARGE OPEN CARRIER

4

M8H-3

M8H-3

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE,DOUBLE BALANCED

0

MDS-169-PIN

MDS-169-PIN

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER TB RF TIM

1425

MC2707-2

MC2707-2

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.SMALL CARRIER

1022

M79

M79

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

10

MC4510

MC4510

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER.SMALL OPEN CARRIER

1010

M88C

M88C

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

MIXER,MICROWAVE

759

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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