RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
IR0812LC2B

IR0812LC2B

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRM0226HC1C

IRM0226HC1C

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRM0218LC1B

IRM0218LC1B

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRM1218HC2A

IRM1218HC2A

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRM1218MC2C

IRM1218MC2C

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRM0204LC2B

IRM0204LC2B

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

TIM2733HI2-R

TIM2733HI2-R

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

TERMINATION INSENSITIVE MIXER -

0

IR0502LC1C-L

IR0502LC1C-L

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IR0226LC1A

IR0226LC1A

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

AR1826LI8A

AR1826LI8A

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

ARZ0038

ARZ0038

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

LOW NOISE FRONT END

0

DB0418LW2

DB0418LW2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

ARZ9910N01R

ARZ9910N01R

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IRA2930J25E

IRA2930J25E

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

ARM0408LC2C

ARM0408LC2C

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IR0104M01X

IR0104M01X

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

SBW3337LG2

SBW3337LG2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

WAVEGUIDE MIXER

0

SYS0911F29V

SYS0911F29V

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

TBR0218HW2

TBR0218HW2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

TRIPLE BALANCED MIXER

0

LNB2731L02AC

LNB2731L02AC

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

BLOCK DOWNCONVERTER

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

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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