RF Mixers

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
DM0818MW1

DM0818MW1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER - HIGH ISO

0

TB0208HA1

TB0208HA1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

TRIPLE BALANCED MIXER

0

TB0226MW2

TB0226MW2

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

TRIPLE BALANCED MIXER

0

DB0218LA1

DB0218LA1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER - ULTRA BR

0

ME3334W1

ME3334W1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

EVEN HARMONIC MIXER - 1/2 LO

0

LNB2527L20Z

LNB2527L20Z

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

CONVERTER

0

SYS5459J29U

SYS5459J29U

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

OFFSET CONVERTER

0

DB0418MW1

DB0418MW1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

DOUBLE BALANCED MIXER - ULTRA BR

0

IR0618MC2Q

IR0618MC2Q

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IR1218LC2A

IR1218LC2A

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IR0618LC3C

IR0618LC3C

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

IMAGE REJECTION MIXER

0

IR1218LC2C

IR1218LC2C

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

AR0408LC2B

AR0408LC2B

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

SBF1114F28T

SBF1114F28T

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

IR0118HC1A

IR0118HC1A

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

SYS0113G20V-R

SYS0113G20V-R

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

CONVERTER

0

IQM2733A06N

IQM2733A06N

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

I/Q MODULATOR

0

IR0404L18W

IR0404L18W

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

0

TB0208LA1

TB0208LA1

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

TRIPLE BALANCED MIXER

0

M0614F

M0614F

MITEQ, Inc.(L3 Narda-MITEQ)

MIXER

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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