RF Modulators

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AD8349AREZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULTR 700MHZ-2.7GHZ 16TSSOP	974
LT5518EUF#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 1.5GHZ-2.4GHZ 16QFN	0
LT5571EUF#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 620MHZ-1.1GHZ 16QFN	0
AD8345ARE Analog Devices, Inc.	QUADRATURE MODULATOR	1304
HMC1197LP7FETR Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 100MHZ-4GHZ 48VFQFN	471
ADL5385ACPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 50MHZ-2.2GHZ 24QFN	842
AD8341ACPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 1.5GHZ-2.4GHZ 24QFN	1443
AD8346ARU-REEL Analog Devices, Inc.	MODULATOR, I/Q, 800MHZ MIN, 2500	12500
ADL5373ACPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 2.3GHZ-3GHZ 24VFQFN	1490
LTC5599IUF#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 30MHZ-1.3GHZ 24QFN	898
ADL5371ACPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 500MHZ-1.5GHZ 24QFN	1155
HMC870LC5TR-R5 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 0HZ-20GHZ 32TFQFN	0
HMC795LP5ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 50MHZ-2.8GHZ 32QFN	0
LTC5598IUF#TRPBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 5MHZ-1.6GHZ 24WFQFN	2367
AD8340ACPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 700MHZ-1GHZ 24WFQFN	1541
AD8349ARE-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	QUADRATURE MODULATOR	17403
ADL5386ACPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	50 MHZ TO 2200 MHZ QUADRATURE MO	1900
HMC631LP3E Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 1.8GHZ-2.7GHZ 16QFN	33
LT5568-2EUF#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATR 700MHZ-1.05GHZ 16QFN	33
LT5572EUF#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	RF MODULATOR 1.5GHZ-2.5GHZ 16QFN	3

RF Modulators

1. Overview

RF (Radio Frequency) and IF (Intermediate Frequency) modulators are critical components that convert baseband signals into modulated RF/IF signals for wireless transmission. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) RF modulators specifically handle signal encoding for RFID systems. These devices enable wireless communication, data transfer, and identification across industries, forming the backbone of modern IoT, telecommunications, and automation systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Analog Modulators	Use AM/FM/PM modulation; simple design, cost-effective	FM radio transmitters, analog TV broadcasting
Digital Modulators	Support QAM, PSK, FSK; high data integrity	5G networks, digital TV, RFID readers
IQ Modulators	Process in-phase and quadrature signals for complex waveforms	Software-defined radios, MIMO systems
RFID-Specific Modulators	Optimized for 125kHz-900MHz RFID protocols	Access control systems, inventory tracking

3. Structure and Components

Typical RF modulators consist of:

Modulation core (GaAs/CMOS ICs or discrete transistors)
Impedance-matching circuits (50 standard)
Band-pass filters for frequency selection
RF power amplifiers (for output stage)
Digital interfaces (SPI/I2C for control)
Thermal management structures (heat sinks/coatings)

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Frequency Range	100kHz-6GHz	Determines application compatibility
Modulation Accuracy	EVM <5% (digital), THD<1% (analog)	Signal quality assurance
Output Power	-20dBm to +30dBm	Transmission distance capability
Conversion Gain	6-20dB	Signal amplification efficiency
Power Consumption	100mW-5W	Battery life consideration
Size	5x5mm (IC) to 50x30mm (modules)	Integration flexibility

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: Base stations, microwave links
Industrial: Wireless sensors, SCADA systems
Consumer: Smart home devices, wearables
Healthcare: Medical telemetry, asset tracking
Logistics: RFID-based inventory management systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Analog Devices	ADL5375	2400-2700MHz IQ modulator for 4G/5G
Texas Instruments	TRF37D75	400MHz-6GHz programmable modulator
Nordic Semiconductor	nRF24L01	2.4GHz GFSK transceiver for IoT
Impinj	R4H-C10-20	UHF RFID modulator for retail systems

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Match frequency range with system requirements
Select modulation type (ASK/FSK/QAM) per protocol
Balance power consumption and output power
Verify temperature stability (-40 C to +85 C)
Check package compatibility (QFN, BGA, or module)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include:

Millimeter-wave modulators for 5G/6G (28/39GHz)
Ultra-low-power designs for battery-less RFID
Integration with AI-driven adaptive modulation
Advanced packaging (3D ICs, SiP) for miniaturization
Enhanced security for IoT authentication protocols