Ultra-wideband 3GHz to 20GHz mixer in a slim 3mm × 2mm package

Linear Technology Corporation, a division of Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), introduced the LTC5552, a double-balanced mixer that delivers best-in-class bandwidth matching from 3 GHz to 20 GHz. This mixer can be used as an upconverter or downconverter. The LTC5552 is ideal for upconversion applications because its differential DC port supporting DCs makes the LO close to RF in frequency. Its low LO to RF leakage (less than –25dBm) greatly reduces the burden on the external filter. In addition, this mixer has excellent linearity: 20.1dBm IIP3 at 14GHz and 18.3dBm IIP3 at 17GHz. The device integrates a wideband LO buffer that requires only 0dBm of drive power and virtually eliminates an external high-power LO amplifier circuit. All of these features minimize external components, simplify design and achieve very small solution sizes.

The LTC5552 is available in a tiny 12-pin, 3mm x 2mm plastic QFN package. The device is specified over the –40°C to 105°C case temperature range to support extended ambient operating temperatures. In addition, the LTC5552 can be turned off via an enable pin. When disabled, this device only draws a maximum standby current of 100μA.

Photo caption: Ultra-wideband 3GHz to 20GHz high linearity mixer with 0dBm LO drive

Performance Summary: LTC555

Matched RF frequency 3GHz to 20GHz

Matched LO frequency from 1GHz to 20GHz

Matched IF frequency DC to 6GHz

Upconverting or downconverting

High input IP3 is 20.1dBm at 14GHz

18.3dBm at 17GHz

Low LO drive level 0dBm

Low LO-RF leakage -25dBm at 17GHz

Low conversion loss is 10.8dB at 17GHz

Relevant LTC55 series products

Author：Brittany Antonia （The author of article owns the copyright.）