Linear Technology has introduced the LTC5552, a double balanced mixer that features best-in-class wideband matching from 3 GHz to 20 GHz. The mixer can be used as an up or down-converter. The LTC5552 is especially useful in upconversion applications with its DC capable differential IF port that enables the LO to be close in frequency to the RF. Its low LO to RF leakage of less than -25 dBm greatly eases the burden on the external filter. Additionally, the mixer delivers excellent linearity of 20.1 dBm IIP3 at 14 GHz, and 18.3 dBm at 17 GHz. The device integrates a broadband LO buffer, requiring only 0 dBm drive and effectively eliminating an external high power LO amplifier circuit. Moreover, the LTC5552 integrates a wideband balun transformer in its RF port, allowing single-ended 50 O matched operation over its specified frequency range. All these features result in minimum external components, simplified design and a very small solution size.
The LTC5552's exceptionally wide bandwidth and performance is ideal for a broad range of applications, including 5G broadband wireless access, microwave backhaul, satellite broadband radios, radar systems, active antenna arrays, X, Ku and Ka band transceivers, RF test equipment, spectrum analysis and satellite communications.
The LTC5552 is offered in a tiny 12-lead, 3 mm x 2 mm plastic QFN package. The device is rated from –40°C to 105°C case temperature to support extended environmental operating temperatures. The mixer is powered from a single 3.3 V supply and typically consumes 132 mA supply current. Additionally, the LTC5552 can be shut down via an enable pin. When deactivated, the device draws only 100 µA maximum standby current. The enable pin can also be driven directly to turn the device on and off rapidly in less than 0.2 µs, supporting time-division duplex (TDD) or burst mode type transmitters and receivers. The LTC5552 is priced starting at $22.00 each in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples and production quantities are available immediately.
