The LTC5553 from Linear Technology is a microwave double balanced passive mixer that operates from 3 to 20 GHz. The mixer can be used either as an up or downconverter and integrates an LO amplifier and a wideband balun transformer on chip. It delivers outstanding linearity of 23.9 dBm IIP3 at 14 GHz, and 21.5 dBm at 17 GHz. The device has excellent port-to-port isolation, providing RF leakage of –32 dBm LO at 17 GHz. It requires a single supply of 3.3 V, drawing a quiescent supply current of 132 mA.
The LTC5553 can be shut down via an enable pin. When deactivated, the device draws only 100 µA maximum standby current. The enable pin can 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. It is available in a tiny 12-lead, 3 mm x 2 mm plastic QFN package and is ideal for a wide range of applications including 5G microwave backhaul, broadband wireless services, satellite broadband radios, radar systems, active antenna arrays, X and Ku band transceivers, test equipment, spectrum analysis and satellite communications. The device is rated for operation from –40°C to 105°C.
