May 27, 2015 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the launch of the Active Double Balanced Upconversion Mixer (Product Name: LTC5576), which provides an extremely wide RF frequency range extended from 3GHz to 8GHz. The LTC5576 enhances microwave transmitter and upconversion performance with excellent linearity up to 25dBm OIP3 and achieves conversion loss of only 2dB at 8GHz, providing superior output signal quality compared to passive mixers that typically have an 8dB loss. Furthermore, the integrated buffer at the LO input requires only a 0dBm level drive, effectively eliminating external amplifier circuitry. The LTC5576 realizes single-ended operation from 3GHz to 8GHz while utilizing a proprietary integrated RF balun transformer design capable of expanding the output frequency bandwidth. The product's IF input features a wide bandwidth and enables continuous 50Ω differential matching from 30MHz to over 3GHz. Because a suitable external balun transformer is used, it can be extended to a higher range of over 6GHz.

The LTC5576 utilizes an active double-balanced mixer with excellent port-to-port isolation. For example, at a frequency of 5.8 GHz and a 0 dBm LO input, LO leakage at the RF output measures a very low –35 dBm. This low leakage level enables the minimization of external filters to meet emission requirements in heavily regulated out-of-band environments. Even at 8 GHz, LO leakage is observed at –27 dBm.

The LTC5576’s excellent frequency performance meets a wide range of applications such as short-range microwave backhaul, 5.8GHz cellular base stations, and wireless repeaters. In addition, the dynamic range supports the performance requirements of wireless test equipment, radar receivers, and satellite communications.

The LTC5576 features an enhanced 2,500V HBM (human body model) ESD rating on all pins, making it significantly more robust than other integrated microwave mixers. The LTC5576 is housed in a 16-pin, 4mm x 4mm QFN package using a minimal external component design. The device is designed to operate at case temperatures ranging from –40°C to 105°C and supports an extended ambient operating temperature range. This mixer is optimized for single 5V power supply operation and provides a nominal power current of 99mA. Power consumption can be reduced by supplying power from a 3.3V source, although this results in slight performance degradation.

Additionally, the LTC5576 features an enable pin capable of shutting down the IC, which consumes only 1.3mA of typical standby current when disabled. This enable pin can be used to rapidly turn the device on and off in less than 0.6µs, making it suitable for time-division duplex (TDD) or burst mode wireless environments. The LTC5576 is available at $7.89 per unit in 1,000-unit quantities. Samples and production quantities are available immediately. For more information, please refer to www.linear.com/product/LTC5576.

Wideband 3GHz ~ 8GHz Upconversion Mixer LTC5576

Product Features: LTC5576