When asked what the biggest feature of the newly released double balance mixer is, this is what Manager Taehoon Jeong of Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-gwak) said.

Frequency extension from 2GHz to 14GHz

It's a simple answer, but it gets the point across. The talk of greatly expanding the frequency range is closely related to next-generation wireless network technology with expanded bandwidth.

This reflects the trend of responding to ever-increasing Internet traffic. In complex and diverse wireless environments, mixers suitable for higher and newer frequencies are needed.

The newly announced LTC5549 offers a wide RF frequency range extending from 2GHz to 14GHz and can operate as an upconverter or downconverter. The IF frequency range is 0.5 GHz to 6 GHz.

Additionally, the reduced device size (small 12-pin 3 mm x 2 mm plastic QFN package) is emphasized for the relative reasons of peripheral integration.

While most microwave mixers use discrete GaAs diodes or FETs in a hybrid module format, the LTC5549 integrates an on-chip LO buffer and microwave balun transformer using an advanced high-frequency SiGe BiCMOS process.

The monolithic die is directly connected to a plastic surface-mount package with a small 3 mm x 2 mm lead frame, in an upside-down state.

This eliminates bond wires, significantly improving the microwave frequency performance of the device, while eliminating the inductance introduced by bond wires. The inherently small package, along with minimal external circuitry, supports a very small solution footprint.

It provides particularly excellent linearity performance. The LTC5549 typically provides an IIP3 of 22.3dBm, which is 4 to 6dB higher IIP3 than traditional microwave type mixers, explains Manager Jeong Tae-Hoon.

These characteristics enable the LTC5549 to improve performance in a wide range of microwave applications, including microwave backhaul, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) base stations in unlicensed frequency bands, satellite broadband radios, radar systems, X-band and Ku-band transceivers, test equipment and satellite modems.