Hittite Microwave Corp. has launched a new high linearity Wideband Direct I/Q Modulator HMC1097LP4 that is ideal for automotive, broadband, cellular/3G, WiMAX/LTE/4G, military and test & measurement equipment applications between 100 MHz and 6 GHz.

The HMC1097LP4Eis a high linearity, low noise Direct Quadrature Modulator RFIC that is rated from 100 MHz to 6 GHz. This wideband direct modulator exhibits an outstanding output IP3 of +30 dBm, noise floor of -160 dBm/Hz, output P1dB of +11 dBm, and sideband suppression of -46 dBc. The RF output port is single-ended and matched to 50 Ohms with no external components while the LO input operates from drive levels between -6 dBm and +6 dBm, and can be driven in either differential or single-ended mode. The HMC1097LP4Ehas a flexible architecture where its output IP3 can be further optimized over different frequencies up to 6 GHz. The HMC1097LP4Eexhibits a very fast enable/disable feature which can be used to reduce system power dissipation in TDD-based cellular communication systems.

Optimized for a +5 V supply, and housed in a compact 4 x 4 mm SMT QFN package, the HMC1097LP4Erequires minimal external components and provides a low cost alternative to more complicated double upconversion architectures. This high linearity direct modulator can be used to create virtually any analog or digital modulation format including BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, OFDM, and QAM for basestation, access point, and customer premise equipment. Ideal for software defined radio and multi-band transmitter applications, the HMC1097LP4Eoffers improved carrier feedthrough and sideband suppression characteristics. The device also supports applications where upconverter modulation format and/or output frequency must be dynamically changed based on local operating conditions.