Custom MMIC has released three GaAs subharmonic mixers, creating a new MMIC product category for the company. Two of the three mixers are available as die, covering 13 to 21 and 20 to 32 GHz, with the latter design also available in a ceramic 3 mm x 3 mm QFN package.
The LO frequency in a subharmonic mixer is an integer fraction, or subharmonic, of the desired LO frequency, generally reducing the cost of the LO source and simplifying the design.
For Custom MMIC’s designs, the LO is half of the desired mixing frequency, and their high 2LO to RF isolation eliminates the need for additional filtering. The MMICs include integrated LO amplifiers, reducing the required LO drive.
Product Performance
| Part Number | RF Frequency (GHz) | IF Frequency (GHz) | Conversion Loss (dB) | 2LO-RF Isolation (dB) | Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMD303 | 13–21 | DC–3 | 8.5 | 28 | Die |
| CMD310 | 20–32 | DC–7 | 9.5 | 36 | Die |
| CMD310C3 | 20–32 | DC–6 | 8.5 | 33 | 3 mm x 3 mm QFN |
