A 13.5 to 17.0 GHz GaAs MMIC Doubler with Integrated Gain, Doubler and Driver Stages

Any product today that can both save money and save space is a much needed commodity in today’s communication system designs. With systems getting ever more compact, board real estate is at a premium, hence the drive to integrate more functions in less space and keep the support structure simple and concise.

Mimix Broadband, no stranger to these requirements, has introduced an active doubler in a RoHS-compliant 3 x 3 mm QFN surface-mount package that doubles the 13.5 to 17.0 GHz frequency band to 27.0 to 34.0 GHz and delivers +20 dBm saturated output power with 35 dBc suppression of the fundamental.

Using 0.15 μm gate length GaAs psuedomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) device model technology, this new device integrates a gain stage, passive doubler and driver amplifier onto a single chip.

The XX1007-QT MMIC includes on-chip ESD protection and an integrated bypassing capacitor, thus eliminating the need for external support components.

In addition, the device features a self-bias configuration that requires only a positive 5 VDC supply for operation. Eliminating the need for a negative supply and external bypassing elements greatly simplifies the PCB layout and significantly reduces time to market.

Table 1 lists the XX1007-QT doubler’s performance specifications and Figure 1 shows its functional block diagram.

Mimix Broadband performs 100 percent RF testing on the XX1007-QT devices. Figures 2 and 3 display its output power versus input frequency and output versus input power characteristics.

This new active doubler is well suited for millimeter-wave point-to-point radio applications as well as LMDS, SATCOM and VSAT uses.

The high output power of the XX1007-QT makes it ideal for use as a driver stage to the final system power amplifier in VSAT transmit systems.

Its rugged surface-mount package makes it compatible with high volume solder and pick and place installation.

The XX1007-QT’s data sheet and additional information may be obtained for the company’s web site. Production quantities are currently available from stock.