Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) announced two new RFICs for broadband communications systems that reduce component count by more than 75 percent, without compromising performance. The ADRF6655 active mixer or ADRF6510 dual programmable filter and VGA (variable gain amplifier) integrate multiple functions and discrete devices into a single monolithic chip, reducing component count by a factor of four when compared to traditional discrete RF designs. ADI is the only RFIC supplier to offer devices with this level of integration and with the capability to address multiple broadband communications markets, such as point-to-point microwave radios, wireless base stations, cable infrastructure, defense wideband and software-defined radios, cellular repeaters and relays, and communications test equipment.

“Designers of next-generation radio equipment constantly aim to reduce component count and system cost, without sacrificing performance. ADI’s new ADRF6655 integrated broadband mixer and ADRF6510 dual programmable filter and VGA establish new benchmarks in integration, based on our performance-leading and field-proven PLL/VCO, mixer and amplifier technologies,” said Peter Real, Vice President, Linear and RF Products, Analog Devices. “Both devices solve complex integration challenges for broadband RF system designers who have previously been constrained by the use of multiple discrete circuits and who can now realize new levels of performance and cost efficiency with these highly integrated and highly flexible monolithic RFICs.”