Linear Technology (Milpitas, CA) has announced the LTC5551, an ultrahigh dynamic range RF down-converting mixer for applications that demand the very best in performance. Unlike passive mixers which typically have 7 to 9 dB of conversion loss, the LTC5551 boasts 2.4 dB of conversion gain, substantially improving receiver dynamic range. Additionally, passive mixers require high LO (local oscillator) drive to reach their claimed IIP3. The LTC5551 has an integrated LO buffer requiring only 0 dBm drive level, hence external circuitry and costs are minimized. And with the elimination of a high power LO signal in the users’ receiver, it substantially reduces a potential source of undesirable radiation, thus simplifying filtering and RF shielding requirements. Features include:
- High linearity of +36 dBm IIP3.
- Low 9.7 dB noise figure comparable to the highest IIP3 passive mixers available.
- Broad RF frequency range capability, operating from 300 MHz to 3.5 GHz.
For more information, visit www.linear.com.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)