Fully Integrated Downconverting Mixer Features High Linearity

A fully integrated downconverting mixer with an on-chip LO buffer, the MAX19996A, covers a very wide bandwidth: 2000 MHz to 3900 MHz. The device features a +24.5-dBm (typical) IIP3, 8.7-dB (typical) conversion gain, and 9.8-dB (typical) noise figure. Additionally, it features an industry-best 2LO-2RF spurious rejection of 67 dBc for an rf level of ?10 dBm and 62 dBc for a level of ?5 dBm. As a complete SiGe downconverter, the MAX19996A integrates a state-of-the-art mixer core, two amplifiers, two baluns, and dozens of discrete components. The device's 8.7-dB conversion gain enables the elimination of a complete IF amplifier stage within the receiver lineup. Through this combination of integration and performance, the device reduces downconverter solution size by a factor of 2x, and the discrete part count by 34%. The MAX19996A comes in a 5- by 5-mm, 20-pin TQFN package that is pin compatible with the MAX19996 (a 2000- to 3000-MHz single mixer). It is also pin similar to the MAX9993/MAX9994/MAX9996 (1700- to 2200-MHz mixers) and the MAX9984/MAX9986 (400- to 1000-MHz mixers). The entire family of downconverters is well-suited for applications in which a common PCB layout is used for multiple frequency bands. Prices start at $6.90 (1000-up). MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.