Microwave I/Q Downconverter Series Covers Applications from 9 to 24 GHz

Chelmsford, MA, 06/24/2010 – Hittite Microwave Corporation, the world class supplier of complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets has introduced three new I/Q Downconverters which are ideal for military radar, EW, satellite communications, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint radio applications between 9 and 24 GHz.

The HMC869LC5 and HMC908LC5 are GaAs MMIC I/Q Downconverters and are comprised of an LNA followed by an image reject mixer which is driven by an LO buffer amplifier. The HMC869LC5 covers the 12 – 16 GHz frequency band while the HMC908LC5 covers the 9 – 12 GHz frequency band. Small signal gain for the two Downconverters is as high as 14 dB with 32 dB of image rejection and LO to RF isolation better than 45 dB. The HMC869LC5 and HMC908LC5 I/Q Downconverters are very low noise, with noise figure as low as 2.2 dB.

The HMC904LC5 GaAs MMIC I/Q Downconverter is a subharmonic downconverter which includes an LNA followed by an image reject mixer which is driven by an active x2 multiplier. This low noise converter covers the 17 – 24 GHz frequency band, providing a small signal conversion gain better than 12 dB with noise figure as low as 3 dB. Image rejection is better than 30 dB and LO to RF isolation is at least 45 dB across the frequency band.

The image reject mixer topology used in the HMC869LC5, HMC904LC5, and HMC908LC5 I/Q Downconverting Mixers eliminates the need for a filter following the LNA, and removes thermal noise at the image frequency. All three I/Q Downconverters provide both I/Q mixer outputs and an external 90º hybrid is needed to select the desired sideband. These I/Q Downconverting Mixers are much smaller alternatives to hybrid style image reject mixer downconverter assemblies, and are compatible with surface mount manufacturing techniques.

Samples and evaluation PC boards for all SMT packaged products are available from stock and can be ordered via the company’s website by clicking the link below our logo on this page or via direct purchase order. Released data sheets are available on-line at www.hittite.com.