Compact RF and Microwave Mixers

RF mixers translate signals between RF and intermediate frequencies using a local oscillator (LO). Compare the compact mixer models below by RF/LO coverage, IF bandwidth, required LO drive, conversion loss, port isolation and linearity. The appropriate model depends on the complete frequency plan, not frequency coverage alone.

For example, the HD32507 datasheet describes a passive double-balanced mixer with 2–18 GHz RF/LO coverage, DC–3 GHz IF coverage and SMA female ports. Its electrical specifications use a +13 dBm LO, a 100 MHz IF and a 50-ohm system at +25°C. Performance varies with frequency and operating conditions; use each linked datasheet to confirm the values needed for your design.

Mixers (0.96 x 0.66 x 0.32")

Part Number Frequency RF/LO (MHz) Frequency IF (MHz) LO Level (dBm) Conversion Loss (dB) LO-RF Isolation (dB) LO-IF Isolation (dB) RF-IF Isolation (dB) P1dB (dBm) IP3 (dBm)
HD32507 2250-18000 DC-3000 13 11 35 20 12 10 20 Download
HD32508 3000-10000 DC-4000 17 9 45 45 20 15 23 Download
HD32509 5500-14000 DC-6000 15 7 25 14 11 20 Download
HD32510 6000-26000 DC-8000 13 9 37 37 11 22 Download
HD32511 7000-14000 DC-5000 8 45 36 30 Download
HD32512 7000-34000 DC-8000 15 12 35 40 20 13 Download
HD32513 11000-20000 DC-6000 13 8 46 25 11 18 Download
HD32514 14000-26000 DC-8000 9 35 35 30 14 20 Download
HD32515 16000-30000 10 40 34 21 Download
HD32516 24000-32000 11 38 40 13 18 Download
HD32517 5000-12000 DC-4000 10 8.5 18 20 25 8 16 Download
HD32518 800-2000 DC-500 9 40 30 22 Download
HD32519 1500-4500 DC-1500 13 8.5 35 20 10 19 Download
HD32520 4500-9000 DC-2500 9 25 25 21 Download
HD32521 9000-15000 8.5 40 40 17 9 17 Download
HD32522 6000-14000 DC-5000 6.5 43 22 37 9.5 16 Download
HD32523 11000-22000 DC-6000 6 38 25 9 Download
HD32524 16000-26000 DC-9000 7 40 40 10 17 Download
HD32525 20000-32000 DC-10000 36 36 26 9 18 Download

Amplifiers for Your RF Signal Chain

RF Mixer Specifications and Integration Requirements

RF, LO and IF Frequency Plan

Specify the input band, desired output band and local-oscillator frequency. Check all three port ranges, the chosen sum or difference product, and the filtering needed to reject images, LO leakage and unwanted mixing products.

LO Drive and Signal Levels

Compare the required LO drive with the power available at the mixer port after cable and divider losses. Confirm RF input compression, input IP3 and absolute maximum ratings separately. Maximum ratings are limits, not recommended operating points.

Mechanical and Environmental Fit

Use the selected model’s outline drawing to check enclosure dimensions, connector locations and mounting. State the operating temperature, available space and any screening or qualification requirements in your enquiry; these must be confirmed for the exact part.

How to Select an RF Mixer

Start with a frequency plan and a signal-level budget. A mixer that covers your RF band may still be unsuitable if its IF bandwidth or available LO drive does not match the system.

  • Conversion loss: Allow for the reduction in desired signal power through a passive mixer. Compare loss at your RF, IF and LO conditions rather than relying on a single headline value.
  • Linearity: Check the input-referred third-order intercept (IIP3) and input 1 dB compression point. Higher IIP3 generally means lower third-order intermodulation at the same input levels; it does not eliminate distortion. Do not interchange input- and output-referred values.
  • Port isolation: LO-to-RF, LO-to-IF and RF-to-IF isolation describe different leakage paths. Check each path against receiver, transmitter and filtering requirements.
  • Impedance and matching: Review RF, LO and IF VSWR across their operating bands. Cable, filter and amplifier impedances can change the performance seen in the complete assembly.
  • Operating direction: Verify the intended upconversion or downconversion use. The HD32507 electrical table specifies downconverter measurements unless noted otherwise.

The comparison table is a starting point. Download the model-specific PDF for frequency-dependent limits, typical curves, test conditions and mechanical drawings. Where a table entry is blank, request the missing specification rather than assuming zero or unlimited performance. Resolve any difference between the summary table and datasheet before ordering.

Mixers Technical Questions and Answers

How does OIP3 affect mixer performance in high-interference environments?

A higher third-order intercept generally reduces third-order intermodulation products for the same input signal levels, but it does not prevent distortion. Check whether a rating is input-referred (IIP3) or output-referred (OIP3), along with the test frequencies and LO power. The HD32507 datasheet specifies input IP3 and RF input P1dB; these are different limits and should both be included in the receiver level budget.

A mixer may be suitable for a satellite ground terminal or wireless signal chain when its RF/LO range, IF bandwidth, conversion loss, LO drive and linearity meet the design requirements. The application name alone does not establish compatibility. For a spaceflight or other qualified application, request the exact model’s qualification and environmental evidence; do not assume that a ground-system part is flight qualified.

Frequency coverage is model-specific and differs between the RF/LO and IF ports. For example, HD32507 specifies RF/LO coverage of 2–18 GHz and IF coverage of DC–3 GHz. A DC-capable IF port does not mean that the RF or LO port operates down to DC. Use the linked datasheet for the selected model and verify performance at the intended conversion frequencies.

Prepare Your RF Mixer Enquiry

Provide the RF input range, LO tuning range and IF output range. Include whether the system uses upconversion or downconversion and which conversion product is required.

Frequency Plan

RF, LO and IF requirements

Specify the available LO power, expected RF signal and blocker levels, acceptable conversion loss, isolation and linearity targets.

Signal-Level Budget

Drive, loss and dynamic range

Include connector requirements, mounting space, operating temperature, quantity and required delivery date. Request the current datasheet and confirmation of availability before committing the design.

Integration and Supply

Mechanical fit and quotation details

Request RF Mixer Pricing and Selection Support

Send the part number and quantity if you have selected a mixer. If you are still comparing options, share the RF/LO/IF frequency plan, available LO power, conversion-loss and linearity targets, connector requirements and delivery schedule. Our team can review the enquiry and confirm the quoted model and documentation. Browse the RF mixer category for other configurations.

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Bi-Directional Amplifier

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