23 April 2011

Endwave launches 67–97GHz sub-harmonically pumped mixer MMIC

Endwave Corp of San Jose, CA, USA, which provides high-frequency RF monolithic microwave integrated-circuits (MMICs) and integrated subsystems, has launched a sub-harmonically pumped mixer (2 x LO) MMIC.

Designed and manufactured in cooperation with the 0.1µm PHEMT process development of Taiwanese gallium arsenide (GaAs) foundry WIN Semiconductors Corp, the model EWM9002ZZ offers broadband frequency performance of 67–97GHz with LO to RF isolation of over 30dB and a conversion loss of 12dB. The device, which can be used as both an upconverter or downconverter, also delivers RF return loss at better than 10dB, LO drive level of +15dBm, and is highly repeatable.

Subharmonic mixers are often used in communications systems to eliminate the unwanted effects of LO self-mixing, which occurs in many fundamental frequency mixers. EWM9002ZZ has the advantage of high RF-to-LO isolation and LO noise cancellation across a very broad frequency band.

The device uses anti-parallel connected pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) diode pairs to mix the second harmonic of a fixed-frequency LO with the input signal, and is well suited for E-band point-to-point microwave radio applications, W-band defense electronics and commercial communications systems.

Each die is visually inspected to Mil-STD-2010. The mechanical measurements of the die are 1.815mm x 1.295mm x 0.05mm. Bare die prices at 1000 pieces are $45.

Endwave also offers key products for the LO chains, such as the EWX4201 multiplier and EWP4102ZZ driver amplifier.

Tags: Endwave Mixer MMIC GaAs WIN Semiconductors

Visit: www.endwave.com