AN LTCC DOUBLE-BALANCED MIXER

摘要

Double-balanced mixers are used exten-sively in transmitters and receivers. For frequencies below 5 GHz, the designs are normally realized using ferrite-based transformers, because they are very compact and their technology is mature. As the operating frequency increases, distributed element baluns become smaller in size and more attractive. Semiconductor-based mixers are the most compact. However, changing the design is very time consuming and expensive. Therefore, these mixers are generally targeted for high to super-high volume applications. Blue Cell~(TM) low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC)-based mixers are small in size, lower in cost and can be customized to meet various needs. They are easier to customize than semiconductor mixers and are ideal for moderate to high volume applications. A series of Blue Cell~(TM)LTCC-based mixers have been designed and are being offered as standard catalog products.