Passive Dual-Balanced Broadband Mixer GX5548/5549 Replacing LTC5548/5549 for Broadband Detection Systems

The broadband detection system is the primary equipment for achieving wideband scanning, high-precision signal capture, and rapid target identification. It must cover an ultra-wide frequency range to accurately capture target signals and interference signals in complex electromagnetic environments. The mixer is responsible for down-converting broadband RF signals to intermediate frequency signals that are easier to process. The frequency coverage, linearity, and noise performance of the mixer directly determine the sensitivity, dynamic range, and signal fidelity of the detection system.

The high-performance passive dual-balanced broadband mixer GX5548/5549 from GXSC can be used for both upconversion and downconversion, covering an ultra-wide frequency range of 2GHz to 15GHz, meeting the full-frequency detection requirements of broadband detection systems. With differential IF output and supporting an IF bandwidth of DC~6GHz, the performance of GX5548/5549 allows direct replacement of LTC5548/5549 in applications such as meteorological radar, phased array systems, and microwave transceivers.

The GX5548/5549 is suitable for application scenarios where the IF frequency extends below 500MHz as well as those where the IF frequency exceeds 500MHz, meeting the frequency band requirements of most microwave transceivers. With an integrated on-chip balun, the GX5548/5549 offers greater convenience in use. It supports broadband operation from 2 to 15GHz and features an internal LO amplification chain, enabling local oscillator operation within the range of 1 to 12GHz, with a typical LO power requirement of only 0dBm.

The low LO drive simplifies the design: The integrated LO amplifier of the GX5548/5549 effectively eliminates the need for a +10dBm to +17dBm LO amplifier typically required to drive conventional microwave passive mixers. Consequently, its 0dBm LO drive allows direct use of a PLL/synthesizer to drive the LO without the need for buffering.

In addition to cost savings, the LO leakage generated to the IF or RF port by low LO power is inherently much lower. Consequently, less external filtering is required to suppress any out-of-band radiation associated with such high-power sources. Another benefit is the absence of a high-power radiation source on the PCB, which significantly reduces costs by lowering the requirements for RF suppression shielding—a requirement that is often challenging to meet for many designs featuring such high-power LO signals.