Application of domestic 2GHz~15GHz broadband mixer chip GX5548/5549 replacing LTC5548/5549 in 5G broadband wireless access

Broadband mixers are widely used in multifunctional wireless transceivers, microwave transceivers, microwave return, radar, and testing equipment. Broadband mixers make it possible to use a single mixer in a dynamically programmable radio architecture with various radio parameters. In the broadband wireless access link of 5G communication technology, with characteristics such as ultra wide bandwidth, high speed, low latency, and strong anti-interference, the 5G system needs to support Sub-6GHz and millimeter wave multi band deployment, with a single carrier bandwidth of up to 100MHz, and maintain stable communication in complex electromagnetic environments.

Among them, the mixer, as the core component of the RF front-end, directly affects the receiving sensitivity, linearity, and bandwidth expansion capability. The most important performance parameters of the mixer include conversion gain, linearity, noise figure, and operating bandwidth. This article recommends using GXSC‘s 2GHz~15GHz broadband mixer chip GX5548/5549, which can directly replace LTC5548/5549 with PIN TO PIN.

The mixer chip GX5548/5549 can be used for up conversion or down conversion. The chip has differential IF output and supports DC~6GHz IF bandwidth. It is not only suitable for applications where the IF frequency extends below 500MHz, but also for applications where the IF frequency is above 500MHz. GX5548/5549 integrates on-chip balun, making it more convenient to use. It can support broadband operating frequencies ranging from 2 to 15GHz, with an integrated LO amplification link. It supports local oscillator operating frequencies ranging from 1 to 12GHz, with a typical local oscillator power of only 0dBm.

In addition, GX5548/5549 integrates an LO multiplier, which can be enabled or not through ports compatible with CMOS logic. Enabling the LO multiplier can reduce the requirement for local oscillator frequency and facilitate system applications. Moreover, GX5548/5549 has high linearity (input P-1dB and IIP3) and integration.

GX5548/5549 Main performance indicators:

RF working bandwidth: 2~15GHz

LO working bandwidth: 1-12GH

IF working bandwidth: DC~6GHz

Down mixing input P-1dB: 15dBm (typical value)

Upmixing input P-1dB: 13dBm (typical value)

Down mixing IIP3: 26dBm (typical value)

Upmixing IIP3: 22dBm (typical value)

Down conversion loss: 10dB (typical value)

Up conversion loss: 8dB (typical value)

Required LO power: 0dBm (typical value)

Voltage/current (multiplier OFF): 3.3V/83mA (typical value)

Voltage/current (multiplier ON): 3.3V/96mA (typical value)