RFMD unveils portfolio of I/Q converters for wireless backhaul apps

ANAHEIM, USA: RF Micro Devices Inc. has announced a new portfolio of 10.0 GHz - 16.0 GHz GaAs pHEMT I/Q converters. The innovative I/Q converters are the first in a series of new microwave radio front ends to be launched by RFMD for wireless backhaul applications.

RFMD's growing portfolio of microwave radio front ends helps network operators to quickly and cost-effectively upgrade their backhaul networks to satisfy the increasing requirements of global mobile data uptake.

The broadband frequency performance of RFMD's newest I/Q converters enables a single product to support multiple radio bands. This allows customers to use one part across multiple radio systems, greatly simplifying inventory management. Additionally, each new I/Q converter features I/Q mixer topologies to reduce unwanted sideband filtering and support IF frequencies from DC to 4GHz, helping to simplify the radio design process.

RFMD's newest available microwave radio front ends are the RFUV5945A, the RFRX5933A and the RFMX5986A. The RFUV5945A and RFRX5933A are available in a compact 5mm x 5mm QFN package, and the RFMX5986A is offered in a fully-molded 4mm x 4mm QFN package.

The RFRX5933A targets receive applications and is an integrated 10.0 GHz - 16.0 GHz downconverter comprising a low noise amplifier (LNA), I/Q image rejection mixer and LO buffer amplifier.

The broadband RFRX5933A exhibits an impressive noise figure of 2dB while maintaining 13dB conversion gain, 25dBc of image rejection and IIP3 performance of 3dBm. With an input power of -20dBm, the RFRX5933A offers radio designers a minimum IMD3 performance of -50dBc.

The RFMX5986A 10.0 GHz - 16.0 GHz I/Q image rejection mixer integrates an LO buffer amplifier. Offering a conversion loss of 8dB, 25dBc of image rejection and IIP3 performance of 25dBm, it is an ideal partner for designers wishing to deploy a standalone MMIC or discrete LNA.

The RFUV5945A targets transmit applications and is an integrated 10.0 GHz – 16.0 GHz upconverter comprising an I/Q image rejection mixer, LPA and LO buffer amplifier. The RFUV5945A delivers OIP3 of up to 24dBm and a conversion gain of 13dB.

RFMD's 10.0 GHz - 16.0 GHz I/Q converters deliver superior levels of integration to enable smaller radio board footprints, decreased design time and automated board assembly. The I/Q converters are ideally suited for current- and next-generation microwave radio applications.

Samples and pre-production quantities are available now through RFMD's online store or through local RFMD sales channels. The RFUV5945A is priced at $19.97 in volumes of 10,000; the RFRX5933A is priced at $18.75 in volumes of 10,000; and the RFMX5986A is priced at $11.35 in volumes of 10,000.