MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
The MLIQ-0218 is a miniaturized, multi-octave 2-18 GHz IQ mixer. It features
matched double balanced mixers connected with an integrated LO hybrid
and RF power divider. It can be used for either up or downconversion.
Applications include communications or radar systems with advanced digital
modulation formats and phase modulated signals, test and measurement, or
electronic warfare. Image reject or single sideband modulation with excellent
suppression is possible with use of an external IF quadrature (90°) hybrid.
Features






Compact Chip Style Package (0.370” x 0.160”x0.010”)
CAD Optimized for Superior Isolation and Spurious Response
Broadband Performance
Excellent Unit-to-Unit Repeatability
Fully nonlinear software models available with Marki PDK for Microwave Office
RoHS Compliant
Mixer Line
Suitable Alternative for Models
I/Q
IQ-0307, IQ-0318, IQ-4509, IQ-0618, IQ-0714, IQ-0917
Electrical Specifications - Specifications guaranteed from -55 to +100C, measured in a 50Ω system.
Parameter
LO
RF
IF
(GHz)
(GHz)
(GHz)
Conversion Loss (dB)
(Combined IF with Test Hybrid)
DC-2
2-3.5
Min
Typ
8.5
10.5
See
Plots
I/Q Amplitude Balance (dB)
0.21
Isolation (dB)
LO-RF
LO-IF
RF-IF
Diode Option
1
LO drive level (dBm)
Image Rejection (dB)
(Combined IF with Test Hybrid)
I/Q Quadrature Phase Balance
(Degrees)
Max
11.5
13.5
5
2-18
See
Plots
Input 1 dB Compression (dBm)
+8
+13
L (+11 to +18)
I (+18 to +24)
Input Two-Tone Intercept (dBm)
+17
+23
L (+11 to +18)
I (+18 to +24)
1
Contact factory for other diode options.
Part Number Options
Please specify diode level and package style by adding to model number.
Package Styles
Connectorized
Chip
1, 3
2, 3
(RoHS)
Examples
(no suffix)
CH-2
MLIQ-0218LCH-2, MLIQ-0218L
MLIQ-0218
(Model)
L
(Diode Option)
CH-2
(Package)
1
Chip package connects to external circuit through wire bondable gold pads. See page 5 for plating details.
Connectorized package consists of chip package wire bonded to a substrate, equivalent to an evaluation board.
3
Note: For port locations and I/O designations, refer to the drawing on page 5 of this document.
2
215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 2
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Figure 1a. I/Q Mixer Schematic
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1b. Image Reject Mixer Schematic
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 1c. Single Sideband Mixer Schematic
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 3
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Typical Performance
Combined IF Downconversion Loss (dB)1-4
Combined IF Downconversion Image Rejection (dB)1-4
0
0
-2
-5
-4
-10
-6
-15
-8
-20
-10
-25
-12
-30
RF in < LO
RF in > LO
-35
-14
-16
-40
RF in < LO
RF in > LO
-18
-20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-45
-50
14
16
18
0
20
2
4
6
Combined IF Upconversion Loss (dB)1-4
-2
-5
-4
-10
-6
-15
-8
-20
-10
-25
-12
-30
-14
-35
-20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
12
14
16
18
20
RF out < LO
RF out > LO
-40
RF out < LO
RF out > LO
-18
10
Combined IF Upconversion Sideband Suppression (dB) 1-4
0
0
-16
8
RF Frequency (GHz)
RF Frequency (GHz)
-45
-50
14
16
18
0
20
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
4
4.5
RF Frequency (GHz)
RF Frequency (GHz)
Individual I/Q Conversion Loss (dB)1-4
0
Relative IF Response (dB)
0
-2
-2
-4
-6
-4
-8
-6
-10
-8
-12
-14
-10
-16
Port "I"
Port "Q"
-18
-20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
-12
-14
14
16
18
20
0
0.5
1
1.5
Port "I" to Port "Q" IF Amplitude Match (dB)
3
2
2.5
3
3.5
IF Frequency (GHz)
RF Frequency (GHz)
Port "I" to Port "Q" IF Quadrature Phase Deviation (Degrees)
-60
2
-70
1
-80
0
-90
-1
-100
-2
-110
-3
-120
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
RF Frequency (GHz)
14
16
18
20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
RF Frequency (GHz)
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 4
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Typical Performance (cont.)
Input IP3 (dBm)
30
Output IP3 (dBm)
30
25
25
20
20
15
15
10
10
5
5
L-Diode
I-Diode
0
L-Diode
I-Diode
0
-5
-5
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
0
2
4
6
8
RF Frequency (GHz)
LO to RF Isolation (dB)
0
10
12
14
16
18
20
14
16
18
20
4
4.5
18
20
RF Frequency (GHz)
LO to IF Isolation (dB)
0
-10
-10
-20
-20
-30
-30
-40
-40
-50
-50
-60
-60
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0
20
2
4
6
8
RF to IF Isolation (dB)
0
10
12
LO Frequency (GHz)
LO Frequency (GHz)
IF Return Loss (dB)
0
-10
-5
-20
-10
-30
-40
-15
-50
-20
-60
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0
20
0.5
1
1.5
RF Return Loss (dB)
0
2
2.5
3
3.5
IF Frequency (GHz)
RF Frequency (GHz)
LO Return Loss (dB)
0
-5
-5
-10
-10
-15
-15
-20
-20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
LO Frequency (GHz)
14
16
18
20
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
LO Frequency (GHz)
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 5
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Typical Performance
LO Even Harmonic to IF Isolation (dB)
LO Even Harmonic to RF Isolation (dB)
0
0
-10
-10
-20
-20
-30
-30
-40
-40
2xLO to IF
4xLO to IF
-50
-50
2xLO to RF
4xLO to RF
-60
-60
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2
18
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
16
18
LO Output Frequency (GHz)
LO Output Frequency (GHz)
LO Odd Harmonic to RF Isolation (dB)
LO Odd Harmonic to IF Isolation (dB)
0
0
-10
-10
3xLO to RF
5xLO to RF
-20
-30
3xLO to IF
5xLO to IF
-20
-30
-40
-40
-50
-50
-60
-60
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2
18
4
6
2RF x 2LO Spurious Suppression (dBc) with a -10 dBm Input
0
12
14
L-Diode
-10
I-Diode
-20
10
2IF x 1LO Spurious Suppression (dBc) with a -10 dBm Input
0
L-Diode
-10
8
LO Output Frequency (GHz)
LO Output Frequency (GHz)
I-Diode
-20
-30
-30
-40
-40
-50
-50
-60
-60
-70
-70
-80
-80
-90
-90
2
4
6
8
10
12
RF Input Frequency (GHz)
14
16
18
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
RF Input Frequency (GHz)
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 6
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
.370
[9.40]
.196
.147
[4.98]
[3.73]
I
Q
Ground pad,
8 PL
R
.160 [4.06]
.080 [2.03]
L
.005 sq. minimum
bonding pad, 4 PL
.171
.005 [.13]
min clearance
[1.93]
.010
[.25]
PROJECTION
.156 [3.96]
INCH
[MM]
XXX=±.005
XX=±.02
.366
[9.30]
Figure 2a. Outline Drawing – CH-2
*CH Substrate material is .010 thick Ceramic.
I/O traces and ground plane finish is 2.5 microns Au over .05 microns WTi.
Wire Bonding - Ball or wedge bond with 0.025 mm (1 mil) diameter pure gold wire. Thermosonic wirebonding with a nominal stage temperature
of 150 °C and a ball bonding force of 40 to 50 grams or wedge bonding force of 18 to 22 grams is recommended. Use the minimum level of
ultrasonic energy to achieve reliable wirebonds. Wirebonds should be started on the chip and terminated on the package or substrate. All bonds
should be as short as possible <0.31 mm (12 mils).
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.100
[27.94]
.825
[20.96]
.345
PROJECTION
.410
INCH
[MM]
[10.41]
[8.76]
Port
LO
RF
I/Q
.275
[6.98]
.055
XXX=±.005
XX=±.02
Connector Type
SMA Female
SMA Female
SMA Female
.350
[8.89]
.375
[9.52]
Typ
[1.40]
Q
I
.345 [8.76]
.560 [14.22]
microwave
R
.670 [17.02]
MLIQ0218L
L
D/C
Ø.067 [1.70]
Thru, 4 PL
.410
[10.41]
.155 Typ
[3.94]
Figure 2b. Outline Drawing - Packaged
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 7
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Downconversion Spurious Suppression
Spurious data is taken by selecting RF and LO frequencies (+mLO+nRF) within the 2 to 18 GHz RF/LO bands, which
create a 100 MHz IF spurious output. The mixer is swept across the full spurious band and the mean is calculated. The
numbers shown in the table below are for a -10 dBm RF input. Spurious suppression is scaled for different RF power levels
by (n-1), where “n” is the RF spur order. For example, the 2RFx2LO spur for an L-Diode is typically 60 dBc with a -10 dBm
input, so a -20 dBm RF input creates a spur that is (2-1) x (-10 dB) dB lower, or 70 dBc.
Typical Downconversion Spurious Suppression (dBc): L-diode (I-Diode)
5
-10 dBm RF Input
0xLO
1xLO
2xLO
3xLO
4xLO
5xLO
1xRF
18 (19)
Reference
19 (19)
9 (9)
30 (32)
18 (17)
2xRF
69 (70)
52 (57)
60 (63)
52 (56)
56 (56)
48 (51)
3xRF
81 (91)
60 (74)
74 (85)
66 (76)
71 (82)
68 (74)
4xRF
112 (120)
100 (108)
100 (114)
100 (111)
101 (110)
98 (107)
5xRF
127 (132)
106 (124)
111 (128)
113 (128)
117 (128)
115 (127)
Upconversion Spurious Suppression
Spurious data is taken by mixing a 100 MHz IF with LO frequencies (+mLO+nIF), which creates an RF within the 2 to 18
GHz RF band. The mixer is swept across the full spurious output band and the mean is calculated. The numbers shown
in the table below are for a -10 dBm individual IF input, with the unused port terminated in 50 ohms. Spurious suppression
is scaled for different IF input power levels by (n-1), where “n” is the IF spur order. For example, the 2IFx1LO spur for an
L-Diode is typically 61 dBc with a -10 dBm input, so a -20 dBm IF input creates a spur that is (2-1) x (-10 dB) dB lower, or
71 dBc.
Typical Upconversion Spurious Suppression (dBc): L-diode (I-Diode)
5
-10 dBm IF Input
0xLO
1xLO
2xLO
3xLO
4xLO
5xLO
1xIF
16 (16)
Reference
23 (23)
9 (9)
28 (29)
18 (17)
2xIF
60 (63)
61 (63)
48 (50)
53 (59)
40 (45)
48 (60)
3xIF
72 (90)
62 (73)
63 (73)
54 (63)
63 (72)
50 (56)
4xIF
110 (112)
100 (106)
88 (93)
88 (98)
77 (84)
84 (92)
5xIF
119 (128)
102 (118)
106 (115)
94 (103)
102 (112)
90 (96)
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MICROLITHIC™ DOUBLE-BALANCED I/Q MIXER
MLIQ-0218
Page 8
LO/RF 2 to 18 GHz
IF DC to 3.5 GHz
Port
Description
LO
The LO port is DC short to ground and AC matched to 50 Ohms from 2
to 18 GHz. Blocking capacitor is optional.
LO
RF
The RF port is DC short to ground and AC matched to 50 Ohms from 2
to 18 GHz. Blocking capacitor is optional.
RF
I/Q
The I/Q ports are DC coupled to the diodes. Blocking capacitor is
optional.
DC Interface Schematic
IF
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter
Maximum Rating
RF DC Current
1 Amp
LO DC Current
1 Amp
IF DC Current1
50 mA
RF Power Handling (RF+LO)
+29 dBm at +25°C, derated
linearly to +24 dBm at +100°C
IF Power Handling (each IF port, with +24 dBm maximum LO)
+25 dBm at +25°C, derated
linearly to +20 dBm at +100°C
Operating Temperature
-55ºC to +100ºC
Storage Temperature
-65ºC to +125ºC
1
Application of DC current has been known to damage mixer diodes. Any application of DC current could cause
field damage and void the warranty.
DATA SHEET NOTES:
1. Mixer Conversion Loss and Rejection plots IF frequency is 60 MHz.
2. Mixer Noise Figure typically measures within 0.5 dB of conversion loss for IF frequencies greater than 5 MHz.
3. Conversion Loss typically degrades less than 0.5 dB for LO drives 2 dB below the lowest and 3 dB above highest nominal LO drive levels.
4. Conversion Loss typically degrades less than 0.5 dB at +100°C and improves less than 0.5 dB at -55°C.
5. Unless otherwise specified L diode data taken with +15 dBm LO drive and I diode data taken with +21 dBm LO drive.
6. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact Marki Microwave for the most recent specifications and data sheets.
7. Catalog mixer circuits are continually improved. Configuration control requires custom mixer model numbers and specifications.
Marki Microwave reserves the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice. Marki Microwave makes no
warranty, representation, or guarantee regarding the suitability of its products for any particular purpose, nor does Marki Microwave assume any
liability whatsoever arising out of the use or application of any product.
© Marki Microwave, Inc.
215 Vineyard Court, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 | Ph: 408.778.4200 | Fax 408.778.4300 | info@markimicrowave.com
www.markimicrowave.com
1/4/16