Mimix Broadband Introduces Single Chip GaAs MMIC Up-converter That Enables Lower Cost and Smaller Size Designs

Using Mimix’s XU1000 in Conjunction with the XP1000 and XB1000 Forms a Complete Millimeter-wave Transmitter

May 9, 2001, Houston, Texas ­ Mimix Broadband announced today the introduction of a totally integrated Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) up-converter on a single chip. This device is a single fundamental mixer followed by a single stage amplifier. Using 0.15 micron gate length GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) device model technology, the up-converter covers the 17 to 27 GHz frequency band. Furthermore, this up-converter has a typical small signal gain of 0 dB with a typical third order intercept point of +12 dBm across the band. This single chip device features low DC power consumption and operates at +3.0 VDC.

This up-converter, identified as XU1000, used in conjunction with Mimix’s XP1000 power amplifier and XB1000 gain block amplifier forms a complete millimeter-wave transmitter. Furthermore, the XU1000 enables the development of smaller size and lower cost designs and is well suited for wireless communications applications such as millimeter-wave point-to-point radio, local multipoint distribution services (LMDS), SATCOM and VSAT applications.

"The integration of a gain stage with the mixer reduces the subsequent gain needed to realize the transmit power level required in a radio, reducing overall chip count in many cases," stated Dr. Jim Harvey, CTO of Mimix Broadband. "In conjunction with the other integrated devices available for the 17 to 27 GHz bands, this device allows users to manufacture radio terminals with lower overall active device count, compared to other designs."

Mimix performs 100% on-wafer RF, DC and output power testing on the XU1000, as well as 100% visual inspection to MIL-STD-883 method 2010. The chip also has surface passivation to protect and provide a rugged part with backside via holes and gold metallization to allow either a conductive epoxy or eutectic solder die attach process.

Engineering samples are available today from stock and production quantities are available within 8 to 12 weeks after order processing. Technical support is also available from Mimix’s applications engineers at 281.988.4600. Additionally, please visit Mimix’s website (www.mimixbroadband.com) for the XU1000 datasheet and additional product information.

About Mimix Broadband
Mimix Broadband designs, develops and markets high performance Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for broadband wireless access technologies at millimeter-wave frequencies. The Company leverages strategic partnerships for manufacturing in order to expedite the time-to-market cycle and meet market requirements. Backed by experienced, highly successful stakeholders, Mimix Broadband combines its expertise in overall radio system design to provide comprehensive insight in the technology and issues that its customers confront in designing their products.