Mimix Broadband Introduces 36 to 40 GHz GaAs MMIC Up-converter

Device Comprised of a Pair of Sub-harmonic Mixers Configured to Form an Image Reject Mixer Followed by a Two Stage LNA

October 16, 2001 Houston, Texas ­ Mimix Broadband announced today the introduction of a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) up-converter, which is comprised of a pair of sub-harmonic mixers configured to form an image reject mixer. This is followed by a two stage low noise amplifier (LNA). The image reject mixer removes the need for a bandpass filter after the mixer to suppress the unwanted sideband. The use of the sub-harmonic mixer makes the provision of the LO easier than for fundamental mixers at these frequencies.

Using 0.15 micron gate length GaAs pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) device model technology, this up-converter, identified as XU1001, covers the 36 to 40 GHz frequency bands. The XU1001 has a typical small signal gain of 4 dB with a 35 dB typical LO/RF isolation. This device is well suited for wireless communications applications such as millimeter-wave point-to-point radio, local multipoint distribution services (LMDS), SATCOM and VSAT applications.

"As in the companion receiver, the use of anti-parallel diode based sub-harmonic mixers allows a 20 GHz LO to be used at 15 dBm levels," stated Dr. Jim Harvey, CTO of Mimix Broadband. "This permits the use of a lower cost LO and lower LO transmission line losses than if a fundamental mixer were used. In addition, the high LO to RF isolation and the image rejection provided allow Mimix to supply significant gain inside the MMIC. Less gain is then needed between the up-converter and the PA output."

Mimix performs 100% on-wafer RF, DC and output power testing on the XU1001, 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 12 to 16 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 XU1001 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 (BWA) technologies at millimeter-wave frequencies. Mimix has assembled a team of world-class scientists that has been focused on the development of state-of-the-art millimeter-wave MMICs for the last decade. The Company also 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.