TriQuint Semiconductor Introduces The TQ5M31 General Purpose Mixer/Downconverter.

HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 1998--

The TQ5M31 Mixer/Downconverter Applications Include

AMPS/CDMA/Cellular, PCS, Satcom, and Wireless Receivers

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. introduces the TQ5M31, a general purpose mixer/downconverter RFIC designed for multiple applications. These include mobile phone, CDPD, ISM, SatCom and WLAN data networks. The small size and excellent performance of the TQ5M31 make it usable for any application in the RF frequency range from 500 to 2500 MHz and with an IF output range of 45 to 500 MHz. The RFIC uses minimal off-chip matching components while maintaining maximum applications flexibility and high output Third Order Intercept efficiency. Small current drain, small physical size, and low cost make this part ideal for portable, battery operated applications.

The TQ5M31 configuration provides a buffered local oscillator (LO) input, a GaAs MESFET mixer, and an IF output amplifier all integrated in a single, small RFIC. Simple external circuits with minimum parts count are used to optimize: 1) the LO buffer amplifier frequency response to minimize mixer noise injection and 2) the IF gain response for optimum gain and intercept point for the particular application.

"The ability to optimize the performance of the mixer by varying a few external components makes the TQ5M31 ideal for hand-held applications where small size, low current consumption, and high performance are necessary" said Cathy Arb, Product Marketing Engineer for TriQuint's Mixer Products.

PERFORMANCE

The TQ5M31 conversion gain is 2.0 to 3.5 dB depending upon band of interest and varies by only +/-0.3 dB over the full operating temperature range. Input third order intercept point is 9.0 dB minimum (10 dB typical) with an associated noise figure of 9.5 dB. Isolations of 33 dB (RF to IF) and 40 dB (LO to IF) are demonstrated on standardized test boards. Performance can be optimized by tuning three circuit elements: the LO buffer amp bias port; the IF output port; and the GIC (Gain/Intercept/Current) port.

The output of the LO buffer amplifier can be tuned with a single inductor to optimize out-of-band noise power. The Mixer IF output port impedance can be optimized for various filter and IF amplifier topologies with a simple series and shunt capacitor combination. Access to the "GIC" pin allows optimization of the Gain, Third Order Intercept, and Power Supply Current for a variety of wireless applications by controlling the current through the IF amplifier.

IF and LO input port return losses are greater than 10 dB. Leakage and unwanted mixing products are minimized by having the input port matched to 50 ohms over the entire RF frequency range. The LO input port is RF coupled and is internally matched to 50 ohms. This simplifies the design and keeps the number of external components to a minimum. The TQ5M31 operates from a single 2.8 VDC nominal supply and draws between 4 and 7 milliamps depending upon application and bias current.

APPLICATIONS

The approach of utilizing an LNA RFIC, which is separate from the Mixer IC, improves system performance by providing better isolation and a lower sensitivity to filter matching.

The TQ5M31 offers a new level of performance with features well suited for the growing number of applications in the 500 to 2500 MHz frequency range. Such applications include WLAN, ISM, GPS, and L-Band Satcom transceivers in addition to phone handset applications operating in CDMA, TDMA, AMPS, or PCS modes and frequencies. The simple design and small size of the TQ5M31 mixer/downconverter with the aforementioned specification "tuneability" allow it to replace discrete device realizations without sacrificing performance or power consumption.

A typical example of achievable performance with optimization is for a PCS application. When operated at a supply voltage of 2.8 Volts the IC draws about 6 mA. With an RF input frequency of 1960 MHz, an LO frequency of 1750 (low side), and an IF frequency of 210 MHz, the TQ5M31 provides a conversion gain of 3 dB with an associated noise figure of 9.5 dB and input third order intercept point of +10 dBm. LO drive level is -4 dBm for the above performance, although satisfactory performance is obtained with LO drives in the -7 to 0 dBm range.

PACKAGE

The TQ5M31 is available in a 6 pin, SOT-23 6 package. The device configuration (Mixer/IF Amplifier with separate LNA RFIC) including optimizing components actually utilizes a PC Board area of only eight square millimeters including package leads.

PRICE AND DELIVERY

Pricing is $2.08 each at quantity of 1,000. Samples are available now with production quantities available in Q4 1998.

For more information, contact:

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.

2300 N.E. Brookwood Parkway

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.triquint.com

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (Nasdaq:TQNT) is a leading worldwide supplier of a broad range of high performance gallium arsenide (GaAs) integrated circuits. TriQuint's products span the RF and millimeter wave frequency ranges and employ analog and mixed signal circuit designs. They are used in wireless communications, telecommunications, data communications and aerospace systems. TriQuint offers both standard and customer specific products as well as foundry services. TriQuint's two operations, in Oregon and Texas, are both certified to the ISO 9001 international quality standard.

TriQuint is headquartered at 2300 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124 and can be reached at 503/615-9000 (fax [phone]). Visit the TriQuint website at http://www.triquint.com.

SUPPORT

Technical support is available along with data sheet, evaluation fixtures, and application notes. The TQ5M31 data sheet is available on TriQuint's website in pdf format.

For more information, contact:

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.

2300 N.E. Brookwood Parkway

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.triquint.com