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Figure of Merit of Mixer Intermod Performance
Higher IP3, up to a point, can be obtained in a mixer at the expense of LO power in a given design; or, by a better design. Higher LO power means more DC power and more hardware. This paper defines a figure of merit that will be useful in judging the IP3 performance of mixers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Directional Couplers
Read through frequently asked questions about directional couplers for all you need to know about general information and specific applications.
Novel Passive FET Mixers Provide Superior Dynamic Range
The dual-double-balanced configuration of these FET mixers helps to improve dynamic range with reduced conversion loss and noise figure without expending DC bias.
Fixed Attenuators Help Minimize Impedance Mismatches
Fixed attenuators are invaluable problem solvers for circuit-level and system-level designers. In addition to controlling amplitude levels, fixed attenuators can improve the impedance match between impedance-sensitive devices, such as amplifiers and filters, and provide the isolation needed to stabilize oscillators.
Improve Two-Tone, Third-Order Intermodulation Testing
Two-tone, third-order distortion must be measured under specific performance conditions. The two most common errors in the measuring process are (1) failure to provide adequate isolation between the two input signal generators and proper impedance matching, and (2) insufficient filtering of the two input test signals.
RF Transformers
RF transformers are widely used in low-power electronic circuits for impedance matching to achieve maximum power transfer, for voltage step-up or step-down, and for isolating DC from two circuits while maintaining ac continuity.
Automated Load Pull Measurement of Voltage Controlled Oscillators
It is a standard industry practice to measure the variation of the frequency when the VCO output is seeing a load with 12 dB return loss. A skilled technician may take minutes to hours manually. Mini-Circuits has developed an electronic line stretcher that can be used to automate these measurements.
How RF Transformers Work and How They Are Measured
This article will describe the relationship between impedance relationships and transformer circuits with reference to transformers with turns ratios greater than 1:1 described as step-up.
Surface Mount Assembly of Mini-Circuits Components
While all surface mount parts are designed to meet industry standards for SMD assembly, the wise customer will understand that variations in process and materials need to be accounted for when developing an assembly method. This article is intended as a primer to assist the customer in hi development of an efficient and controlled process.
RF Transformer Fundamentals
The purpose of this article is to describe the fundamentals of RF and microwave transformers and to provide guidelines to users in selecting proper transformer to suit their applications. It is limited to core-and-wire and LTCC transformers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phase Detectors
Read through frequently asked questions about phase detectors for general information and tips for specific applications.
Soldering Turret Terminal Pins on ZX Series Models
The following article is a guide for soldering wire connections to turret pin terminals on the Mini-Circuits ZX series amplifier, power detector, voltage variable attenuator, digital step attenuator, RF switch, bias-tee, and VCO models. The information below is intended to ensure proper soldering of wire connections to the turret terminals on the Mini-Circuits models while maintaining optimum reliability.