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Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK1222
- Part No.:
- AK1222
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 16-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AK1222.pdf
- Description:
- IC RF MIXER 100-900MHZ 16UQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,349
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Product details
Overview
The AK1222 from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a low-power, passive double-balanced down-conversion mixer IC with RF/LO frequency coverage from 100 MHz to 900 MHz and IF output range of 20 MHz to 100 MHz. It features single-ended 50Ω RF input, complementary 50Ω LO inputs, differential open-drain IF outputs, and bias-current programmability via external resistor (22–56 kΩ) for trade-off between linearity (IIP3 up to +11 dBm) and power consumption (2.9–5.3 mA). It is used in portable two-way radio front-ends requiring low quiescent current and configurable performance.
For engineers reviewing the AK1222 datasheet, AK1222 pinout, AK1222 application, or AK1222 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed RF/IF operating ranges, real-world bias-dependent performance curves, and direct alternatives for PMR/LMR, marine, and amateur radio designs.
Technical Context
The AK1222 implements a passive Gilbert-cell mixer core with integrated LO buffer and on-chip termination for complementary LO inputs. Its differential open-drain IF outputs require external inductive power feeding and load resistors (e.g., 2.2 kΩ) to establish proper DC bias and conversion gain.
Performance is dynamically adjustable via the BIAS pin: connecting 22 kΩ yields 5.3 mA supply current, −2 dB conversion gain, +11 dBm IIP3, and 12 dB noise figure; 56 kΩ reduces current to 2.9 mA while degrading IIP3 to +2 dBm and NF to 11.5 dB - enabling system-level optimization of dynamic range versus battery life.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 100–900 MHz - supports VHF/UHF PMR, LMR, marine, and amateur bands without external tuning. |
| LO Frequency Range | 100–900 MHz - matches RF range for image-reject downconversion in fixed-IF architectures. |
| IF Output Range | 20–100 MHz - enables baseband or low-IF sampling with standard ADCs and filters. |
| Conversion Gain | −4 to 0 dB (2.2 kΩ load) or −5.5 to −1.5 dB (56 kΩ load) - defines signal level delivered to downstream IF amplifiers. |
| IIP3 (Bias Configurable) | +8 to +11 dBm @ 22 kΩ; −1 to +2 dBm @ 56 kΩ - sets maximum tolerable interferer level before third-order distortion dominates. |
| Noise Figure | 11.5–14 dB - determines minimum detectable signal in weak-signal reception scenarios. |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75–5.25 V - compatible with standard 5 V rail; no internal regulation required. |
| Operating Temp. | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and outdoor radio equipment environments. |
Pinout & Package
AK1222 is housed in a 16-pin UQFN package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.60 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; NC pins (5–8, 13–16) are recommended to be grounded per datasheet guidance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| RFIN | RF Input (Analog) | Single-ended 50 Ω interface; requires series inductor to ground for impedance matching at target frequency. |
| VSS | Ground | Primary analog ground reference; connects to exposed pad for thermal and electrical integrity. |
| LOINN / LOINP | LO Differential Inputs | Complementary 50 Ω ports; require AC coupling and decoupling to ground to suppress common-mode noise. |
| BIAS | Bias Current Control | Analog I/O pin; connects to ground via 22–56 kΩ resistor to set IDD and optimize IIP3/NF/gain trade-off. |
| VDD | Power Supply | 5 V supply input; bypassing with 100 pF capacitor near pin is mandatory for LO buffer stability. |
| IFOUTN / IFOUTP | Differential IF Outputs | Open-drain outputs; require external inductors for power feeding and load resistors (e.g., 2.2 kΩ) to define output impedance and gain. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Linearity vs. Power Selectable Architecture | Single external resistor (22–56 kΩ) adjusts IIP3 from +2 to +11 dBm and IDD from 2.9 to 5.3 mA - enables hardware-based mode switching for battery-sensitive operation. |
| Differential Open-Drain IF Outputs | Eliminates need for internal current sources; allows flexible load configuration (e.g., transformer-coupled or active termination) and improves PSRR. |
| Integrated LO Buffer with 50 Ω Match | Accepts −5 to +5 dBm LO drive; reduces external driver requirements and improves LO port isolation (RF–LO leakage < −30 dBc typical). |
| Wide RF/LO Bandwidth (100–900 MHz) | Covers entire VHF (136–174 MHz), UHF (400–520 MHz), and 800 MHz public safety bands - one device supports multi-band radios. |
| Thermally Optimized UQFN Package | 3 mm × 3 mm footprint with exposed pad enables compact PCB layout and efficient heat dissipation in sealed handheld enclosures. |
Applications
| Two-way Radios (PMR/LMR) | Marine Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable land-mobile transceivers operating in 136–174 MHz or 400–470 MHz bands with battery life constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Down-conversion mixer in superheterodyne receiver front-end; translates RF channel to 45 MHz IF for filtering and demodulation. Use Value: Configurable 2.9 mA low-power mode extends talk time; 50 Ω matched RF/LO ports simplify matching network design and improve production yield. |
Use Scenario: VHF marine band (156–174 MHz) receivers installed in boats with limited space and thermal management. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage mixer converting marine band signals to 10.7 MHz IF for AM/FM demodulation and squelch processing. Use Value: Compact UQFN package fits tight RF modules; −40°C to +85°C rating ensures reliability in humid, salt-laden environments. |
| Radio Communications for Disaster Prevention | Amateur Radios |
Use Scenario: Emergency response handhelds deployed across diverse terrain where signal integrity and battery endurance are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-dynamic-range mixer in wideband receiver supporting multiple frequency plans (e.g., 144/430/900 MHz amateur bands). Use Value: +11 dBm IIP3 at 5.3 mA enables strong adjacent-channel rejection in congested urban RF environments without external preselection. |
Use Scenario: Home-built or commercial HF/VHF/UHF transceivers requiring flexible, low-cost mixer solutions with predictable performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core downconverter in direct-conversion or low-IF SDR receiver architectures using software-defined IF processing. Use Value: Differential IF outputs interface directly to ADC drivers or baluns; documented impedance matching networks accelerate prototyping. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar down-conversion mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK1220 | IIP3 = +22 dBm (typ), IDD = 12 mA - higher linearity, higher power; no bias adjustment. | Preferred for base station receivers or repeaters where dynamic range outweighs power budget. | Select AK1220 when +22 dBm IIP3 is mandatory and 12 mA supply current is acceptable. |
| AK1224 | NF = 8.5 dB (typ), IIP3 = +18 dBm (typ), IDD = 8.5 mA - lower noise, higher linearity, fixed bias. | Suitable for sensitive receive paths (e.g., satellite comms, spectrum analyzers) requiring best-in-class NF/IIP3 balance. | Choose AK1224 when sub-9 dB noise figure is required and power consumption >5.3 mA is permissible. |
Compared with AK1220 and AK1224, the AK1222 uniquely offers user-adjustable linearity–power trade-off via a single external resistor - making it optimal for portable radios where battery life and interference immunity must be balanced dynamically.
Availability
AK1222 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for two-way radios (PMR/LMR), marine communications systems, disaster prevention equipment, and amateur radio transceivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant sourcing.
Supply support for AK1222 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and sensor ICs for audio, communication, and industrial applications.
The AK1222 belongs to AKM's high-performance RF mixer product line, designed specifically for battery-powered, portable wireless communication devices operating across VHF/UHF bands with stringent size and power constraints.
FAQ
What is the recommended external resistor value for the BIAS pin of the AK1222 to achieve optimal IIP3?
The AK1222 achieves its highest IIP3 (+11 dBm typ) with a 22 kΩ resistor connected between the BIAS pin and ground, resulting in 5.3 mA total supply current. This configuration maximizes linearity for interference-prone environments. The AK1222 datasheet confirms this value under "Electrical Characteristics" Table 3 and Figure 4, where IIP3 peaks at 22 kΩ across temperature and supply voltage variations.
Can the AK1222 be used with a 3.3 V supply voltage?
No, the AK1222 is specified only for 4.75 V to 5.25 V operation per its Absolute Maximum Ratings and Recommended Operating Range tables. Attempting 3.3 V operation will result in LO buffer failure, degraded conversion gain, and undefined IIP3/NF performance. For 3.3 V systems, consider AKM's AK1228 (3 V supply, 10 MHz–2 GHz) as an alternative.
How should the IFOUTP and IFOUTN pins of the AK1222 be terminated for optimal performance?
The AK1222 IFOUTP and IFOUTN pins are open-drain outputs and must be terminated with both power feeding (via 1800 nH inductor for 30 MHz IF, per Figure 16) and load resistors (e.g., 2.2 kΩ to VDD). Incorrect termination causes gain loss, increased noise figure, and poor amplitude/phase balance. The AK1222 evaluation board schematic (Figure 24) and Application Information section (page 25) provide validated LC network values for 30–100 MHz IF frequencies.
Does the AK1222 support up-conversion applications?
No, the AK1222 is explicitly designed and characterized as a down-conversion mixer only. Its block diagram, electrical characteristics, and typical performance graphs (Figures 4–10) all assume RF→IF downconversion. Up-conversion requires different port isolation, LO–RF leakage, and harmonic suppression - capabilities not validated for the AK1222. For up/down conversion, AKM specifies the AK1228.
What is the function of the NC pins on the AK1222, and how should they be handled on the PCB?
The AK1222 has eight NC pins (5–8, 13–16). Per the Pin Functional Description table and Note in the datasheet, these pins have no internal connection and may be left floating, but grounding them is recommended for mechanical stability and EMI reduction. The datasheet states grounding "will not make any impact on the electrical characteristics," and the exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a solid ground plane for thermal performance.
AK1222 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- -
- Frequency:
- 100MHz ~ 900MHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 1
- Gain:
- 0dB
- Noise Figure:
- 14dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 7.9mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-UQFN (3x3)
AK1222 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AK1222 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AK1222 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AK1222 reliable?
The price and inventory of AK1222 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AK1222 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AK1222?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AK1222 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AK1222?
AK1222 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AK1222 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AK1222?
For technical support, including AK1222 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AK1222 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AK1222 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AK1222 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AK1222 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AK1222?
All AK1222 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AK1222, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AK1222 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AK1222:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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