Analog Devices Inc. LT5526EUF#PBF

Overview

LT5526EUF#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a high-linearity, low-power broadband downconverting mixer IC optimized for RF-to-IF signal translation in wireless infrastructure receivers. It delivers +16.5dBm input IP3 at 900MHz, 0.6dB conversion gain, 11dB SSB noise figure, and operates with –5dBm LO drive on a single 5V supply. It serves as the core active mixer in high-dynamic-range point-to-point and cable downlink receivers.

For engineers reviewing the LT5526EUF#PBF datasheet, LT5526EUF#PBF pinout, LT5526EUF#PBF application, or LT5526EUF#PBF equivalent, this page provides verified RF port impedance data, enable timing (3µs turn-on), differential I/O interface details, and validated alternatives for high-linearity receiver design where passive mixers introduce unacceptable loss or LO sensitivity.

Technical Context

The LT5526EUF#PBF integrates a double-balanced active mixer core, an internally matched 50Ω LO buffer amplifier, and an RF buffer stage to achieve high LO–RF isolation (≥55dB) and LO–IF isolation (≥74dB at 900MHz). Its architecture supports both low-side and high-side LO injection across RF inputs up to 2GHz and LO frequencies up to 2.5GHz.

All ports-RF, LO, and IF-are differential. The LO port accepts single-ended drive via external DC blocking capacitors due to internal 1.7V biasing, while RF and IF require external impedance matching networks (e.g., baluns or lumped LC) to transform to 50Ω or system-specific loads. The enable function controls power to LO buffer, bias, and mixer sections independently.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LT5526EUF#PBF uses a 16-lead 4mm × 4mm plastic QFN (UF package) with exposed thermal pad (Pin 17 = GND). The package requires soldering of the exposed pad for thermal and electrical integrity; NC pins (1, 4, 8, 13, 16) must be grounded externally to maximize LO–RF/LO–IF isolation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar downconverting mixer applications.

Compared with LT5526EUF#PBF, LT5512 offers superior linearity but demands higher LO power and lacks enable control, while ADL5801ACPZ-R7 reduces layout complexity at the cost of 1.5dB higher noise figure and no differential noise rejection.

Availability

LT5526EUF#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for point-to-point microwave radios, cable downlink infrastructure, and wireless base station receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LT5526EUF#PBF 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

Analog Devices, Inc. (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for precision signal processing.

The LT5526EUF#PBF belongs to Linear's high-linearity RF mixer product line, designed specifically for demanding receiver applications in wireless infrastructure, test equipment, and broadband communications where passive mixers fail to meet dynamic range or LO drive constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum RF input frequency supported by the LT5526EUF#PBF?

The LT5526EUF#PBF is characterized for RF input frequencies from 100MHz to 2000MHz. At 1900MHz, it maintains +14.1dBm IIP3 and 0.4dB conversion gain with 140MHz IF output. Operation beyond 2GHz is possible but with reduced linearity and gain; consult Analog Devices' application notes for extended-band matching guidance specific to LT5526EUF#PBF.

Does the LT5526EUF#PBF require external LO matching components?

No-the LT5526EUF#PBF features an on-chip 50Ω LO input match. External 100pF DC blocking capacitors are required on LO+ and LO– pins due to internal 1.7V DC bias, but no series/shunt matching elements are needed. This simplifies layout and improves broadband return loss (>15dB from 100MHz to 2500MHz) without tuning.

How does the enable function of the LT5526EUF#PBF affect power consumption?

When EN is pulled low (<0.3V), the LT5526EUF#PBF enters shutdown mode drawing only 100µA total supply current. When EN is high (>3V), full operation resumes with 28mA typical supply current at 5V. The enable pin draws just 55µA at 5V, making it compatible with standard logic drivers without loading concerns.

Can the LT5526EUF#PBF be used with high-side LO injection?

Yes-the LT5526EUF#PBF supports both low-side and high-side LO injection. Performance data shows +16.5dBm IIP3 and 0.6dB gain at 900MHz RF with fLO = fRF – 140MHz (low-side), and +14.1dBm IIP3 at 1900MHz RF with fLO = fRF – 140MHz (high-side equivalent). The internal architecture imposes no topology restriction; matching networks determine optimal configuration.

What is the recommended PCB grounding strategy for the LT5526EUF#PBF?

The exposed thermal pad (Pin 17) of the LT5526EUF#PBF must be soldered directly to a solid PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation and RF isolation. Pins 9 and 12 are secondary ground connections tied internally to the pad; they should also be routed to ground but are not substitutes for the exposed pad. All NC pins (1, 4, 8, 13, 16) must be grounded externally to suppress LO leakage paths.