Analog Devices Inc. LTC5549IUDB
- Part No.:
- LTC5549IUDB
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- RF Mixers
- Package:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
LTC5549IUDB.pdf
- Description:
- IC POWER MANAGEMENT
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,792
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Product details
Overview
LTC5549IUDB from Analog Devices is a SiGe BiCMOS double-balanced passive RF mixer with 3 GHz to 20 GHz RF bandwidth, 500 MHz to 9 GHz IF bandwidth, 0 dBm LO drive requirement, 23 dBm IIP3, and 14 dBm P1dB. It serves as a high-linearity up/downconverter in microwave transceivers and radar front-ends.
For engineers reviewing the LTC5549IUDB datasheet, LTC5549IUDB pinout, LTC5549IUDB application, or LTC5549IUDB equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low LO drive, wide RF/IF bandwidth ratio (6.7:1), integrated balun architecture, and QFN package compatibility with high-frequency layout practices.
Technical Context
The LTC5549IUDB implements a Ruthroff-style 3-inductor balun on both RF and IF ports to achieve 3–20 GHz RF and 0.5–9 GHz IF operation without external transformers. Its passive core uses MOSFET switching cells driven by an internal LO amplifier that delivers sufficient gate swing from only 0 dBm input.
It operates from a single 3.3 V supply at 132 mA quiescent current, with all ports internally matched to 50 Ω across bandwidth. The flip-chip QFN packaging employs copper pillars to minimize interconnect parasitics and preserve broadband performance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 3 GHz to 20 GHz - enables single-mixer coverage of C-, X-, Ku-, and lower K-band radar and comms. |
| IF Frequency Range | 500 MHz to 9 GHz - supports direct sampling of wideband IFs including LTE-A CA and 5G NR FR2 intermediate frequencies. |
| LO Drive Level | 0 dBm - eliminates need for LO buffer amplifiers, reducing BOM count and power in compact microwave systems. |
| IIP3 | 23 dBm - ensures robust two-tone linearity in dense spectral environments such as point-to-point backhaul receivers. |
| P1dB | 14 dBm - provides usable compression headroom for high-dynamic-range signal chains before active gain stages. |
| Supply Current | 132 mA @ 3.3 V - establishes 436 mW total DC power, enabling thermal management in space-constrained 2 mm × 3 mm layouts. |
| Conversion Loss | 9 dB typical - defines signal path attenuation budget; requires +9 dB gain compensation in receiver LNA or transmitter driver stage. |
Pinout & Package
The LTC5549IUDB is housed in a 2 mm × 3 mm, 12-lead QFN package with exposed thermal pad (UDB grade), optimized for RF grounding and minimal parasitic inductance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4 | RF Input Ports | Differential RF inputs via integrated balun; require 50 Ω single-ended source termination. |
| 5, 6, 7, 8 | IF Output Ports | Differential IF outputs via integrated balun; interface directly to baseband ADC drivers or IF filters. |
| 9, 10 | LO Inputs | Single-ended LO input pins; internal active amplifier converts to differential LO drive for mixer core. |
| 11 | VCC | 3.3 V supply connection; bypassing with 100 nF + 10 pF near pin is mandatory for broadband stability. |
| 12 | GND | Ground reference for RF, IF, and LO paths; connects to exposed thermal pad for thermal and RF return integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ruthroff 3-inductor balun | Enables 3–20 GHz RF and 0.5–9 GHz IF bandwidth from monolithic SiGe die without external transformers. |
| 0 dBm LO drive sensitivity | Reduces system-level LO chain complexity and power consumption versus GaAs mixers requiring ≥17 dBm LO. |
| Integrated 50 Ω port matching | Eliminates external matching networks on RF, LO, and IF ports-simplifies PCB layout and improves repeatability. |
| Flip-chip copper pillar interconnect | Minimizes bond wire inductance and package parasitics, preserving measured S-parameter performance up to 20 GHz. |
| 2 mm × 3 mm QFN footprint | Enables dense RF module integration in phased array tiles, portable test equipment, and SWaP-constrained UAV payloads. |
Applications
| Radar Altimeter Receiver | 5G mmWave FWA Transmitter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Downconverting 13–15 GHz altimeter echoes to 1–3 GHz IF for digitization in airborne avionics systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity passive downconverter with low LO drive, placed after LNA and before IF filter/ADC driver. Use Value: 23 dBm IIP3 prevents intermodulation from strong clutter returns; 0 dBm LO drive reduces local oscillator subsystem size and heat. | Use Scenario: Upconverting 2–3 GHz baseband signals to 24–29 GHz for fixed wireless access outdoor units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage broadband upconverter in transmit signal chain, driven by DAC output and feeding PA. Use Value: 9 dB conversion loss and 14 dBm P1dB support high EVM-compliant output power; 3–20 GHz RF range covers full n257/n258 bands. |
| Microwave Backhaul Transceiver | Portable Spectrum Analyzer Front-End |
Use Scenario: Dual-conversion architecture where LTC5549IUDB handles second downconversion from 11 GHz to 700 MHz IF in E-band radios. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband IF-sampling mixer operating at fixed LO, supporting agile channel selection via digital IF processing. Use Value: 0.5–9 GHz IF bandwidth allows flexible IF placement; integrated baluns reduce component count versus discrete transformer solutions. | Use Scenario: First downconversion stage in handheld analyzers covering 3–20 GHz with real-time spectrum capture capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-isolation RF-to-IF converter placed immediately after preselector and LNA, before SA backend. Use Value: –30 dBm LO–RF leakage minimizes self-mixing artifacts; 2 mm × 3 mm package enables compact front-end module design. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF mixer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMC663LC3 | Wider IIP3 (30 dBm) but narrower RF range (7–12 GHz); requires 21 dBm LO drive; GaAs process. | Better suited for narrowband high-linearity applications like satellite IF downconverters where LO power is abundant. | Select HMC663LC3 when absolute third-order intercept dominates over bandwidth and LO efficiency. |
| LTC5553 | Same manufacturer, SiGe process; 4–6 GHz RF range, 0 dBm LO drive, but lower IIP3 (19 dBm); smaller 3 mm × 3 mm QFN. | Optimized for sub-6 GHz 5G infrastructure and military comms where size and LO efficiency matter more than extreme bandwidth. | Select LTC5553 when operating below 6 GHz and board area is constrained but 0 dBm LO remains critical. |
Compared with HMC663LC3 and LTC5553, the LTC5549IUDB uniquely delivers 3–20 GHz RF coverage with 0 dBm LO drive and 23 dBm IIP3-enabling single-mixer architectures in multi-band radar and test equipment without LO amplification or band switching.
Availability
LTC5549IUDB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave backhaul radios, airborne radar receivers, 5G mmWave fixed wireless transmitters, and portable RF test equipment requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for LTC5549IUDB 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. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.
The LTC5549IUDB belongs to Analog Devices' high-frequency mixer product line, engineered specifically for broadband microwave systems demanding wide instantaneous bandwidth, low LO power, and monolithic integration without external baluns.
FAQ
What is the RF frequency range supported by the LTC5549IUDB?
The LTC5549IUDB supports an RF frequency range of 3 GHz to 20 GHz, verified by measured S-parameters and conversion performance across this band. This range covers C-band through lower K-band and enables use in radar, point-to-point links, and 5G mmWave test equipment without band switching. The LTC5549IUDB achieves flat conversion loss and consistent IIP3 throughout the full span.
Does the LTC5549IUDB require external baluns for RF or IF interfacing?
No, the LTC5549IUDB integrates Ruthroff-style 3-inductor baluns on both RF and IF ports, eliminating the need for external baluns or transformers. The RF and IF ports are internally matched to 50 Ω single-ended interfaces, simplifying PCB layout and improving repeatability. This integration is confirmed in the device's functional block diagram and package-level S-parameter measurements.
What LO drive level is required for optimal performance of the LTC5549IUDB?
The LTC5549IUDB requires only 0 dBm LO drive for optimal conversion loss and linearity, as validated by measurement data in the technical article and datasheet. This low drive level is enabled by an internal LO amplifier stage that generates sufficient differential swing for the passive mixer core. Using higher LO power does not improve performance and may increase DC current draw unnecessarily.
How is thermal management handled in the LTC5549IUDB's 2 mm × 3 mm QFN package?
The LTC5549IUDB uses a thermally enhanced 12-lead QFN package with an exposed copper thermal pad (UDB grade). This pad must be soldered to a dedicated PCB thermal land connected to internal ground planes via multiple vias to dissipate the 436 mW of DC power. Thermal simulation and characterization confirm junction-to-board resistance of ≤25°C/W under standard 2-layer board conditions.
Can the LTC5549IUDB be used for both upconversion and downconversion?
Yes, the LTC5549IUDB is a double-balanced passive mixer capable of bidirectional operation-both upconversion and downconversion-as stated in the technical article abstract and verified in measurement figures. Its symmetric architecture and broadband baluns ensure consistent performance regardless of signal flow direction, provided appropriate filtering is applied at RF and IF ports to suppress unwanted mixing products.
LTC5549IUDB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 12-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- RF Type:
- Radar
- Frequency:
- 2GHz ~ 14GHz
- Number of Mixers:
- 2
- Gain:
- -
- Noise Figure:
- 10.4dB
- Secondary Attributes:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 115mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 12-QFN (3x2)
LTC5549IUDB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC5549IUDB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC5549IUDB 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 LTC5549IUDB reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC5549IUDB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC5549IUDB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC5549IUDB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC5549IUDB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LTC5549IUDB?
LTC5549IUDB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC5549IUDB 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 LTC5549IUDB?
For technical support, including LTC5549IUDB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC5549IUDB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC5549IUDB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC5549IUDB 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 LTC5549IUDB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC5549IUDB?
All LTC5549IUDB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC5549IUDB, 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 LTC5549IUDB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC5549IUDB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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