Renesas UPC2756TB-E3-A

Overview

UPC2756TB-E3-A from NEC (now Renesas) is a silicon MMIC L-band downconverter IC integrating a double-balanced mixer, IF amplifier, and on-board LO oscillator in a single 6-pin SOT-363 package. It delivers 14 dB typical conversion gain, 13 dB noise figure at 900 MHz RF/150 MHz IF, −8 dBm saturated output power, and +4 dBm OIP3 across 0.1–2.0 GHz RF and 10–300 MHz IF bands, operating from 2.7–3.3 V supply. It is used in wireless receiver front-ends requiring compact, self-contained frequency translation.

For engineers reviewing the UPC2756TB-E3-A datasheet, UPC2756TB-E3-A pinout, UPC2756TB-E3-A application, or UPC2756TB-E3-A equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated LO architecture, 6-pin SOT-363 footprint, 3 V operation, RF-to-IF conversion performance across L-band, and thermal resistance of 325°C/W on standard PCB mounting.

Technical Context

The UPC2756TB-E3-A implements a monolithic double-balanced mixer core with built-in differential LO oscillator, eliminating external LO sources and reducing system component count. Its IF amplifier provides single-ended push-pull emitter-follower output with low impedance and DC-coupled biasing via internal transistor structure.

It operates as a superheterodyne downconverter with fixed LO generation enabled by external tank circuit (e.g., varactor diode + inductor), supporting both high-side and low-side injection. The device requires no external IF filtering or LO buffering, and all RF/IF ports are matched to 50 Ω under specified conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UPC2756TB-E3-A is housed in a 6-pin SOT-363 (Super Minimold) package, measuring 2.1 × 1.25 × 0.9 mm, with lead pitch of 0.65 mm and embossed tape packaging for automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with UPC2756T-E3-A, the UPC2756TB-E3-A saves board space and improves thermal performance; compared with MAX2682EUT+T, it reduces system complexity by integrating the LO but trades off RF bandwidth and external LO flexibility.

Availability

UPC2756TB-E3-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPS receivers, ISM band wireless links, cellular infrastructure monitoring, and wireless security sensors requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant, Pb-free packaging.

Supply support for UPC2756TB-E3-A 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

Renesas Electronics (formerly NEC Electronics) is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog, and RF solutions, with rigorous quality assurance and automotive-grade reliability standards.

The UPC2756TB-E3-A belongs to NEC's silicon MMIC downconverter product line, designed specifically for compact, low-power L-band wireless receiver front-ends where integration, size, and supply simplicity are critical.

FAQ

What is the function of pins 3 and 4 (LO1 and LO2) on the UPC2756TB-E3-A?

Pins 3 and 4 serve as the differential terminals of the internal LO oscillator. When used in self-oscillating mode, they connect to an external tank circuit (e.g., varactor diode and inductor) to set the LO frequency. If an external LO is supplied, one pin is used as input and the other is bypassed to ground via a capacitor. The UPC2756TB-E3-A relies on this configuration to generate its own LO signal without requiring a separate synthesizer.

Does the UPC2756TB-E3-A require external matching networks at RF or IF ports?

No - the UPC2756TB-E3-A is internally matched to 50 Ω at RF and IF ports under standard test conditions (VCC = 3.0 V, TA = 25°C). Application circuits confirm use of only DC-blocking capacitors and bypass capacitors; no external baluns, transformers, or impedance-matching stubs are required for nominal operation across its specified frequency ranges.

What is the maximum RF input power the UPC2756TB-E3-A can handle before compression?

The UPC2756TB-E3-A exhibits −8 dBm saturated output power (PSAT) at 900 MHz RF/150 MHz IF with −10 dBm RF input. Compression begins near −20 dBm RF input, where conversion gain drops ~1 dB. Therefore, linear operation is maintained up to approximately −25 dBm RF input for minimal distortion, making the UPC2756TB-E3-A suitable for low-level signal reception rather than high-power mixing.

Is the UPC2756TB-E3-A pin-compatible with any other NEC/Renesas downconverter ICs?

Yes - the UPC2756TB-E3-A is explicitly documented as pin-compatible with the larger UPC2756T (SOIC-8), sharing identical pin functions and electrical behavior. This allows drop-in replacement in existing layouts where space permits the SOT-363 variant, enabling miniaturization without redesigning the signal routing or power delivery network for the UPC2756TB-E3-A.

What is the phase noise performance of the integrated LO in the UPC2756TB-E3-A?

The UPC2756TB-E3-A achieves −68 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10.2 kHz offset from a 1.9 GHz LO carrier, measured at pin 6 (IFOUT) under VCC = 3 V and TA = +25°C. This level supports adequate adjacent-channel rejection in narrowband receivers such as GPS and ISM applications, though not suitable for high-order QAM or wideband OFDM systems requiring sub-−80 dBc/Hz performance.