An 8-15 GHz GaAs monolithic frequency converter

An MMIC frequency converter with an RF bandwidth of 8-15 GHz and an IF bandwidth of 1.5 GHz has been designed and built. The MMIC chip has 15 dB conversion gain and includes a two-stage RF amplifier, a two-stage LO buffer amplifier, a double-balanced mixer, and a three-stage IF amplifier. This high level of integration is realized on a small 48 × 96 mil-area, resulting in good RF yields. The circuit employs a push-pull configuration to eliminate the need for via holes (low-inductance grounds) and facilitate a compact layout.