An F-band mixer module with a built-in broadband IF amplifier for spectrum analysis with low intermodulation distortion

In this study, we developed a mixer module for precise spectrum analysis in the extremely high frequency band above 110 GHz. The mixer MMIC was designed and fabricated using InP HEMT as a single resistive mixer with an IF amplifier. An integrated IF amplifier boosts the conversion gain of the mixer, and it can also widen the bandwidth. After packaging, this mixer module achieved a conversion gain higher than -10 dB with an IF bandwidth wider than 30 GHz. By introducing the IF amplifier, the implementation loss in the higher frequency bands was offset. An evaluation of the linearity of the mixer module showed that the IIP3 degradation caused by the IF amplifier was as low as 2.5 dB. Measurement of LO input power dependence of distortion characteristics showed that the optimum LO power was as low as 0 dBm. These features of a low LO power requirement and good linearity characteristics make the module attractive for the construction of millimeter-wave systems.