Ka-Band Monolithic GaAs Balanced Mixers

A monolithic GaAs balanced mixer chip has been optimized and integrated with a hybrid MIC IF preamplifier in a wafer-type package with significant improvement in RF bandwidth and reduction in chip size. A double sideband noise figure of less than 6 dB has been achieved over a 31 to 39 GHz frequency range with a GaAs chip size of only .05 X .43 inches. This includes the contribution of a 1.5 dB noise figure due to IF preamplifier (5-500 MHz).