As a complete SiGe up- and downconverter, the MAX2031 integrates a state-of-the-art double-balanced mixer core with an LO amplifier, two baluns, an LO switch, plus dozens of discrete components (Note to editor: Refer to Figure 1 which shows the MAX2031 as an upconverter and downconverter in typical transmit and receive applications, respectively). This integration reduces the total board space used by the mixer by a factor of 2.5x, and reduces the discrete part count by 33%. The MAX2031's outstanding 2RF-2LO performance can also ease the filtering requirements of close-in harmonics, thus leading to simpler and more cost-effective filter designs.

Frequency hopping is supported with the integrated SPDT LO switch with switching speeds of < 50ns and 49dB of LO1-to-LO2 isolation. The on-board 0dBm drive, LO buffer provides ±3dB drive-variance control, yielding stable gain, NF, and IIP3 performance over temperature, supply, and input power. The device has excellent +0.2/-0.3dB gain-variation over the -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius industrial temperature range. IIP3 spread is similarly impressive at ±0.3dB over temperature..