Analog Devices has introduced two RF ICs for broadband communications systems. The ADRF6655 active mixer and the ADRF6510 dual-programmable filter and variable gain amplifier integrate discrete devices into a single monolithic chip, reducing component count when compared to traditional discrete RF designs. The devices have the capability to address multiple broadband communications markets, such as point-to-point microwave radios, wireless base stations, cable infrastructure, defence wideband and software-defined radios, cellular repeaters and relays, and communications test equipment. Operating within the 100 to 2500MHz frequency range, the ADRF6655 device is a broadband, active mixer with an integrated fractional-N PLL (phase lock loop synthesiser), VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) and associated low dropout regulator circuits. The PLL and VCO provide a fully integrated local oscillator circuit that can also be brought off-chip for external use. The ADRF6510 is a dual-channel baseband signal processing solution that integrates a matched pair of differential low-noise and low-distortion programmable filters and variable gain amplifiers onto one chip. The matched filter networks provide flexibility as the corner frequency is adjustable in increments of 1MHz, thereby enabling wideband and narrow band support within a single radio design.
