This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Modulators category on DigiKey.com
Radio Frequency (RF) modulator products are used to encode information onto a sinusoidal carrier signal by altering the carrier’s amplitude, phase, and/or frequency. A receiving device performing the inverse, demodulation operation selectively receives an incoming signal at a desired carrier frequency, translating variations in carrier wave attributes back into its original form. Such an arrangement allows use of a communications channel for simultaneous transmission of multiple messages without interference between them.
SelectionCharacteristics
Function: Enumerates additional device functions/features not addressed elsewhere.
LO Frequency: Indicates the range of local oscillator frequencies over which a device is designed for use.
RF Frequency: The frequency or frequencies this product is designed to be compatible.
P1dB: 1 dB compression point; the power level at which a device’s gain or transfer function is reduced by 1 dB relative to its small-signal value.
Noise Floor: Characterizes the amount of noise inherent to the device.
Output Power: A device’s maximum rated output power in dB relative to 1 milliwatt.
Current - Supply: This represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Voltage - Supply: Typically given in a range it represents the low and high voltage limits - within this range a device will meet its given specifications. Voltages outside this range may damage device and/or other system components.
Test Frequency: Indicates a frequency or range thereof at which one or more other device parameters is specified or characterized.
Mounting Type: How the device is attached.
Mounting Types
Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.
Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.
Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal Chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.
Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.
Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.
Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.
Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.
Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. Number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.
There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.
Lead Types
Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
J-Leads: Less pins per inch than gull wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that they are the least popular type of lead.
Package / Case: The protective case on an electronic component which allows for easy handling, installation, and protects the device. This is what we determined is the closest industry standard to the supplier device package. Typically, it is best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| DigiKey Part Number | 296-TRF3722IRGZRTR-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | TRF3722IRGZR | |
| Description | RF MODULATOR 400MHZ-4.2GHZ 48QFN | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
| DigiKey Part Number | AD8345AREZ-RL7TR-ND | |
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc.\ | |
| Manufacturer Product Number | AD8345AREZ-RL7 | |
| Description | RF MODULATOR 140MHZ-1GHZ 16TSSOP | |
| Datasheet | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
CMX993/CMX993W RF (I/Q) Quadrature Modulator Product Introduction
CMX970 Quadrature Modulator/Demodulator - RF Building Block Product Introduction
Articles
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RF Modulators for Custom RF Designs
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