Updated 6-13-08.  Updated to reflect Revision A
Updated 8-11-09.  Add information and revision history
Updated 1-20-16.  Update and move Parts List to this page

SLIM-MXR-4, Mixer, size-A
Use your mouse's "right click" and "Save Link" to download:
a.  SKSLIM-MXR-4.sch Rev A , Schematic, in ExpressPCB software.
b.  LAYSLIM-MXR-4.pcb Rev A, Layout, in ExpressPCB software.  Use this drawing to locate the parts on the SLIM Board.
c.  PLSLIM-MXR-4          Parts List. Maintained only on this page.
d.  PWB-MXR-ADE.pcb Rev 0, Base artwork for PWB, in ExpressPCB software.  Use this drawing to order the pwb from Express.  This is the base configuration for design of the SLIM-MXR-4.  Click to get full information for a basic mixer design on the PWB-MXR-ADE page.

    The SLIM-MXR-4 was designed to be used for the Mixer 4 addition when expanding the MSA/TG into a Vector Network Analyzer, VNA .  It was a replica of SLIM-MXR-2, using the same schematic and parts list.  Since then, SLIM-MXR-4 has been revised and has its own documentation.
    J1 is the Local Oscillator input port.  J3 is used as the RF Input port.  J2 is used as the down converted IF output port.  Pin 2 of the ADE-11X is connected to its internal diode bridge, which is responsive down to 0 Hz.  This module can be used in other applications, but it is probably better to use the basic PWB-MXR-ADE and custom design the components for your specific application.  Minicircuits specifies the conversion loss at -7.5 dB.  I measured the conversion loss at -6.5 dB.
    The strange looking circuit in the I port path is a diplexer.  Wide band frequencies (and noise) exiting the mixer at the I port "see" a dual path at the junction of L15, C16.  Frequencies higher than 33 MHz follow C16 and get absorbed by the 50 ohm load at R17.  Frequencies lower than 33 MHz follow L15 and are launched at J2.  This gives the mixer a constant 50 ohm load over a very wide frequency range, making it very "happy".  The diplexer could be re-designed for any frequency crossover point.
    The Revision B added a 2.5 dB attenuator in the J1, LO input port.  This addition makes the Mixer's L port a better 50 ohm match, but it makes it necessary for the LO Drive into the module to be approximately +9.5 dBm.  For lower drive levels, ie, +7 dBm, the attenuator should be removed.  However, I have tested this module with as little as +4.5 dBm at J1 (+2 dBm on the ADE-11X's L port) with only an additional -1 dB of conversion loss.  The upgrade from SLIM-MXR-4 Rev 0 to Rev A is quite simple.

Revision History
Original Release: Released 7-08-2007
SLIM-MXR-4 Rev 0, used SK-MXR-2 Rev 0, PWB-MXR-ADE Rev 0, used PLSLIM-MXR-2 Rev 0

Revision A: Revised 6-11-08
SLIM-MXR-4 Rev A, SKSLIM-MXR-4 Rev A, PWB-MXR-ADE Rev 0, PLSLIM-MXR-1 Rev A
1.  Added a 2.5 dB attenuator network in the L port path to the mixer.  This provides a better impedance match between the LO input connector -  J1, and the mixer.
2.  Added a 14 dB attenuator network in the R port path to the mixer.  This provides a better impedance match between the R input connector -  J3, and the mixer.
These modifications improve the mixer isolation.

Revised 9-08-2008: errors on Parts List, revised to PLSLIM-MXR-4 Rev B. No other changes.
SLIM-MXR-4 Rev A, SKSLIM-MXR-4 Rev A, PWB-MXR-ADE Rev 0, PLSLIM-MXR-1 Rev B