CCU #205: FD25E Frequency Doubler

#ComponentsCloseUp No. 205: Frequency Doubler - *** Quick Facts! *** Manufacturer: MACOM Part Number: FD25E Cost per Unit: $ (Digikey) - As said above, this part is a frequency doubler, which is a type of component more generally referred to as a frequency multiplier. As the name suggests, it takes an input frequency signal and outputs a multiple of what comes in, or a harmonic of the input frequency. This particular part will double any input frequency in the range of 5 to 2400MHz. Over this range of frequencies, the output will typically be 13 dB less than the input. - When I initially saw this part I expected there to be a chip inside of it, given its appearance. As I found out, looks can be deceiving! Inside there are a few passive parts that make up the frequency doubler circuit. According to the datasheet, this part includes a Schottky bridge quad diode, along with some ferrite baluns, and that’s basically it. The parts are fixed into place and connecte