Inexpensive mixers for hi-rel commercial markets

It is pointed out that cellular and personal communication network (PCN) markets are challenging manufacturers to reduce cost and improve reliability at the same time. To address these requirements, an all-weld, shielded metal case mixer was developed. Internal components were redesigned for manufacturability and improved reliability. The resulting product is lower in cost than a conventional mixer. Life tests indicate that the reliability goal (five years) has been well exceeded.<>