The Mini-Circuits ADE-1+, ADE-1L+ and SBL-1+ are passive double-balanced mixers for frequency conversion up to 500 MHz.

Their main differences are LO drive level, lower frequency limit and package style:

ADE-1+ – standard +7 dBm LO, compact surface-mount design

ADE-1L+ – low +3 dBm LO drive for lower-power oscillator circuits

SBL-1+ – +7 dBm LO with rugged plug-in construction

Key Specifications

ADE-1+: General-Purpose SMT Mixer

The ADE-1+ covers 0.5 to 500 MHz and is designed for a nominal +7 dBm LO signal.

Its advantages include:

Lowest frequency limit of the three

5.0 dB typical conversion loss

55 dB typical LO-RF isolation

Compact surface-mount package

+15 dBm typical input IP3

It is a good general-purpose choice for VHF/UHF receivers, frequency converters, instrumentation and communication equipment.

Choose ADE-1+ when you have a standard +7 dBm LO source and need a compact SMT mixer.

ADE-1L+: For Lower LO Power

The ADE-1L+ covers 2 to 500 MHz and requires only +3 dBm LO drive.

Its conversion loss remains close to the ADE-1+ at approximately 5.2 dB typical, while typical input IP3 is approximately +16 dBm.

The lower LO requirement makes it attractive when:

LO output power is limited

Lower oscillator power consumption is preferred

An additional LO amplifier should be avoided

The required RF frequency is above 2 MHz

Choose ADE-1L+ when minimizing LO drive power is the main requirement.

SBL-1+: For Rugged Plug-In Designs

The SBL-1+ covers 1 to 500 MHz and, like the ADE-1+, requires a nominal +7 dBm LO signal.

Its main advantage is mechanical rather than electrical. The SBL-1+ uses a rugged welded A06 plug-in package and operates from −55°C to +100°C, compared with −40°C to +85°C for the ADE models. Mini-Circuits lists VHF and defense/federal communications among its applications.

Typical conversion loss is 5.6 dB, with 45 dB LO-RF and 40 dB LO-IF isolation.

Choose SBL-1+ when through-hole mounting, rugged construction or wider operating temperature is more important than minimum size.

Conclusion

The three mixers serve similar frequency-conversion applications but should be selected according to the surrounding circuit.

Standard SMT Design → ADE-1+

Best general-purpose choice with +7 dBm LO, low conversion loss and coverage down to 0.5 MHz.

Low LO Power → ADE-1L+

Best when only +3 dBm LO power is available.

Rugged Plug-In Design → SBL-1+

Best for through-hole systems requiring welded construction and a wider temperature range.

They should therefore not be treated as direct replacements without checking LO power, PCB/package compatibility and operating temperature.

Stock and Quote

DataStorageIC supports sourcing for Mini-Circuits ADE-1+, ADE-1L+, SBL-1+ and related frequency mixers.

Contact us with the required model, quantity and delivery destination for current stock, pricing and RFQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between ADE-1+ and ADE-1L+?

ADE-1+ requires approximately +7 dBm LO drive, while ADE-1L+ requires only +3 dBm. ADE-1+ also extends its lower RF/LO frequency to 0.5 MHz versus 2 MHz for ADE-1L+.

Can ADE-1L+ replace ADE-1+?

Not automatically. Both are surface-mount mixers covering frequencies through 500 MHz, but their LO drive requirements, lower frequency limits and package styles differ.

What is the main difference between ADE-1+ and SBL-1+?

Both are Level 7 mixers, but ADE-1+ is a compact surface-mount model with lower typical conversion loss and higher LO-RF isolation. SBL-1+ uses a rugged plug-in package and supports a wider −55°C to +100°C operating range.

Does a Level 7 mixer require a 7V power supply?

No. These are passive mixers. “Level 7” refers to a nominal +7 dBm LO input power, not a 7V DC supply.