IQ Mixer basics
This section of RF Mixer tutorial covers following sub topics:
RF Mixer tutorial
RF Up converter design using RF mixer
Basics
Vendors
Balanced mixers
FET & Image reject mixers
It is widely used in point to point radios, satecom, sensors and test & measurement applications. It is used as image reject mixer, single sideband frequency converter, IQ demodulator, IQ modulator etc.
IQ mixer is usually made up of GaAs HBT shottky diode. Before we dig into I/Q mixer refer what is I/Q data.
IQ mixer operation or working
As shown in the figure, IQ mixer takes modulated RF signal as input. It generates I/Q signal as outputs by beating RF input with LO input.
I and Q ports will have output designated as IF1 and IF2 respectively. Usually DC to some frequency range can be output at these ports such as DC to 5 GHz etc.
IQ mixer Specifications
Following specifications need to be consider while purchasing the IQ mixer:
• Frequency of operation at RF, LO and IF1/IF2 ports
• Image rejection (in dB)
• LO to RF isolation
• LO to IF isolation
• RF to IF isolation
• Conversion gain
• IIP3(dBm)
RF Mixer Manufacturers
• Hittite Microwave
• Linear technology
Also READ our page in the vendors section for rf mixer manufacturers or suppliers.
RF Links
RF Power Amplifier
RF Mixer basics
RF Switch basics
RF MMIC
RF Transceiver basics
DigRF interface
rf synthesizer design
what is lightwave RF
rf measurements tutorial
waveguide basics tutorial
isolator Vs circulator
Sensitivity Vs Selectivity
RF Link Budget
RF phase noise/jitter