Compact parametric downconversion using MOS varactors

IC Parametric mixers built in CMOS are a promising means of realizing high-gain, low-noise and low-power RF heterodyne downconverters. This paper looks at two known parametric topologies and discusses a new approach intended to simplify the LO. Measured MOS varactor data is used to demonstrate the feasibility of mixers with 10-dB gain, sub 5-dB NFs and power requirements below 1-mW at microwave frequencies.