Modulation Distortion Analysis for Mixers and Frequency Converters

This paper describes a method to characterize signal distortion, both linear and non-linear, caused by mixers and frequency converters under modulated operating conditions. The method extends the recently introduced modulation distortion analysis for amplifiers to mixers and frequency converters. The measurements are performed using a vector network analyzer and a vector signal generator. The input signals are repetitive and can be designed to match the statistical and spectral characteristics of any given modulation format.