Designing Microwave Mixers for Increased Dynamic Range

The principal factors limiting dynamic range in microwave frequency mixers are reviewed, and recently developed methods of extending the dynamic range are summarized. The principles are shown to be applicable to a wide variety of nonlinear elements at all frequency ranges up to and including the microwave range. Specially developed equipment for measuring mixer performace is described, and typical experimental results given. The significance of the suggested techniques to communications and video systems is demonstrated.