An RF circuit block that takes two signals, typically a local oscillator and an incoming radio frequency, and multiplies them. This produces output signals at the sum and difference of the original frequencies. It is the fundamental component used for frequency translation, allowing receivers to shift high-frequency signals down to a manageable intermediate frequency for processing.
The local oscillator is bleeding into the RF port, so we need a mixer with better port-to-port isolation.
Also heard as
- frequency mixer
Related terms
LO
An internal signal source used to shift the frequency of an incoming signal.
IF
A specific frequency to which a carrier wave is shifted as an intermediate step in signal processing.
Superheterodyne
Describing a receiver architecture that converts incoming radio frequencies to a fixed intermediate frequency for easier filtering and amplification.
Upconversion
The process of shifting a low-frequency signal to a higher frequency band.
Downconversion
The process of translating a high-frequency radio signal to a lower intermediate or baseband frequency.