Distortion performance of the parametric upconvertor as a communications receiver front end

An analysis is developed for the prediction of intermodulation distortion effects in abrupt-junction current pumped varactor frequency convertors optimised to satisfy the requirements of communications-receiver front-end performance. The technique is extended to the prediction of gain compression effects, and is applied to a practical circuit. Excellent agreement with predictions is demonstrated for intermodulation performance; and a useful indication of gain compression is shown.