Cross-modulation and intermodulation distortions in the tuned square-law diode frequency converter

Diodes possessing very accurate square-law I/V characteristics have recently been developed. An analytical technique is set out in this paper for the evaluation of cross-modulation and intermodulation distortions in a tuned frequency-converter using such diodes. The theory is used to predict the distortions obtained under practical conditions and it is shown that, where limited local-oscillator power is available, such a converter potentially generates less non-linear distortion than circuits employing conventional diodes as resistive switches.