Down Converter Characterization in a Synthetic Instrument Context

This paper provides an overview of the need for a common set of specification parameters to characterize a down converter in a synthetic instrument (SI). It then identifies and briefly discusses a core set of specification parameters that the DOD Synthetic Instrumentation Frequency Translation Device Working Group (SI FTD WG) has identified as "best specification practices" for both characterizing and specifying a down converter. The paper then provides an in-depth technical discussion of two of the less understood down converter related intermediate frequency (IF) output parameters: group delay and phase linearity.