Application Note: Mixer 第 1 頁，共 4 頁

Improve Two-tone, Third Order Testing

First it's important to define the significance of input levels.

Two-tone, third-order intermodulation distortion (IM) expresses the degree of non-linearity of an amplifier
or mixer. Normally, this parameter is not expressed on data sheets because it is dependent upon operating
frequencies, terminating impedance and input levels. So two-tone, third-order distortion must be measured
under specific performance conditions.

The two most common errors in these measurements are (1) failure to provide adequate isolation between
the two input signal generators and proper impedance matching, and (2) insufficient filtering of the two
input test signals. Without adequate isolation and matching, interaction between the test generators and the
device-under-test may produce significant errors (as high as 20 dB). Without sufficient filtering, the
generator harmonic will contribute to the distortion displayed on the spectrum analyzer and device
performance thus will not be properly evaluated.

Before proceeding with the actual test, it is very important to note that two-tone, third-order IM distortion is
only meaningful when the input levels to the device-under-test are defined. Without these stated input
levels, the IM figures have no significance. To illustrate, suppose you wanted a device with a two-tone,
third-order level of 60 dB. You could set up the test equipment as shown in the block diagram (Fig. 1) and
vary the input levels of generators #1 and #2 until you eventually reached the 60 dB IM level.

However, unless your particular application dictates exactly the same RF input levels as your test setup
inputs, the IM distortion figure is meaningless. For example, examine the spectrum analyzer display for a
ZAY 1 double-balanced mixer, Fig. 2. Notice the significant difference in two-tone, third-order component
with an input level of 10 dBm for each tone (a) compared with 0 dBm input level for each tone (b).

To repeat a key point, the input level of each signal must be specified before the IM test is begun.

The second key consideration is the need to specify the amount of two-tone, third-order relative to some
reference level. The reference level can either be the amount of RF input or desired IF output; the desired IF
output reference generally is much more meaningful.

A proper test setup and results are shown in the block diagram, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

The two RF input generators are isolated from each other by (1) two wideband (10-2000 MHz) amplifiers,
MCL model ZFL-2000; (2) two 6 dB pads, MCL model CAT-6, and (3) a power combiner, MCL model
ZFSC-2-2. This combination provides about 70 dB of isolation between the two RF input signals to the
power combiner. Mismatch and generator interaction are considerably reduced by this arrangement.

Mini-Circuits offers a wide variety of low-cost fixed attenuators with various connectors (type N, TNC,
BNC and SMA), 1 to 40 dB from DC to 1500 MHz.

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Application Note: Mixer 第 2 頁，共 4 頁

A proper test setup for measuring two-tone, third-order IM distortion is shown. Note the use of two amplifiers and 6 dB pads
for input generator isolation and proper 50 ohm matching. A practice of simply using a Tee-connector between generators
develops mismatches and procedures undesired harmonics which dramatically affect accuracy.

A low-pass filter follows the pads to remove generator second-order harmonics since levels as low as 60
dB can upset the two-tone, third-order measurement.

If the harmonics are not well-filtered, the true measurement figure may be degraded by as much as 20 dB.
Here's why. Assume one of the generators has a second-harmonic content. When both RF generator inputs
are applied to the mixer, the mixer will generate second-harmonic output. Now if the second-harmonic
from the RF generators is 180 degrees out-of-phase with the mixer's second-harmonic, they may cancel
causing the two-tone, third-order product to be drastically reduced. The numbers from such a measurement
would look very good but could pose a serious error for engineers using the results as a basis for systems
design. On the other hand, if both second harmonic signals are in phase, they would add and may increase
the two-tone, third-order product by 3 dB. Therefore, without filtering the harmonics of the two-tone RF
input, there is good likelihood of obtaining inaccurate results.

A wideband amplifier is now required to increase the level of the two-tone signal so that the two-tone,
third-order components can be adequately observed and read on the spectrum analyzer display. Performance
of this wideband amplifier is critical since it must not introduce its own third-order components. Pads are
included at the input and output of the amplifier to maintain a well-matched 50-ohm system. The two pads
following the amplifier allows the device-under-test to be checked at two input levels to verify that the
spectrum analyzer is not contributing errors due to its harmonic content (more on this point later).

For high-level mixers, a second wideband amplifier is included between the local oscillator (LO) and the
device-under-test. This additional gain permits an LO level as high as + 17 dBm to be applied even with
the 10 dB isolation pad.

typical intermodulation performance

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Application Note: Mixer 第 3 頁，共 4 頁

power level each tone = 0 dBm

power level each tone = -10 dBm

To proceed with the two-tone, third-order IM measurement, first set the power input from each RF
generator. To set the desired power for each signal or tone at the input to the device under test, first measure
the power from RF GEN #1. Thus, disconnect RF GEN #2, replace with a 50-ohm pad to maintain proper
matching. Adjust the level of RF GEN #1 until the desired power at C (Fig. 1) is obtained. To set the
power level of RF GEN #2 repeat the procedure.

Next, place the spectrum analyzer after the filter and check the integrity of the setup; no second- or third-
order components should be observed. If some level is observed, recheck to eliminate this component.
Next, place the spectrum analyzer after the wideband amplifier. Again, no second- or third-order
component should be seen on the spectrum analyzer display. If the input signal to the device-under-test has
to be reduced, apply attenuation before, rather than after, the wideband amplifier in order to reduce its input

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Application Note: Mixer 第 4 頁，共 4 頁

level and thus the degree of amplifier distortion. The pads at all three input terminals to the mixer-under-test
provide a constant 50-ohm impedance over a broad band to avoid reflections due to mismatch.

Now to check that the spectrum analyzer is not contributing to the distortion figures. If the input to the
mixer-under-test is changed 3 dB, a 9 dB change in distortion product should be observed on the spectrum
analyzer. The reason: The output of a double balanced mixer is proportional to the cube of the input. If two
equal-amplitude signals (EA=EB) are applied, the output would be (EA)³. Thus, if input EA is changed by 3
dB, the output should change by 9 dB.

Suppose this 3:1 change is not observed? The problem could be with the test setup or the linearity of the
spectrum analyzer. That's easily determined in this manner. Add 10 dB attenuation between the IF output of
the mixer and the spectrum analyzer and repeat the measurement with a 3 dB change again. If the change in
IM product is 9 dB, the spectrum analyzer is responsible for introducing distortion. If, on the other hand,
less than a 9 dB change is noted, the test setup is at fault. Go back to the input generators and recheck that
they are not interacting.

If it is difficult or impossible to observe the intermodulation distortion (IM) output, either obtain a different
spectrum analyzer or use a higher level input signal and interpolate the results based on the 3:1 change on
IM relationship. For ultra-low distortion mixers, this approach may be the most practical possible.

Upgrade your test setups and system's designs with Mini-Circuits' full line of low-cost, high-performance
RF signal-processing components.

Last Updated: 09/08/1999

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