Failure of the Classical Mathematical Model in the Analysis of Low-Loss Band-Limited Mixers

Abstract

The classical small-signal frequency-domain theory of diode mixers has been repeatedly misapplied for low-loss band-limited circuits. Previously published theoretical results, which describe low-loss limits, are erroneous and misleading. The errors are ascribed to inadmissable matrix truncation. Single-diode mixers are inherently lossy devices, even with ideal diodes.