Frequency-Domain Analysis of a Mixer-First Receiver Using Conversion Matrices

Abstract

The analysis of a mixer-first receiver using conversion matrices is presented. Conversion matrices provide a systematic approach to analyze linear periodically time-varying (LPTV) circuits. Using conversion matrices of LPTV components in a frequency domain equivalent circuit allows analysis similar to a linear time invariant (LTI) circuit. For example, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws, impedance combination rules, etc., can all be used in such equivalent circuits. On applying this method to a mixer-first receiver, a common LPTV circuit, results already established in prior art are reproduced accurately. Further, effects of a few important non-idealities, such as clock overlaps, imperfect clock edges and parasitic components that were not considered previously, are also calculated and verified.