Is higher IP3 better?

Is higher IP3 better?

A high IP3 value specifies that the device has good linearity. But a low IP3 value means the intermodulation products could interfere with the fundamental signal. The IP3 value primarily indicates how large of a signal the amplifier can process before Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) occurs.

What is 1db compression point?

The 1-dB compression point (1-dB CP) is an important design parameter. The 1-dB CP is defined as the point at which the linear output power and the output power of the amplifier or nonlinear device differ by 1 dB as depicted in Figure 4.4.

What causes intermodulation?

Intermodulation is caused by non-linear behaviour of the signal processing (physical equipment or even algorithms) being used. The theoretical outcome of these non-linearities can be calculated by generating a Volterra series of the characteristic, or more approximately by a Taylor series.

What is IIP3 in mixer?

Depiction of where the 2nd and 3rd order IMD products fall in a mixer output spectrum based on a 2-tone RF input signal. Frequency plan based on a mixer used in a down conversion of and. using a highside LO. IIP3 is input referred IP3 and OIP3 is output referred.

What is a good IP3 value?

The IP3 value essentially indicates how large a signal the amplifier can process before IMD occurs. For example, an IP3 rating of 25 dBm is better than one of 18 dBm. The IP3 point is typically about 10 dB above the 1-dB compression point.

How do I find my IP3?

IP3 can be determined by applying 2 equal power monotones and measuring a fundamental power and a 3rd order power (either 2f2-f1 or 2f1-f2) at the output. Then apply these measured values to Equation 4.

What is P1dB?

As is well known, the 1dB compression point, or P1dB, is the power level where the output power of a device, such as an amplifier, starts to drop off from the linear input/output power curve, and reaches a point where the actual output power is 1 dB less than the theoretical linear curve.

What is the 1 dB compression point?

The 1 dB compression point (P1dB) is the output power level at which the gain decreases 1 dB from its constant value. Once an amplifier reaches its P1dB it goes into compression and becomes a non-linear device, producing distortion, harmonics and intermodulation products.