Long Term Evolution (LTE) is one of those cellular communications technologies that demands high linearity from its base-station components—especially its amplifiers and mixers. To address this need, a method has been developed for sorting through mixer data sheets in search of the best linearity. The technique works by correlating a mixer's second-order intercept point with its second-order response performance. It has been demonstrated with a commercial active integrated-circuit (IC) mixer from a major manufacturer, and can be applied to both active and passive RF/microwave mixers. To learn more, click here.