Upconverting Modulated Signals to Microwave with an External Mixer and the R&S®SMF100A Microwave Signal Generator

A vector-modulated microwave signal can be generated by mixing an I/Q-modulated signal with a microwave carrier. This Application Note describes the frequency upconversion using a standard passive mixer. The basics of mixer operation are introduced and the conversion process is demonstrated in detail with a test setup and corresponding measurements. The mixer selection guide will make it easier to choose a proper mixer for individual applications.