Can the mixer conversion gain be negative?

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mixer conversion gain

the conversion gain of a mixer can be a negative number (in dB) ?, I mean with no gain , example -6dB. I've read in some books the term conversion loss.
 

Re: mixer conversion gain

Hi,

Modern IC mixers are active mixer's. Simple diode mixer's lack the active
elements and can only have a convertion loss. It's just a matter of expression.
Basically they mean the same. Compare it to an attenuator with 30 dB
attenuation, which has also a gain of -30 dB.

on1aag.
 

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    STOIKOV

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Re: mixer conversion gain

ok thanks, I see what the terms mean. But, is it normal to have conversion loss in an active mixer example a double balanced mixer
 

Re: mixer conversion gain

Hi,

It's not abnormal for an active mixer to have a convertion loss,
but you have to compare them to the diode mixer's who generally
have a convertion loss of 6 to 9 dB. If you have an active mixer
with a convertion loss of 3 dB you already have a gain of 3 to 6 dB
compared to a conventional diode mixer. You can have a convertion
gain or a convertion loss, but it won't be much. An integrated
buffer amplifier's purpose is to make the mixer load insensitive,
gain is not a primary objective.

on1aag.
 

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    STOIKOV

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