1/f Noise in the Mixer Based on Schottky Diode

Abstract

Fluctuations of Schottky diode parameters in a structure of the mixer are investigated. We have used our original measurement data of [Formula: see text] noise in the diode at forward current, which were reported somewhat earlier. These fluctuations are manifested in two ways. At the first, they lead to fluctuations in the transfer factor that is lead to the amplitude fluctuations in the signal at intermediate frequency. The estimation of spectrum of relative fluctuations in the transfer factor of the mixer is executed. Dependences of both the spectrum of these fluctuations on the current through the diode and on the amplitude of the heterodyne signal are investigated. At the second, fluctuations in parameters of the diode lead to occurrence of [Formula: see text] noise in the output voltage. This noise limits the sensitivity of the mixer to the received signal.