Intermodulation Distortion Essay

310 Words2 Pages
Intermodulation distortion (IMD) is a common problem in a variety of areas of electronics. In RF communications in particular it represents a difficult challenge to designers who face tougher requirements on component and sub system linearity. This trend is driven in part, by an increase in radio spectrum congestion. This paper aims to identify the mechanisms responsible for generating intermodulation distortion and to examine some of the methods which may be used to measure and combat the problem. The emphasis is largely directed towards radio communications, yet many of the principles are directly applicable to other fields of application. Where appropriate, examples of real test applications are introduced. Intermodulation distortion is the result of two or more signals interacting in a non linear device to produce additional unwanted signals. These additional signals (intermodulation products) occur mainly in devices such as amplifiers and mixers, but to a lesser extent they also occur in passive devices such as those found in many transmission systems. For example, RF connectors on transmission feeds may become corroded over time resulting in them behaving as non linear diode junctions. The same can apply at the junction of different metals or where magnetic materials are used. Two interacting signals will produce intermodulation products at the sum and difference of integer multiples of the original frequencies It is also possible for second order intermodulation products to be generated at the same frequency as the third order intermodulation products. This is usually because there is already harmonic distortion occurring on the input to the device under test, possibly from the applied test signal. Depending on the phase relationship between the second and third order intermodulation products, this effect may contribute constructively

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