Radio frequency signal frequency converter

摘要

A switchable, dual channel frequency converter is provided. The converter includes a semiconductor body having formed as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit: a pair of input signal channels; a pair of output signal channels; and, a mixer and multiplexer means, disposed between the pair of input signal channels and the pair of output signal channels, for converting the frequency of signals fed to the pair of input signal channels to a different frequency and for directing the frequency converted signals to the pair of output signal channels selectively in accordance with a control signal. The mixer and multiplexer means includes: a pair of mixers coupled to the pair of input signal channels and a common local oscillator signal; and a multiplexer network. The mixers covert the radio frequency of the signals in the pair of input signal channels into a corresponding pair of intermediate frequency signal channels. The multiplexer network includes a pair of input ports fed by the pair of intermediate frequency signal channels and a pair of output ports which feed the pair of output signal channels. A control signal is fed to the multiplexer network. The power transfer of the intermediate frequency signals through the multiplexer network to the output signal channels is substantially the same (i.e., less than 0.5 db difference) independent of the state of the control signal.