FCC Exam Question: 3-31D3

RF input to a mixer is 200 MHz and the local oscillator frequency is 150 MHz. What output would you expect to see at the IF output prior to any filtering?

A. 50, 150, 200 and 350 MHz.
B. 50 MHz.
C. 350 MHz.
D. 50 and 350 MHz.
Correct Answer: A

Explanation: A mixer is a non-linear device designed to combine two input signals, in this case, the RF input (200 MHz) and the local oscillator (LO) signal (150 MHz). Due to its non-linear operation, the output will contain several frequency components. Specifically, you would expect to see: 1. The original RF input frequency: 200 MHz. 2. The original local oscillator frequency: 150 MHz. 3. The difference frequency (IF): 200 MHz - 150 MHz = 50 MHz. 4. The sum frequency: 200 MHz + 150 MHz = 350 MHz. Before any filtering is applied, all these components (and potentially harmonics) are present at the mixer's output. Subsequent filtering stages are then used to select the desired IF product (50 MHz in this common scenario) and reject the others. Therefore, 50, 150, 200, and 350 MHz would all be present.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.