Implementation and Analysis of Ultra Low Power 2.4 GHz RF CMOS Double Balanced Down Conversion Subthreshold Mixer

This paper discusses the design of a 2.4 GHz operated, ultra-low power CMOS down-converting active mixer based on double balanced Gilbert-cell resistor-loaded topology fabricated in standard 180 nm RF CMOS low-power technology. All the MOS transistors of the mixer core have ideally been biased to sub-threshold region. Consuming only 500 μW of DC power using 1.0 V supply and minimal LO power of −16 dBm, this mixer demonstrates a simulated power conversion gain of 17.2 dB with Double Side Band (DSB) noise figure of 13.3 dB. With the same DC power dissipation and LO power, −11.7 dBm IIP3 and −20.1 dBm 1-dB point have been obtained as discussed in the paper. Pre-layout and post layout simulation results match very well. The ultra-low power consumption of the proposed mixer due to subthreshold region of operation and lower local oscillator power are the advantages of this subthreshold mixer.