On IP2 impact to nonlinear distortion of RF amplifiers

Abstract

The second-order distortion, often using second-order intercept point (IP2) as an indicator, has been considered easy to be filtered in narrowband radio frequency (RF) communications because it is located far away from the passband of transmitted signals. However, with rapidly increased applications in wideband RF communications, the second-order intermodulation (IM) might become important, partially evidenced by the increased appearances of IP2 in the amplifier datasheets in recent years. In this article, a power spectrum model of the second-order IM is derived to quantify the second-order distortion using the IP2. This model could be used to determine under what conditions, in terms of the relation between the carrier frequency and bandwidth, the second-order IM will affect the passband or the adjacent bands or other applications, using three types of frequency scenarios. These discussions are beneficial for RF engineers and spectrum planners to predict interferences from second-order IM. The experimental measurement at the end of the article validates the spectrum model.