The ADC is placed after the LNA and mixer in the signal chain. We need to determine the individual P1dB and saturation limits of each module.
The signal chain is:
RF Input → LNA → Mixer → ADC
For each module, we need to identify its input and output P1dB levels, maximum allowable input power, and saturation or clipping limits. Based on the gain or conversion loss of each stage, the signal power at the output of one stage can be calculated and used as the input power to the next stage.
The overall system limit is determined by the stage that reaches its compression or saturation limit first. For the ADC, the corresponding full-scale input or clipping level should also be considered.
Therefore, the analysis should determine:
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LNA input/output P1dB and saturation limits
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Mixer input/output P1dB and saturation limits
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ADC full-scale input and clipping limits
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Signal power at each interface
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Available power margin at each stage
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Maximum allowable input signal for linear operation of the complete chain
atleast mention the above values for one specific frequency.
Thank you
