If the RF input to a mixer is 200 MHz and the local oscillator frequency is 150 MHz, which output frequencies can be expected at the IF output prior to filtering?

When using a mixer, the output frequencies are generated based on the principle of frequency mixing, which typically produces signals at both the sum and difference of the input frequencies. In this case, you have an RF input of 200 MHz and a local oscillator (LO) frequency of 150 MHz.

The two key output frequency components generated by the mixer will be:

1. The difference frequency, which is calculated as:

RF frequency - LO frequency = 200 MHz - 150 MHz = 50 MHz.

2. The sum frequency, calculated as:

RF frequency + LO frequency = 200 MHz + 150 MHz = 350 MHz.

These two frequencies, 50 MHz and 350 MHz, are primarily what you'll see at the mixer output before any filtering is applied.

The mixer does not eliminate the RF input or the LO frequency, so you may also see the RF input frequency (200 MHz) and the local oscillator frequency (150 MHz) present at the output due to the nature of mixing.

Thus, the expected output frequencies prior to filtering are:

• 50 MHz (the difference),

• 150 MHz (the local oscillator frequency),

• 200 MHz (the RF frequency),

• 350 MHz (the sum).

Therefore