Two-Tone, Third-Order Intermodulation Distortion

The total amount of distortion (dB relative to desired waveform) to the output signal waveform that exists when two simultaneous input frequencies are applied to the RF port of a mixer. Two-tone, third-order intermodulation distortion products are described by 2fR2-Fr1+/- fLO and by 2fR1-Fr2+/- fLO. The higher the third-order intercept point and conversion compression of a mixer, the lower the intermodulation for given input signals will be.