Novel design methodology for low-power image-reject mixers

This paper presents a novel methodology for the design of image-reject mixers (IRM's). This innovative approach is based on statistical and structural optimization in order to achieve high image rejection ratio (IRR) and low power consumption. This methodology is put to work in the frame of a fully integrated low-power CMOS transceiver for short-range telemetry operating at the ISM-433 band. Two IRM prototypes have been fabricated in standard 0.35m CMOS operating at 1.8 V: a Weaver IRM and a Hartley IRM with worst measured IRR of 46 dB and 50 dB consuming 1.5 mA and 1.8 mA, respectively. The prototypes validate the proposed design methodology and impose an unprecedented headway in terms of high IRR at low power consumption.