An overview of monolithic radio-frequency (RF) active miser design is prese
nted. The paper is divided into two parts, The first Dart discusses the per
formance parameters that are relevant to the design of downconversion mixer
s, and how they affect the system performance. The second part presents thr
ee common kinds of miser topologies, namely, unbalanced, single-balanced, a
nd double-balanced designs. This paper concentrates on active mixers only.
The advantages and disadvantages, as well as the design and optimization te
chniques for the three kinds of mixers, are discussed.