Question

The point of intersection of the fundamental signal with the power of third-order intermodulation product is called as _____

(a) input-referenced third-order intercept point

(b) output-referenced third-order intercept point

(c) input-referenced third-order intermodulation point

(d) output-reference third-order intermodulation point

This question was addressed to me in my homework.

Asked question is from ADC Tradeoffs in chapter Technology Tradeoffs in Software Defined Radio of Cognitive Radio

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) input-referenced third-order intercept point

To elaborate: The increase in the third-order intermodulation product eventually results in the intersection of fundamental signal with the power of third-order intermodulation product. This is referred as input-reference third-order intercept point (IP3). The output power of the fundamental signal saturates before IP3.