this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2024
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How do I select a transformer for superhet? (programming.dev)
submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by acannan@programming.dev to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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I've recently been learning about superhet and frequency mixing and wanted to start tinkering. Specifically I'd like to try using two heterodynes in series to first frequency shift then uninvert the original audio, sort of like an analog frequency shifter.

To do this, I'd need a frequency mixer. I've been looking at a ring modulator (like https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Diode_DBM.png) which should require 4 shottky diodes and 2 center-tapped transformers. I've had difficulty locating an affordable transformer, with good enough fidelity for audio, that also includes a center tap.

I have a few questions:

  • Where can I locate affordable, good-enough-for-audio transformers?
  • Is the ring mod approach good enough? I see there's also a gilbert cell.
  • Any general advice for someone just starting a project like this?

Thanks!

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[–] nilclass@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 weeks ago

Great, good luck with that :)

Another thing that comes to mind: for audio purposes another technique used in ring modulators for audio effects is to use a mosfet switch to mix the signal with a square wave. This has more byproducts than mixing with a pure sine, but is a lot easier to do. Since you are downconcerting, it should not matter at all if you use a square wave, since the byproducts will all be (higher-order) harmonics of the local oscillator, which you'll filter out anyway.