Low noise mixer

A method for downconverting a radio frequency (RF) signal in a low noise mixer, comprising:

• receiving in a first mixer core a radio frequency (RF) input signal having an RF frequency;
• supplying to the first mixer core a first local oscillator signal, wherein the first local oscillator signal is at a frequency that is nominally twice the frequency of the RF frequency;
• switching, in the first mixer core, the RF input signal to at least one secondary mixer core at a frequency that coincides with the frequency of the first local oscillator signal;
• receiving, in the at least one secondary mixer core the switched RF input signal and a second local oscillator signal, where the second local oscillator signal is at the same nominal frequency as the RF input signal;
• and
• switching the RF input signal at the frequency of the first local oscillator signal to substantially eliminate noise in the at least one secondary mixer core.

A portable transceiver, comprising:

• a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal;
• a first mixer core configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) input signal having an RF frequency, and a first local oscillator signal, wherein the first local oscillator signal is at a frequency that is nominally twice the frequency of the RF frequency, the first mixer core configured to switch the RF input signal to at least one secondary mixer core at a frequency that coincides with the frequency of the first local oscillator signal;
• the at least one secondary mixer core configured to receive the switched RF input signal and a second local oscillator signal, where the second local oscillator signal is at the same nominal frequency as the RF input signal;
• and
• wherein switching the RF input signal at the frequency of the first local oscillator signal substantially eliminates noise in the at least one secondary mixer core.