Determining LO drive voltage for 13dBm mini-circuits mixer

[spacehen]

I am interested in using the following double balanced mixer by mini-circuits: RMS25-MH+. In the datasheet it is specified that the required LO drive power is 13dBm (level 13).

As i understand it double balanced mixers use diodes and so are non-linear devices. I only have available a signal generator that I can set the peak voltage to. My question is how can I determine the required LO input voltage. Do I assume that the input impedance looking into the LO port is 50 ohms and calculate from there?

[TimFox]

Yes, you want to calculate the AC voltage that gives +13 dBm = 20 mW into 50 ohms, which is 1 V rms = 1.4 V pk = 2.8 V pk-pk.  This is technically the "available power" from the source.

[Hamelec]

(I have never seen an RF generator where you can set the peak voltage, normally in µVrms or dBm only)

[TimFox]

He's probably using a "function generator", rather than an "RF generator".

[radiolistener]

Usually dBm power is specified for 50 Ω impedance.
13 dBm = 1.41 Vpk = 2.82 Vpk-pk for 50 Ω

If your signal generator displays peak-to-peak Voltage, then you're needs to setup 2.82 Vpk-pk.

If your signal generator displays peak Voltage (amplitude), then you're needs to setup 1.41 Vpk

[TimFox]

That's assuming the generator output is calibrated for voltage into a 50 ohm load.
Reasonable assumption for an RF generator, but not a safe assumption for a function generator.