IQ Signal Generator Feedback for Frequency-Dependent Sideband Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for suppressing unwanted signal portions in IQ signals fail to adequately account for frequency-dependent errors, leading to incomplete suppression of sidebands.

Innovation Solution

An IQ signal generator system with integrated analysis and control modules determines error quantities based on a level function of a multi-tone signal, correcting IQ gain imbalances and quadrature errors without external measurement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional static suppression techniques are used, then the suppression process is simple, but frequency-dependent errors are not adequately corrected leading to incomplete sideband suppression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesideband suppression precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the analysis module continuously monitors the modulated IQ signal and determines error quantities based on the level function. These error quantities are fed back to the control module which adjusts operational parameters of the baseband module and IQ modulator module, creating a closed-loop system that dynamically corrects frequency-dependent errors and achieves complete sideband suppression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The IQ signal generator system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by integrating the analysis module and control module within the same system. The system automatically determines its own errors through the level function analysis and corrects them without requiring external measurement devices, enabling the system to service itself and achieve precise sideband suppression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If external measurement devices are used for error determination, then measurement accuracy may be improved, but costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own internal resources (analysis module with level function determination) to measure and diagnose its own errors, eliminating the need for external measurement devices. The analysis module processes the modulated IQ signal internally to extract error information, achieving both measurement precision and system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis module serves multiple functions: it monitors the signal level, determines the level function, extracts error quantities, and provides feedback for correction. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate external measurement and analysis equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4589850A1Method of suppressing unwanted signal portions in an IQ signal
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4589850A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4589850A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4589850A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method of suppressing unwanted signal portions in an IQ signal generated by an IQ signal generator system (12) is described. The method comprises the steps of - generating, by a baseband module (14), a baseband IQ signal, wherein the baseband IQ signal is a multi-tone signal; - modulating, by a IQ modulator module (16), the baseband IQ signal, thereby obtaining a modulated IQ signal; - determining, by an analysis module (30), a level function describing a signal level of the modulated IQ signal over time and/or over a phase of the multi-tone signal; - determining, by the analysis module (30), at least one error quantity based on the level function, wherein the at least one error quantity is indicative of at least one error in the IQ signal generator system; and - controlling, by a control module (34), the baseband module (14) and/or the IQ modulator module (16) in dependence of the at least one error quantity determined, thereby correcting the at least one error in the IQ signal generator system (12). Further, an IQ signal generator system (12) is described.