New approaches in the generation of complex I/Q signals
◆ 14-bit resolution
◆ 4 000 000/16 000 000 sample
memory depth
◆ 100 MHz sample rate
◆ 78 dB ACP dynamic range
(typical of 3GPP FDD)
◆ Integrated hard disk and
floppy disk drive
◆ Optional BER measurement
(AMIQ-B1)
◆ Optional differential I/Q outputs
(AMIQ-B2)
◆ Optional digital I/Q output
(AMIQ-B3)
The ultimate in I/Q signals
Modulation Generator AMIQ
◆ 100 MHz clock rate per channel
◆ Up to 16000000 samples per
channel
◆ Generation of broadband digital
communication signals (e.g.
WCDMA, HiperLAN2 and
IEEE802.11a)
◆ Built-in hard disk for storage of
calculated signals
◆ Downloading of calculated
waveforms and signals also from
integrated floppy disk drive
◆ Antialiasing filter featuring excel-
lent frequency response and group
delay
◆ Auto-alignment and additional
user correction of amplitude and
offset
◆ Fine adjustment of I/Q skew
◆ Wide dynamic range through the
use of 14-bit D/A converter, ideal
for multicarrier applications
◆ Excellent ACP (adjacent-channel
power) values with WCDMA 3GPP
FDD signals of typically –78 dBc
for test model 1 with 64 channels
An ideal pair:
AMIQ and WinIQSIM™
The number of systems based on complex
digital modulation methods has dramatically increased in every field of communications. I/Q modulation is therefore gaining importance for the development of
such modulation methods. The Modulation Generator AMIQ and the Simulation
Software WinIQSIM™, which is
described in a separate data sheet
(PD 0757.6940), open up new dimensions
for the generation of I/Q signals.
The AMIQ is a dual-channel modulation
generator that has especially been
designed for use as an I/Q source. It is
programmed and set with WinIQSIM™.
Alternatively, the AMIQ can be operated
from the Vector Signal Generator SMIQ.
Of course, the AMIQ features full remotecontrol capabilities via the GPIB/IEEE and
RS-232-C interfaces.
Each channel can store up to 16 000000
samples. Sequences of sufficient length
can thus be generated even at high symbol rates. Featuring clock frequencies of
up to 100 Msample/s and a high amplitude resolution of 14 bit at the analog signal output and up to 16 bit at the digital
signal output, the AMIQ is the ideal
source for any digital modulation signal.
An automatic amplitude/offset alignment
as well as fine adjustment of the skew
provide excellent symmetry of the two
channels which previously was extremely
difficult to attain with dual-channel ARB
generators. The error vector is thus minimized.
The filters have been optimized regarding
group delay, frequency response and
matching between the two channels for
use as an I/Q modulation source.
Typical applications of the AMIQ and
WinIQSIM™ not only include driving the
I/Q inputs of a vector signal generator;
the combination is also ideal for direct
applications in the baseband, such as
testing I/Q modulators/demodulators.
The digital signal output (option
AMIQ-B3) opens up further applications
in the baseband: digital/analog converters (DACs) or digital input base stations
can be tested, for example.
2 I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ
Simulation Software
WinIQSIM™ *)
◆ Single-carrier signals
◆ Multicarrier signals (up to 512
modulated or unmodulated carriers)
◆ Multicarrier mixed signals (up to
32 differently modulated carriers)
◆ User-defined CDMA signal
scenarios
◆ Addition of impairments
◆ Data editor for creating any TDMA
frame configuration
◆ Predefined files for TDMA mobile
radio standards (GSM, GSM-EDGE,
DECT, NADC (IS54C/IS136), PDC,
and test models 1 to 4 for WCDMA
3GPP FDD)
from other software programs to
be read in via the TCP/IP and DDE
interfaces
Versatile to the last detail
WinIQSIM™ is a Windows software program for calculating I and Q baseband
signals. Its functionality ranges from
single-carrier modulation, generation of
multicarrier, CDMA and WCDMA signals
through to TDMA frame configuration
with the help of a convenient data editor.
All modulation parameters and impairments can be simulated for single-carrier,
multicarrier as well as for CDMA signals.
To put it in a nutshell: WinIQSIM™ is an
indispensable tool for anyone engaged in
modern digital modulation.
This Windows software enables the
AMIQ to simply generate complex modulation signals. This includes modulation
signals for WCDMA 3GPP, which is similar
to QPSK, or 8PSK EDGE modulation with
3
π/8 shifting for the EDGE enhancement
in the GSM standard. OFDM, which is
used for HIPERLAN/2, and where a data
stream is transferred via a large number
of carriers, is a special modulation format.
For generating this type of signal, the
WinIQOFDM software (see www.rohdeschwarz.com) is used.
*) For more details see data sheet PD 0757.6940.
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ3
One modulation generator ...
Outstanding quality
In addition to the great memory depth of
up to 16000000 samples, the AMIQ is
outstanding especially for its wide
dynamic range and excellent spectral
purity. For WCDMA signals, low adjacentchannel power (ACP) in the baseband is
thus ensured. The built-in filters are
designed for flat frequency response and
constant group delay.
Two identical channels
For an I/Q source, it is especially important
for the two channels to be identical since
any difference would inevitably cause an
additional modulation error.
Automatic internal alignment of offset
and amplitude of the I and Q channels
guarantees high performance. Small
amplitude or offset errors of the connected device under test can be usercorrected for overall system alignment.
This user correction is independent of the
automatic internal alignment.
Intermodulation char-
acteristic of the AMIQ
at 50 MHz clock rate
Frequency response
and group delay of
25 MHz output filter
Skews between the I and Q channels,
which may be caused, for example, by
slight differences in the connecting
cables between the AMIQ and the vector
signal generator, can be compensated
with a resolution of approx. 10 ps.
ACP (adjacent channel power) dynamic
range in baseband:
−78 dBc typ.
4 I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ
All these features are the basis for the
outstanding modulation performance of
the AMIQ.
Synchronization capabilities
The signal output can be externally controlled. The clock rate of the I/Q output
can be adapted to the device under test
by means of an external clock. Four userprogrammable marker outputs can be
synchronized to the desired sample and
used, for example, to generate sync
pulses at the beginning of a timeslot or to
drive the power ramping input of an RF
signal generator.
BER measurement
Measuring the bit error rate has become
a frequently used method for the verification of digital communication systems
(e.g. measuring the sensitivity or selectivity of receivers, subsystems and components). The option AMIQ-B1 allows the
AMIQ to be used for BER (bit error rate)
measurements. The device under test
(DUT) must deliver the data to be tested
and the associated clock. If the DUT does
not have its own clock, the clock can be
generated by the AMIQ and output via
one of the four user-programmable
marker channels. The built-in BER tester
compares the data with the nominal data
... satisfying all requirements
and calculates the bit error rate. The
result of the BER measurement is available via the remote-control interface. Various standard PRBS sequences (PN9,
PN15, etc) are used as nominal data.
The BER measurement has an integrating
function, i.e. at the wrap-around point of
a PRBS sequence the bit error measurement is stopped and restarted by a control signal at the restart input without the
previous result being cleared. All partial
results are added until the predefined
total number of data bits or error bits is
attained. Irrelevant data sequences (e.g.
preambles) are blanked, if necessary, by
means of the control signal at the data
enable input so that they do not invalidate the BER measurement. The PRBS
sequence and the two control signals (at
the marker outputs of the AMIQ) are generated by means of WinIQSIM™.
Differential outputs
The option AMIQ-B2 enhances the existing I and Q outputs by providing the
inverted I
Example of bit error rate test
and Q signal outputs.
IEEE bus
To meet all requirements, the option
AMIQ-B2 allows a DC (bias) voltage to be
superimposed on the balanced modulation signal (e.g. for setting the operating
point). This bias voltage can be set separately for the I and Q channels with high
resolution.
Using the AMIQ-B2, unbalanced signals
can be converted to balanced signals
without requiring an external circuit.
Digital output
The option AMIQ-B3 provides the digital
I and Q waveform data for each channel
at a 68-pin SCSI connector on the front
panel. A resolution from 8 bits to 16 bits
can be selected for the output signals. So
it is possible, for example, to drive digital/
analog converters (DACs) with different
word lengths. By matching the word
length, clock and level of the output data
to the requirements of the DUT, the AMIQ
provides TTL-similar digital signals that
are optimally suited for testing digital
modules.
Use in development
The AMIQ considerably enhances the
variety of applications of a vector signal
generator. It takes over where the internal modulation capabilities of a vector
signal generator reach their limits. For
example, signals can be generated with a
bit rate higher than that which can be
processed by the internal modulation
coder of an RF generator. The variation
capability of any modulation parameter
including the superposition of impairments and the generation of IF signals
with the aid of WinIQSIM™ is far beyond
the facilities of a conventional signal generator.
IQWizard
1)
allows the conversion
of existing signal data that was generated with the aid of mathematical programs, for example.
Use in production
For use in production environments,
measuring instruments have to satisfy
versatile requirements. One of the main
points of interest is the space they
require. Since the AMIQ has no built-in
display, it is low in height which makes it
especially suited for rackmounting in ATE
(Automatic Test Equipment) systems. The
AMIQ and WinIQSIM™ were designed
for high-speed remote control via the IEC/
IEEE bus. Predefined signals can be
stored on the internal hard disk and
quickly downloaded into the output memory.
Bus control
I
Q
3-year calibration cycle
Another benefit of the AMIQ is its 3-year
calibration interval: it reduces costs and
increases availability.
1)
Can be downloaded from www.rohde-schwarz.com
(Application Note 1MA28).
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ5
DUT
Clock
Data
Operation
AMIQ, WinIQSIM™ and SMIQ –
a perfect team
The AMIQ is a black box without any control and display elements. There are several choices for operating the AMIQ:
Operation via WinIQSIM™
With WinIQSIM™, calculated signals are
downloaded to the AMIQ hard disk or
directly into the RAM of the AMIQ via
IEC/IEEE bus or RS-232-C interface. In
addition, all AMIQ functions can be set in
a menu under WinIQSIM™.
Operation from SMIQ
A PC with WinIQSIM™ is only required if
new waveforms are to be calculated,
since the once calculated signals can be
stored on the hard disk of the AMIQ. In
conjunction with the Vector Signal Generator SMIQ from Rohde&Schwarz, it is
possible to select waveforms stored on
User interface for controlling the AMIQ with WinIQSIM™
Menu for
controlling the AMIQ
with the SMIQ
hard disk or floppy and change the AMIQ
parameters via a special menu. In this
mode, the AMIQ acts as if it were an
option to the SMIQ.
Operation in ATE systems
As with any other remotely controlled
instrument, all functions of the AMIQ,
e.g. downloading predefined waveforms
from the integrated hard disk, can be controlled via the remote-control interface. In
this operating mode, neither WinIQSIM™
nor an SMIQ is required.
Flexible generation of digitally modulated signals
with the AMIQ and the SMIQ
6 I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ
Applications
Verification/conformance testing
For the verification and conformance testing of mobile phones and base stations,
signal generators are used for testing
subsystems such as receivers, modulators and amplifiers. Due to its versatility
and signal quality, the AMIQ is the ideal
baseband source to handle these tasks.
Preprogrammed standard settings in
WinIQSIM™ provides frame structures
for all primary mobile radio standards.
Thus, it is not only possible to generate
signals to standards such as GSM and
IS-95, but also to the new WCDMA standards such as 3GPP FDD and TDD,
TD-SCDMA and CDMA2000. For some of
these standards, a special option is
required for output of the signals by the
AMIQ.
Development of new
communication systems
The comprehensive setting facilities provided in WinIQSIM™ allow future sys-
tems to be developed with the AMIQ. The
programmable data generator contributes to the easy definition of new TDMA
(time division multiple access) systems.
Use of the additional WinIQOFDM software provides the AMIQ with the capability of generating OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) signals
such as HIPERLAN/2 and IEEE802.11a.
Use in automatic test equipment
(ATE) systems
In test systems, space is usually limited.
Due to its low height, the AMIQ is an
ideal choice for use as a baseband or IF
signal source. For this application, the
AMIQ certainly benefits from its black box
design with an IEC/IEEE bus optimized for
high transfer rate, and the integrated
hard disk for saving the calculated signals.
In addition to size, the time required is
also a crucial factor in ATE systems. Fast
switchover between different signal
sequences is a very important aspect. The
AMIQ provides the possibility of combining up to 30 different sequences with fast
switchover. The resulting multisegment
waveforms can be stored on the internal
hard disk like individual sequences and
reloaded into the memory for output.
Tolerance tests
In addition to ideal signals, the
WinIQSIM™/AMIQ combination also
allows the generation of defined signal
impairments and additive interfering signals. Variation of bit rates and filtering are
used to determine tolerance limits and to
detect potential critical spots in new systems. By using the Vector Signal Generator SMIQ, fading and additive noise can
be added to the complex signals provided
by the AMIQ. In particular, the SMIQ
meets the dynamic fading scenarios prescribed by the 3GPP standard.
Adjustment of I/Q modulators
More and more ICs and modules are
equipped with differential I/Q inputs. In
the case of DC coupling between the
AMIQ and a modulator chip, for example,
the I/Q signal can be superimposed by a
DC (bias) voltage for setting the operating
point (option AMIQ-B2 required). This DC
voltage can be set separately for the I and
Q channel. By superimposing a small off-
set voltage (user correction) in addition to
this bias voltage, the RF carrier leakage in
the modulator is minimized to obtain optimum data for the I/Q signal at the RF.
Digital components
The AMIQ’s digital signal output (option
AMIQ-B3) allows signals to be directly fed
to baseband components with digital
inputs.
The digital signal output is also optimal
for testing digital/analog converters. Due
to the selectable word length (8 bits to
16 bits), the test signal can be adapted to
the specific requirements.
Certified Quality System
ISO 9001
DQS REG. NO 1954
Certified Environmental System
ISO 14001
REG. NO 1954
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ7
Specifications
Output memory
Waveform length (data and markers)
Clock rate – Slow mode
(10 Hz to 4 MHz)
Clock rate– Fast mode
(2 MHz to 100 MHz)
Amplitude resolution of data wordsselectable word length 8 bit to 14 bit;
Marker channels
Number
Multisegment waveform
Segment changeover time
without clock change
with clock change
Clock generation
Clock range10 Hz to 100 MHz
Setting range10 Hz to 105 MHz
Resolution1 x 10
External clock input
Clock rate
Reference frequency
Internal reference output
Frequency10 MHz
Aging
(after 30 days of operation)
Temperature effect (0°C to 45°C)<2 x 10−6/°C
Level, rms0.5 V (into 50 Ω)
Frequency adjustmentelectronic
External reference input
Frequency10 MHz
Level, rms0.1 V to 2 V
Input impedance50 Ω
Signal output
OutputsI and Q
Output impedance50 Ω
Output voltage (Vp into 50 Ω)
Fix mode0.5 V, same for both channels
Amplitude fine variation ±10%, separately for each channel
Resolution0.01%
Level difference between
the two channels
Residual DC offset<0.5 mV, 0.1 mV typ. (after auto-
Operating modesoff (no filter), internal or external filter
Internal filters
25 MHzelliptic, 7th order + delay equalizer
Freq. responseAmplitude
Group delay
I/Q imbalanceAmplitude
Group delay
0.15dB typ. up to 25 MHz
500 ps typ. up to 20 MHz
0.05 dB typ. up to 25 MHz
200 ps typ. up to 20 MHz
Stopband attenuation70 dB from 75 MHz
2.5 MHzelliptic, 7th order + delay equalizer
Freq. responseAmplitude
Group delay
I/Q imbalanceAmplitude
Group delay
0.15 dB typ. up to 2.5 MHz
5 ns typ. up to 2 MHz
0.05 dB typ. up to 2.5 MHz
1 ns typ. up to 2 MHz
Stopband attenuation70 dB from 7.5 MHz
External filtersone filter can be connected for each
channel, BNC connectors on rear
panel
Impedance50 Ω
Trigger
CONT moderepetitive output of loaded waveform
after occurrence of trigger
SINGLE modesingle output of loaded waveform af-
ter occurrence of trigger
GATED modestart of (repetitive) waveform output
after occurrence of trigger until end of
trigger event
Trigger signalvia remote control or trigger input
Trigger inputBNC connector, selectable polarity
Input levelTTL
Max. permissible input voltage−0.5 V to 6 V
Pulse width (clock rate –slow mode) min. 200 ns + 1sample
Pulse width (clock rate – fast mode) min. 11samples
Delay between trigger input
and output of first data word
Slow mode
Fast mode
220 ns + (1sample + 20 ns) jitter
21samples + 1 sample jitter
Marker outputs
Number of outputs4, BNC connectors
LevelTTL, can be terminated into 50 Ω,
(high >2 V)
BER measurement (option AMIQ-B1)
Data supplied by the DUT can be compared with a nominal random bit sequence; the results are transferred to the host computer (via the currently used
remote control); the BER measurement can be controlled from WinIQSIM™
and SMIQ.
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ8
Pseudo random bit sequences29−1, 211−1, 215−1 , 216−1, 220−1,
21
−1, 223−1
2
Clock ratemax. 20 MHz
Clock sourceeach valid bit requires a clock, which
is supplied by the DUT or the AMIQ
Sync period24 clocks
Interface9-pin D-SUB connector, D-SUB BNC
cable supplied in addition
DataTTL
Data enableTTL
ClockTTL
RestartTTL
Setup time10 ns
Hold time2 ns
Polaritynormal and inverted (data, clock, data
enable)
Measurement timeselectable through max. number of
data or error bits (max. 2
31
bit),
continuous measurement
Measurement resultsBER in ppm (when set number of data
or error bits is attained), not synchronized, no clock from DUT
Differential I/Q outputs (option AMIQ-B2)
4)
Provides the inverted I and Q signals and allows a DC voltage to be simultaneously superimposed on the output signal.
OutputsI, I, Q and Q
Operating modesingle/differential, selectable
Output impedance50 Ω when on, 50 Ω or high Z when
off
Bias voltage (EMF, to ground)−2.5 V to +2.5 V (±10 mV)
for both I and Q channels separate,
common setting for I and I
or Q and Q
Resolution<1.5 mV
Difference between I and I or Q and Q <0.5% + 1.5 mV
Output voltage (differential EMF between the I and I or Q and Q outputs, unless otherwise specified, V
)
p
Fix mode2 V, same for both I and Q channels
Level difference I ↔ Q<0.5% (at 1 kHz, after auto-alignment)
I ↔ I (Q ↔ Q)<0.5% (at 1 kHz, after auto-alignment)
Residual DC offset<1 mV (to ground,
after auto-alignment)
DC fine variation±120 mV typ.
Resolution120 µV
Variable mode0 V to 4 V, separately adjustable for I
and Q channels
Resolution3 digits
DC fine variation ±280 mV typ.
Resolution280 µV
Max. output voltage (V
signal
+ V
voltage
)
<2.5 V (to ground)
Digital I/Q output (option AMIQ-B3)
Output68-pin SCSI connector (mini D-SUB,
half pitch)
ChannelsI and Q
Resolution8 bit to 16 bit (selectable, no marker
output for word lengths >14 bit)
Max. clock frequency100 MHz (if an external clock is used,
the internal delay time from 20 ns to
25 ns between the input clock and the
output data has to be taken into
account above 40 MHz)
Output impedance30 Ω to 50 Ω typ., high impedance
with low level at pin 66
Output levelLVT or ABT level (data, marker and
clock); the high level of the data, mark-
er and clock signals is automatically
adapted to the selected supply volt-
age for external circuits
Vcc output+3.3 V or +5 V
Remote control and memoryvia IEC625-2 (IEEE488) and RS -232-C
Command setSCPI 1996.0 with extensions
IEC/IEEE interface functionsSH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP1, DC1,
DT1, C0
Mass memoryfloppy disk drive (3.5", 1.44 MB),
hard disk 3 GB/6 GB (AMIQ03/04)
Download time (4000 000 I/Q samples
from built-in hard disk)
27 s
General data
Nominal temperature range0 °C to +45 °C; meets IEC68-2-1 and
IEC68-2-2
Storage temperature range−40 °C to +70 °C
Damp heat95% relative humidity at +40 °C;
meets IEC68-2-3
Vibration, sinusoidal5 Hz to 150 Hz, max. 2 g at 55 Hz,
0.5 g const. 55 Hz to 150 Hz,
meets IEC68-2-6, IEC 1010-1 and
MIL-T-28800D class 5
Electromagnetic compatibilitymeets EN50081-1 and EN 50082-1
(EMC Directive of EU)
Immunity to RFI10 V/m
Power supply100 V to 120 V ± 10%, 50 Hz to 400 Hz,
200 V to 240 V ±10%, 50 Hz to 60 Hz,
autoranging, 150 VA
Safetymeets DINEN 61010-1, 1994-03
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92
UL Std. No. 3111-1
IEC61010-1
Dimensions (W x H x D)427 mm x 88 mm x 450 mm
Weight8.7 kg
1)
Specs at clock >100 MHz not guaranteed, max. ambient temperature +35 °C.
2)
Iand Q in addition when option AMIQ-B2 is used.
3)
Spurious-free dynamic range.
4)
All data not specified here are identical to those of the AMIQ without option B2 ( I and Q only).
I/Q Modulation Generator AMIQ 9
Ordering information
I/Q Modulation GeneratorAMIQ
4 Msamples1110.2003.03
16 Msamples1110.2003.04
Accessories supplied
WinIQSIM™ version for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 on CD-ROM; manual, power
cable, AMIQ operating manual
Options
BER MeasurementAMIQ-B1 1110.3500.02
Differential I/Q OutputsAMIQ-B21110.3700.02
Digital I/Q OutputAMIQ-B31122.2103.02
Rear I/Q OutputsAMIQB19
Digital Standards