The SC5413A from SignalCore is a Direct IQ Modulator Core Module that operates from 400 MHz to 6 GHz. It upconverts analog In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) IF baseband/IF input (from DC to 160 MHz) directly to RF. The DC-coupled differential IQ pair can be driven by any dual-channel baseband source such as a dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator. It allows the local oscillator (LO) to be supplied by an external source (like the SignalCore SC5506A dual-channel signal source) and can daisy-chain the LO signal to allow a single source module to drive multiple direct IQ upconverters for coherent transmission. This module can also be operated as a single-stage upconverter.
The SC5413A has an auxiliary RF output port that may be connected to the auxiliary RF input port of SignalCore IQ demodulators (such as the SC5313A) to aid with system digital equalization that corrects for IQ impairments associated with the device(s). It allows users to access internal correction DACs, applying compensation offsets to improve the modulator linearity, IP2, and LO feed-through. This module has an input compression-to-noise dynamic range of 150 dB with an output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of -140 dB. It includes USB, RS-232, and SPI communication interfaces and HDMI digital interfaces.
This module is designed to be paired with the SC5506A signal source to form a complete RF direct IQ modulator/upconverter solution. It is available in an enclosure that measures 5.73 x 3.75 x 0.75 inches with SMA-female and MCX-female connectors. The SC5413A’s high dynamic range, along with its compact size, low power consumption of 7 W, and modular flexibility, makes it ideal for system integration into applications such as wireless device testing, software define radio research, point-to-point radio, multichannel coherent systems, and other academic and military programs.
