Rohde & Schwarz AMIQ Series
2 models with full specifications from Rohde & Schwarz.
The Rohde & Schwarz AMIQ series consists of high-performance, 2-channel arbitrary waveform and I/Q modulation generators designed to provide high-purity, high-resolution baseband signals for modern digital modulation systems. Comprising the AMIQ and the AMIQ03/04, these instruments are designed as "blind" units without integrated displays, using front-panel LED indicators for status and relying on PC-based control via software such as R&S WinIQSIM. They are engineered to deliver precise baseband and intermediate frequency (IF) signals, working in tandem with external RF vector signal generators to perform multi-carrier simulations and user waveform playback.
- Number of Channels
- 2 (I and Q)
- D/A Converter Resolution
- 14-bit
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 100 MSample/s
- Maximum Output Bandwidth
- 25 MHz
- Control Interfaces
- GPIB (IEEE-488.2) & RS-232
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | Interfaces | Marker Outputs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMIQ | Signal | None (LED status indicators only; blind instrument) | GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232-C, I/Q Analog Out (BNC / Sub-D) | 4 (user-assignable function channels) |
| AMIQ03/04 | *misc | None (LED indicators only, controlled via external software or SMIQ) | IEEE 488.2 (GPIB), RS-232 | 4 freely programmable marker outputs |
Architectural Overview and System Control
The AMIQ series utilizes a dual-channel architecture dedicated to processing independent In-phase (I) and Quadrature (Q) signal paths. Both the AMIQ and AMIQ03/04 achieve a 14-bit vertical resolution, which provides the dynamic range necessary for high-fidelity digital modulation.
As blind instruments, these generators lack an onboard user interface or screen. Control is handled externally using R&S WinIQSIM PC software or directly via an SMIQ signal generator interface. Physical connections for control and communication include standard GPIB (IEEE-488.2) and RS-232-C interfaces, alongside physical LED status indicators on the front panel.
Memory Configurations and Hardware Variations
The primary differentiator between these models and their internal configurations lies in waveform memory capacity and hardware expansions.
- AMIQ: Offers memory depths of 2 Msample, 8 Msample, or 16 Msample per channel (historically designated across AMIQ02, AMIQ03, and AMIQ04 configurations).
- AMIQ03/04: Features dedicated memory sizes of 4 MSamples per channel for the AMIQ03, and 16 MSamples per channel for the AMIQ04.
Hardware configurations can be tailored with specific expansion options. The AMIQ supports an optional AMIQ-B1 OCXO reference oscillator for applications requiring greater precision than the standard internal TCXO. For the AMIQ03/04, optional differential outputs are available via the AMIQ-B2 option, and digital I/Q outputs can be added using the AMIQ-B3 option.
Signal Quality, Filtering, and Connectivity
Operating within a frequency range of 0 Hz to 25 MHz, the AMIQ offers a sampling clock resolution of 0.1 mHz and a minimum sampling rate of 10 kHz. Signal flatness remains within < 0.1 dB up to 10 MHz and < 0.2 dB up to the 25 MHz maximum output bandwidth limit.
For signal conditioning, the AMIQ03/04 features selectable integrated analog lowpass filters at 2.5 MHz, 8 MHz, and 25 MHz, as well as a direct Bypass mode. The analog output stages deliver a 50 Ω impedance through BNC female connectors, which also support four freely programmable marker outputs for external synchronization.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the AMIQ series feature a built-in display?
- No. The AMIQ and AMIQ03/04 are blind instruments with LED status indicators only. They are designed to be controlled externally via software such as WinIQSIM or through an SMIQ signal generator.
- What is the standard frequency reference, and can it be upgraded?
- The standard AMIQ is equipped with an internal TCXO. It can be upgraded with the optional AMIQ-B1 OCXO reference oscillator for improved frequency stability.
- Can the AMIQ03/04 provide differential or digital outputs?
- Yes. Differential output support is available by adding the AMIQ-B2 option, and digital I/Q output is supported via the AMIQ-B3 option.