Reliable Modeling of RF Mixers in I/Q Modulators: Experimental Validation and Parameter Extraction

This article presents an algorithm to effectively model the non-ideal behavior of RF mixers employed within the structure of I/Q modulators. The proposed model is based on the memory polynomial model, which includes nonlinearities and memory effects. To evaluate the accuracy and validity of the algorithm, a comprehensive analysis is conducted using measured data. Furthermore, this study focuses on the analysis and extraction of key parameters associated with I/Q modulators based on the proposed mixer model. Experimental comparisons are performed to assess the agreement between the measured values of each parameter and their corresponding estimated values derived from the model-based analysis. The experimental validation and comparative analysis validate the effectiveness of the proposed model in accurately capturing the intricacies of the mixers’ behavior within the I/Q modulator structure.