I/Q Out Block

Applies to N5186A only.

Requires Option DIQ

This topic describes the settings accessed from the I/Q Out block. These settings allow you to configure the I/Q outputs of the instrument.

IQ Out Connectors

The following connectors are available on the rear panel of N5186A to provide the I/Q baseband outputs. To know more, see N5186A Connectors > Rear Panel.

I OUT - In-phase signal (analog baseband output)
Q OUT - Quadrature signal (analog baseband output)
I Out - Inverted I signal (for differential use)
Q Out - Inverted Q signal (for differential use)

Ensure proper termination (50 Ω) on all outputs.

How to Configure and Use IQ Out

For N5186A, Option DIQ is available only on Channel 1 and the I/Q Out block is displayed for Channel 1 only (as shown in the screen below).

When you click the I/Q Out block, the following screen is displayed to allow you to configure the I/Q Outputs.

The GUI/SCPI descriptions for IQ Out settings are provided below.

Amplitude Control State

Amplitude Display Unit

I Amplitude Offset (dB)

Q Amplitude Offset (dB)

DC Offset

Common Mode I Offset

This option is used to specify the common mode offset voltage routed to the external I+/I- output ports. The Common Mode Offset Voltage raises or lowers the voltage of the signal applied to the I+/I- output ports by the same value. A positive Common Mode Offset Voltage raises the voltage of the signal applied to external I+/I- output port above the baseline values, while a negative Common Mode Offset Voltage lowers the voltage of the signal applied to external I+/I- output port below the baseline values. For example, if the Common Mode Offset Voltage is +0.03 V, the baseline of both the external I+/I- outputs is shifted upward by 0.03 V. When no signal is applied (baseline condition), both outputs will measure +0.03 V.

The actual output voltage of an individual instrument may clip prior to achieving the minimum or maximum limit value. Verify your instrument is able to achieve your expected output prior to establishing your measurement procedure.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Common Mode I Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:IOFFset <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:IOFFset?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:IOFF 5 mV IQO:IQAD:EXT:IOFF?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ: Attempting to change Common Mode I Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Common Mode I Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 V
State Saved	Yes
Min	-1.5 V
Max	1.5 V
Resolution	0.5 mV
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:IOFFset
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:IOFFset to [:SOURce]:IQOut1:IQADjustment:EXTernal:IOFFset

Common Mode Q Offset

This option is used to specify the common mode offset voltage signal routed to the external Q+/Q- output ports. The Common Mode Offset Voltage raises or lowers the voltage of a signal applied to the Q+/Q- output ports by the same value. A positive Common Mode Offset Voltage raises the voltage of the signal applied to external Q+/Q- output port above the baseline values, while a negative Common Mode Offset Voltage lowers the voltage of the signal applied to external Q+/Q- output port below the baseline values. For example, if the Common Mode Offset Voltage is 0.03 V, the voltage of the signal at both the external Q+/Q- outputs is increased by 0.03 V relative to the baseline.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Common Mode Q Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:QOFFset <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:QOFFset?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:QOFF 5 mV IQO:IQAD:EXT:QOFF?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ: Attempting to change Common Mode Q Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Common Mode Q Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 V
State Saved	Yes
Min	-1.5 V
Max	1.5 V
Resolution	0.5 mV
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:QOFFset
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:QOFFset to [:SOURce]:IQOut1:IQADjustment:EXTernal:QOFFset

Diff Mode I Offset

Specifies a differential offset voltage for an in-phase (I) signal routed to the I+/I- output ports.

This option is used to specify the total differential offset voltage routed to the external I output port. The Offset Voltage offsets the signal routed to the external I output port by the value of this voltage. This is accomplished by adding half of the Offset Voltage to the signal applied to the external I+ output port and subtracting half of the Offset Voltage from the signal applied to the external I- output port. For example, if the desired I Offset Voltage is 0.05 volts, then 0.025 volts is added to the signal applied to the external I+ output port while 0.025 volts is subtracted from the signal applied to the external I- output port.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Diff Mode I Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DIOFfset <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DIOFfset?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:DIOF 5 mV IQO:IQAD:EXT:DIOF?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Diff Mode I Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Diff Mode I Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 V
State Saved	Yes
Min	-3 V
Max	3 V
Resolution	0.5 mV
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DIOFfset
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DIOFfset to [:SOURce]:IQOut1:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DIOFfset

Diff Mode Q Offset

Specifies a differential offset voltage for a quadrature-phase (Q) signal routed to the Q+/Q- output ports.

This option is used to specify the total differential offset voltage routed to the external Q output port. The Offset Voltage offsets the signal routed to the external Q output port by the value of this voltage. This is accomplished by adding half of the Offset Voltage to the signal applied to the external Q+ output port and subtracting half of the Offset Voltage from the signal applied to the external Q- output port. For example, if the desired Q Offset Voltage is 0.05 volts, then 0.025 volts is added to the signal applied to the external Q+ output port and 0.025 volts is subtracted from the signal applied to the external Q- output port.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Diff Mode Q Offset
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DQOFfset <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DQOFfset?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:DQOF 5 mV IQO:IQAD:EXT:DQOF?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Diff Mode Q Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Diff Mode Q Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 V
State Saved	Yes
Min	-3 V
Max	3 V
Resolution	0.5 mV
Backwards Compatibility SCPI	N51xxB: [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DQOFfset
Backwards Compatibility Notes	For N51xxB: Alias [:SOURce]:DM:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DQOFfset to [:SOURce]:IQOut1:IQADjustment:EXTernal:DQOFfset Query returns the current diff mode Q offset for IQ output 1.

Amplitude Control

The I+/I− and Q+/Q− output voltages can be adjusted while continuing to provide modulated RF output.

Amplitude Control State

Remote command only.

Provided to allow programmatic compatibility with other Keysight Technologies signal generators. On this signal generator, Amplitude Control State is always enabled and cannot be disabled. This setting allows adjustment of I+/I- and Q+/Q- output voltages using the I Amplitude and Q Amplitude settings. These adjustments affect only the I/Q outputs and do not modify the RF output signal.

SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude[:STATe] ON\|OFF\|1\|0 [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude[:STATe]?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL ON IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL?
Notes	State is ON and not changeable, attempting to set to OFF raises error "703, Feature not supported; Amplitude Control State is always on for this instrument."
Preset	ON
State Saved	Yes

Amplitude Display Unit

Selects the display unit used for I and Q Output Amplitude.

VPEak: Displays amplitude in volts peak.
VRMS: Displays amplitude in volts RMS.
DBM: Displays amplitude in dBm.

The units are related as follows:

where k = 1 for Single-Ended endedness and k = 2 for Differential endedness. This yields +3.01 dB when switching from Single-Ended to Differential for the same underlying signal amplitude.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Amplitude Display Unit
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:UNIT VPEak\|VRMS\|DBM [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:UNIT?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:UNIT VPE IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:UNIT?
Notes	This setting affects only the displayed amplitude values and does not alter the IQ output signal.
Preset	VPEak
Choices	Vpeak\| Vrms \| dBm
State Saved	Yes

I Amplitude

Sets the maximum voltage on I+ and I-. Maximum voltage occurs when waveform I data is 16-bit integer maximum (+32767), with minimum voltage occurring when I data is -32768. The voltage is for I into a 50 Ohm load.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > I Amplitude
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I 1V IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change I Amplitude raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; I Output Amplitude unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, I Amplitude (RMS), and I Amplitude (dBm), all represent the same underlying I amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and I Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	0
State Saved	Yes
Min	0 V
Max	- When Endedness is SINGle: 0.95 V - When Endedness is DIFFerential: 1.9 V
Resolution	0.001

Q Amplitude

Sets the maximum voltage on Q+ and Q-. Maximum voltage occurs when waveform Q data is 16-bit integer maximum (+32767), with minimum voltage occurring when Q data is -32768. The voltage is for Q into a 50 Ohm load.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Q Amplitude
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q 1V IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Q Amplitude raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Q Output Amplitude unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, Q Amplitude (RMS), and Q Amplitude (dBm), all represent the same underlying Q amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and Q Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	0
State Saved	Yes
Min	0
Max	- When Endedness is SINGle: 0.95 V - When Endedness is DIFFerential: 1.9 V
Resolution	0.001

I Amplitude (RMS)

Sets the I output amplitude in Vrms. The value accounts for the endedness and I Amplitude Offset. See Endedness and I Amplitude Offset (dB).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > I Amplitude (RMS)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I:RMS <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I:RMS?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I:RMS 0.5 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I:RMS?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change I Output Amplitude (RMS) raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; I Output Amplitude (RMS) unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, I Amplitude, and I Amplitude (dBm), all represent the same underlying I amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and I Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	0
State Saved	No
Min	0 V
Max	When Endedness is SINGle: 0.671 V When Endedness is DIFFerential: 1.343 V
Resolution	0.001

Q Amplitude (RMS)

Sets the Q output amplitude in Vrms. The value accounts for the endedness and I Amplitude Offset. See Endedness and Q Amplitude Offset (dB).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Q Amplitude (RMS)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q:RMS <voltage> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q:RMS?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q:RMS 0.5 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q:RMS?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Q Output Amplitude (RMS) raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Q Output Amplitude (RMS) unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, Q Amplitude, and Q Amplitude (dBm), all represent the same underlying Q amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and Q Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	0
State Saved	No
Min	0 V
Max	- When Endedness is SINGle: 0.671 V - When Endedness is DIFFerential: 1.343 V
Resolution	0.001

I Amplitude (dBm)

Sets the I output amplitude in dBm, referenced to a 50 Ω load. The value accounts for the endedness and I Amplitude Offset. See Endedness and I Amplitude Offset (dB).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > I Amplitude (dBm)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I:DBM <ampl> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:I:DBM?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I:DBM -10 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:I:DBM?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change I Output Amplitude (dBm) raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; I Output Amplitude (dBm) unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, I Amplitude, and I Amplitude (RMS), all represent the same underlying I amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and I Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	-200 dBm
State Saved	No
Min	-200 dBm
Max	When Endedness is SINGle: 9.55 dBm When Endedness is DIFFerential: 12.56 dBm
Resolution	0.001

Q Amplitude (dBm)

Sets the Q output amplitude in dBm, referenced to a 50 Ω load. The value accounts for the endedness and Q Amplitude Offset. See Endedness and Q Amplitude Offset (dB).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Q Amplitude (dBm)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q:DBM <ampl> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:Q:DBM?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q:DBM -10 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:Q:DBM?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Q Output Amplitude (dBm) raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Q Output Amplitude (dBm) unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Couplings	This value, Q Amplitude, and Q Amplitude (RMS), all represent the same underlying Q amplitude; setting any one recalculates the others. See deriving equation in Amplitude Display Unit. The displayed value is also affected by Endedness and Q Amplitude Offset (dB).
Preset	-200 dBm
State Saved	No
Min	-200 dBm
Max	When Endedness is SINGle: 9.55 dBm When Endedness is DIFFerential: 12.56 dBm
Resolution	0.001

Endedness

Selects how the I/Q output amplitude voltage is displayed.

Single-Ended (SINGle): Single-ended output configuration.
DIFFerential: Differential output configuration. Displayed amplitude values represent the total differential voltage, which is twice the single-ended voltage.

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Endedness
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:ENDedness SINGle\|DIFFerential [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:ENDedness?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:END DIFF IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:END?
Notes	This setting only affects the displayed amplitude values and does not alter the IQ output signal.
Preset	SINGle
Range	Single-Ended\|Differential
State Saved	Yes

I Amplitude Offset (dB)

Provides a power offset value as a dB offset to the actual I output amplitude. This simulates a power level at a test point beyond the I+ and I- connectors without changing the actual output power. The offset value only affects the displayed amplitude setting. The offset is reflected in all I amplitude views (Vpeak, RMS, and dBm). See I Amplitude, I Amplitude (RMS), I Amplitude (dBm).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > I Amplitude Offset (dB)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:OFFSet:I <rel_ampl> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:OFFSet:I?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:OFFS:I 3 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:OFFS:I?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ, Attempting to change I Amplitude Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; I Amplitude Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 dB
State Saved	Yes
Min	-20 dB
Max	20 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB

Q Amplitude Offset (dB)

Provides a power offset value as a dB offset to the actual Q output amplitude. This simulates a power level at a test point beyond the Q+ and Q- connectors without changing the actual output power. The offset value only affects the displayed amplitude setting. The offset is reflected in all Q amplitude views (Vpeak, RMS, and dBm). See Q Amplitude, Q Amplitude (RMS), Q Amplitude (dBm).

GUI Location	I/Q Out > Q Amplitude Offset (dB)
SCPI Command	[:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:OFFSet:Q <rel_ampl> [:SOURce]:IQOut<channel>:IQADjustment:EXTernal:AMPLitude:OFFSet:Q?
SCPI Example	IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:OFFS:Q 3 IQO:IQAD:EXT:AMPL:OFFS:Q?
Notes	For N5186A without Option DIQ Attempting to change Q Amplitude Offset raises the error 703, "Feature not supported; Q Amplitude Offset unavailable, option DIQ is required."
Preset	0 dB
State Saved	Yes
Min	-20 dB
Max	20 dB
Resolution	0.01 dB