A comparison of direct analog and digital up-conversion architecture in the frequency range from 1.9 GHz to 2.7 GHz

In this paper the common AUC architecture was compared with the DUC with respect to MER, EVM, output power and power consumption. After a detailed discussion of the theory, the measurement setups were described and afterwards the measurement results discussed. The DUC offers some advantages compared to the AUC. Excellent signal quality can be reached using the digital quadrature modulation. A MER above 46 dB and an EVM below 0.52 % was measured. Fewer parts are needed in comparison with the AUC and the power consumption is nearly equal. In the next years the sampling frequency of DACs will further increase and will make additional frequency ranges accessible to DUC architectures. Therefore DUC is an interesting alternative for new transmitter designs.