Design and investigation of filterless sixtuple RoF upconversion system with improved sideband to carrier suppression ratio using MZM extinction ratio variance

In this work, millimeter wave generation of sixtuple frequency scheme using dual parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator configuration has been investigated. The proposed scheme is mathematically analyzed and its performance is evaluated using software optisystem v.18. The vital parameters of both Mach–Zehnder modulator and phase of radio frequency local oscillator are properly adjusted for upconversion of 10 GHz radio frequency drive signal into 60 GHz mm wave. The impact of Mach–Zehnder modulator extinction ratio on radio frequency sideband suppression ratio, optical sideband suppression ratio and third sideband to carrier suppression ratio, is evaluated. An improved 63 dB third sideband to carrier suppression ratio is achieved at increased extinction ratio of Mach–Zehnder modulator. Impact of bias point drift and electrical phase shift on sideband suppression ratios are evaluated. Further, millimeter wave signal of 6–60 GHz tunability is realized by applying radio frequency local oscillator signal from 1 to 10 GHz.