On the optimal sampling of bandpass measurement signals through data acquisition systems

Data acquisition systems (DAS) play a fundamental role in a lot of modern measurement solutions. One of the parameters characterizing a DAS is its maximum sample rate, which imposes constraints on the signals that can be alias-free digitized. Bandpass sampling theory singles out separated ranges of admissible sample rates, which can be significantly lower than carrier frequency. But, how to choose the most convenient sample rate according to the purpose at hand? The paper proposes a method for the automatic selection of the optimal sample rate in measurement applications involving bandpass signals; the effects of sample clock instability and limited resolution are also taken into account. The method allows the user to choose the location of spectral replicas of the sampled signal in terms of normalized frequency, and the minimum guard band between replicas, thus introducing a feature that no DAS currently available on the market seems to offer. A number of experimental tests on bandpass digitally modulated signals are carried out to assess the concurrence of the obtained central frequency with the expected one.