A system analyzer may generate an estimated frequency response of a
device, system, communication medium, or combination thereof by utilizing
a stimulus signal that is robust against IQ modulator impairments. A
stimulus generator may be used to generate a plurality of discrete tones
according to a frequency spacing and a frequency offset. The frequency
spacing and the frequency offset cause spectrally inverted spurs
(generated by impairments of the IQ modulator) to occur at frequencies
other than frequencies of said modulated signal that are associated with
said plurality of discrete tones. Additionally, by implementing a
Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to possess a frequency resolution equal
to the frequency offset, there is no leakage of power associated with the
spectrally inverted spurs into frequency bins of the DFT associated with
the desired frequency components. Likewise, leakage between the desired
frequency components and leakage associated with the local oscillator may
be avoided.