# Hilbert transform Use as a Single Sideband Frequency Translator in Analog communication

How Hilbert transform helps us in communication? What is the practical significance of it? Specifically how is the Hilbert Transform used to create single side-band frequency translators?

• Does this answer your question? Meaning of Hilbert Transform – MBaz Feb 11 '20 at 22:53
• @MBaz Un analog comm hilbert is used to transmit ssb signals..how this process is done? – Paran Bharali Feb 12 '20 at 10:32

## 1 Answer

There are many applications for the analog equivalent of the Hilbert Transform, often implemented with “90 degree power dividers” also referred to as “quadrature splitters” as well as broadband variants implemented with phase tracking networks.

One application is single sideband frequency translators done with IQ mixers; I have another posting that details this further here:

Frequency shifting of a quadrature mixed signal

Another application is phase shifters and vector modulators where the signal is split in quadrature (To I and Q components) then combined in 0 degree phase after weighting the I and Q components according to the desired phase and amplitude. This can provide frequency translation similar to the approach with IQ mixers. The architectural difference is the use of absorptive bi-phase attenuators in each quadrature leg instead of reflective mixers which is more appropriate for static phase and amplitude control.

Other common applications for the Hilbert Transform that are done digitally can also be done in the analog with the purpose of converting a double sideband IF signal to be single sided (positive or negative frequency only) or creating a baseband analytic signal (which must be complex).

The link I gave above that demonstrates using the Hilbert Transform to frequency shift a signal is converting the signal to single side band frequencies only. Since the OP further asked this question I will explain that further in this context.

First consider Double Sideband frequency translator which would use a single mixer and as shown below is demonstrated as an upconverter translating a sinusoidal tone with frequency $$\omega_s$$ to a carrier of frequency $$\omega_c$$. Here we see that both sidebands of the baseband signal with frequency $$\omega_s$$ have been translated up to be centered on $$\omega_c$$:

In comparison, the implementation for Single Sideband frequency translator uses two 90° power dividers as shown in the diagram below. I have designated one output for each of the power dividers to represent the imaginary axis by putting a label $$j$$ on those ports just to show similarity to the Hilbert Transform: there is no reason I cannot define one output to represent such even though many may argue that both are real signals-- whether a signal is real or imaginary rests entirely in our definition and consistency with our rules of math. Regardless the same block diagram would similarly work with real signals, and is generally considered as such. If you swap one of the quadrature legs the resulting output would be the other sideband.

• For transmitting ssb signals...how this transform coverts signals to single side band frequencies only? – Paran Bharali Feb 12 '20 at 10:31
• @ParanBharali The link I included should explain that; did you read the post I linked to? – Dan Boschen Feb 12 '20 at 11:02
• I’ll include a specific example here showing this further – Dan Boschen Feb 12 '20 at 11:04
• @ParanBharali see my update and I hope this cleared it up for you! – Dan Boschen Feb 12 '20 at 11:56
• Thanks it cleared everything up – Paran Bharali Feb 12 '20 at 14:17