it may be a stupid question but while learning about DSP and Modulation I was wondering, if the I/Q representation of an RF Signal is of any use, when the received signal does not contain any modulation. So I understand the concepts of Inphase and Quadrature components, how they are modulated in the sender, combined for transmission and demodulated in the receiver. But if i where to receive some other signal, lets say for example RF-emissions from some random or physical source i want to observe. Does the separation into I- and Q components yield any value then? Since it has never been composed to hold information by the source. Or would there still be a value in having I- and Q components?
I couldnt find any explicit statement on that yet.
Cheers
Lucas