Help in understanding the IQ raw file format used by SDRs/GnuRadio [closed]

1. What is IQ in SDR?
2. What is an IQ file?
3. What are IQ samples?

What is IQ in SDR?

IQ sampling is the form of sampling that an SDR performs, as well as many digital receivers (and transmitters). It's a slightly more complex version of regular digital sampling (pun intended), so we will take it slow and with some practice the concept is sure to click!

What is an IQ file?

An iq-tar file contains I/Q data in binary format together with meta information that describes the nature and the source of data, e.g. the sample rate. The objective of the iq-tar file format is to separate I/Q data from the meta information while still having both inside one file.

What are IQ samples?

Quadrature signals, also called IQ signals, IQ data or IQ samples, are often used in RF applications. They form the basis of complex RF signal modulation and demodulation, both in hardware and in software, as well as in complex signal analysis.