A system and method are provided for using frequency domain spreading to generate real signals in the time domain. The method supplies a first complex frequency domain symbol (α) and a second complex frequency domain symbol (αi), and maps (α+jαi) onto a subcarrier (+f). Further, (α−jαi)* is mapped onto a mirror subcarrier (−f). The mappings are converted into a complex time domain symbol carrying α and jαi in a single inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT). The real component of the complex time domain symbol (α) is initially supplied, and subsequently supplied is an imaginary component of the complex time domain symbol (αi). The real symbol component (α) is supplied by carrying α on the subcarrier (+f), and carrying (α)* on the mirror subcarrier (−f). The imaginary symbol component αi is supplied by carrying αi on the subcarrier (+f), and carrying (αi)* on the mirror subcarrier (−f).