Inexpensive high-performance sig gens say ‘Look Ma, no knobs!’
The compact, lightweight SGA-3 and -6 analog RF signal generators have low phase noise, excellent accuracy, fast settling time, and attractive prices. What they don’t have is knobs, pushbuttons, or other typical instrument controls. Save for a power on/off switch, all control is accomplished through each instrument’s LCD touchscreen interface. The interface lets users set up modulated or swept RF signals using only a fraction of the keystrokes required by traditional soft-key models, thus saving them time and reducing their risk of error.
The first instruments in the S-Series, which is planned to include digital signal generators for wireless-specific measurements including LTE, LTE-A, and IEEE 802.11ac standards, the SGA 3 has an operating frequency range of 100 kHz to 3 GHz while the SGA 6 covers 100 kHz to 6 GHz. A typical single sideband (SSB) phase noise specification of -135 dBc/Hz at 20-kHz offset from a 1-GHz carrier means that the SGA signal generator can easily measure receiver selectivity beyond 80 dB. The instrument’s electronic attenuator makes it possible to switch power level rapidly in less than 100 µs to within 0.1 dB of final value and repeatedly to better than 0.05 dB. Fast frequency settling times of 1 ms in conventional frequency selection mode, or 100 µs in list mode, make the SGA particularly suited for frequency-hopping and semiconductor-test applications, as well as ensuring high throughput in production.
Maximum RF output power is 13 dBm, with a resolution of 0.01 dB, and a high-power option is available to extend the maximum calibrated RF level to 20 dBm. A digital sweep of carrier frequency, RF level and modulation source is included, with single, continuous, or externally triggered modes, as well as a list mode sweep facility. Options include AM/FM/phase modulation (adding four internal 10-MHz oscillators and two external modulation inputs) and pulse modulation.
The SGA is half rack width and 4U high, and weighs less than 17 lbs (8 kg). The modular format, featuring the company’s new Aerolock locking mechanism, allows additional RF instruments, such as a second signal generator and a combiner, to be mechanically coupled externally by the user. (From $11,000 available 4 to 12 weeks ARO.)
Aeroflex , Plainview , NY
Sales 800-835-2352
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