The 3920B features a new low-phase-noise RF signal generator, in addition to the advanced functionality found in Aeroflex's 3900 Series test equipment. The 3920B directly replaces all previous versions of Aeroflex's 3900 Series, including the 3901, 3902, and 3920.
The 3920B's new low-phase-noise RF signal generator boasts advanced spectral purity, with a specified SSB phase noise of
-110 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset. This level of performance is achieved at a significantly lower carrier offset than the industry standard for this specification, which is typically 20 kHz. The 3920B's ability to achieve such superior specifications close to the carrier signal makes it the ideal test solution for narrowband or analog receiver scenarios where narrowband phase noise is critical.
“Currently, narrowband digital radios utilize high-performance, highly sensitive receivers. These new radios commonly offer receive sensitivity levels below -119 dBm. To accurately test these receivers, it’s important to understand that their performance can be negatively impacted by phase noise from the generator used to test sensitivity or selectivity. Digital technologies like the P25 Phase II use phase modulation (H-CPM) techniques, where any phase noise from the generator can cause erroneous measurements, especially when determining the receiver’s digital sensitivity by calculating the bit error rate (BER),” explained Rob Barden, Director of Product Marketing for Radio Test Systems at Aeroflex. “The 3920B allows engineers and technicians to do their work with confidence that the test system isn’t introducing measurement errors due to excessive phase noise.”
The 3920B contains all the features and functionality of the 3920, including the Aeroflex Auto-Test II expansion library, which provides automated testing and alignment capabilities for a wide variety of mission-critical communication radios. The 3920B features Auto-Test II functionality for the Motorola APX™, Motorola XTS®, and XTL™ series, as well as for Harris, EF Johnson, Relm/BK, and Kenwood radios, with support for other radios coming soon.
