Advantages and features
This new series of signal generators from Aeroflex offers outstanding advantages and features, including:
- Excellent phase noise, enabling high-performance applications. Typical phase noise specification in SSB is -135 dBc/Hz at a 20 kHz offset, 1 GHz carrier.
- Fast level and frequency settling for quicker measurements, reducing testing time and costs. Frequency settling times of 1 ms in conventional frequency selection mode and 100 µs in list mode make the SGA suitable for frequency hopping (FH) and semiconductor testing applications, ensuring maximum production performance.
- Easy and intuitive use of the LCD touchscreen provides a modern interface, shortening user learning curves and improving productivity.
- Excellent accuracy and repeatability, increasing measurement reliability.
The maximum RF output power is +13 dBm, with a resolution of 0.01 dB, and a high-power option is available to extend the calibrated RF level to +20 dB. The power level can be switched rapidly using an electronic attenuator, in less than 100 µs by 0.1 dB from the final value, and repeatability is better than 0.05 dB.
The Aerolock™ locking mechanism system allows instruments and modules to be combined into a compact solution. Additional RF instruments, such as a second signal generator and combiner, can be mechanically coupled externally by the user (Figure 3).
Portability
is also a key feature of these instruments. The SGAs occupy a half-rack width and 4U height. They weigh only 8 kg, half the weight of their predecessors. This makes them easy to move by one person both in the lab and in the field.
Applications
This family has been designed to meet the needs of RF engineers, who not only require high-quality RF signals but also the speed and efficiency offered by the new generations of equipment in the following areas:
• Research and development in general-purpose wired and wireless networks.
• RFIC, ADC, and DAC testing.
• Avionics.
• Military and aerospace applications.
• Maintenance and repair.
• Defense research and applications.
The S-series product range will be expanded with plug-and-play modules such as combiners, amplifiers, and duplexers to extend its use to most RF applications. The touchscreen software also allows for remote control of these plug-and-play modules. Future expansions to the S-series will include digital generators and a digital signal analyzer.
