Phase Matrix frequency synthesizer spans 0.2 GHz to 20 GHz

The compact unit provides AM, FM, phase and pulse modulation, as well as power leveling and control.

-- Test & Measurement World, 6/23/2010 7:00:00 AM

Based on a phase-refining technique that provides a combination of fast switching and low phase noise, the QuickSyn FSW-0020 frequency synthesizer from Phase Matrix offers expanded coverage from 0.2 GHz to 20 GHz. The compact unit provides AM, FM, phase and pulse modulation, as well as power leveling and control.

The FSW-0020 uses a fundamental VCO to achieve the desired output frequency. In contrast to frequency-multiplication schemes, this approach eliminates possible spectrum contamination from subharmonic products. Direct digital synthesis enables a very fine frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz. VCO noise is suppressed by a low-noise reference oscillator in conjunction with a low-noise locking mechanism. The FSW-0020 switches frequencies at rates as fast as 100 µs in triggered list mode, and at 20 GHz, keeps phase noise to –116 dBc/Hz with a 10-kHz offset.

A simple software user interface gives access to a number of functions, such as precise frequency and power control, RF output and reference mute, blanking, independent frequency and power sweeps, list mode, modulation, and many others. The software is available as part of a QuickStart kit.

More information on the FSW-0020 frequency synthesizer, including a data sheet, programming information, and test data, can be found at www.phasematrix.com/pages/Synthesizers.html.

Phase Matrix, www.phasematrix.com.