Analog generator delivers 3 GHz
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 3/1/2006
The R&S SMA100A analog signal generator offers a compact footprint that requires only two 19-in. rack units, delivering pure output signals over its operating frequency range of 9 kHz to 3 GHz. Single sideband (SSB) phase noise is –135 dBc (and optionally –140 dBc) at a 20-kHz carrier offset at 1 GHz and a 1-Hz measurement bandwidth, wideband noise of –157 dBc at a carrier offset greater than 10 MHz, and nonharmonic noise suppression of –90 dBc at a 10-kHz carrier offset. An optional low-jitter 1.5-GHz clock synthesizer is available as well.
With level and frequency-setting times under 3 ms, the R&S SMA100A is suited for production and ATE applications. Frequency and level changes can be saved in a list, allowing setting times to be reduced to less than 450 μs. The output level of the R&S SMA100A ranges from –145 dBm to +25 dBm and can be set quickly via the electronic attenuator.
The R&S SMA100A can generate amplitude modulation and pulse modulation signals, and frequency and phase modulation are optional. For military and aerospace applications, the instrument can be upgraded with a precision pulse generator. The signal generator can be remote-controlled via IEEE 488, USB, and Ethernet, and its graphical user interface makes benchtop operation simple.
Base price: $18,720. Rohde & Schwarz, www.rohde-schwarz.com.
