Analog signal generator offers 6-GHz performance
-- Test & Measurement World, 8/7/2007 7:03:00 AM
Rohde & Schwarz has announced the SMB100A analog signal generator, which comes in four models with measurement coverage from 9 kHz to 1.1, 2.2, 3.2, and 6 GHz. Output is +18 dBm specified (+25 dBm in overrange mode); flatness is +/- 0.5 dB to 3 GHz and +/- 0.9 dB above 3 GHz; and setting time is less than 3 ms for frequency and less than 2.5 ms for level. In list mode, the instrument can store and automatically run up to 2000 pairs of frequency and level settings, reducing setting time to less than 1 ms. At 1 GHz, phase noise with a 1-Hz measurement bandwidth is typically -128 dBc/Hz at a 20-kHz carrier offset, nonharmonic suppression is -70 dBc at a 10-kHz offset, and wideband noise is typically -152 dBc.
Suited for both general-purpose bench-top applications and the production line, the midrange SMB100A is the successor to the company’s SML Series and is based on the graphically-oriented, Linux-based operating system of the company’s high-end SMA Series instruments. Unlike competitive instruments that employ mixers to cover the lowest frequencies in their output range, the SMB100A employs a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) from 9 kHz to 23.3475 MHz.
The SMB100A employs an architecture based on four main modules. A self-diagnostic routine checks the modules, and if servicing is required a module can be replaced on site. Backups for any of the four modules can be retained in inventory, and each is factory calibrated. In addition, precise level adjustment and correction can be performed after the repair is completed by simply connecting a Rohde & Schwarz NRP power sensor to the instrument. Calibration interval is 3 years.
The SMB100A can serve aerospace and defense applications such as radar system (pulsed signal) testing. In addition to the instrument’s standard AM, FM, and phase modulation, a pulse generator and pulse modulator are available as options. The pulse modulator has a typical on/off ratio of 90 dB and rise and fall times of 10 ns. The flexible pulse generator has a minimum pulse width of 20 ns, which allows it to generate a variety of pulsed signals.
The instrument operates over a temperature range of 0°C to +55°C at a maximum altitude of 4600 m, weighs 5.3 kg (11.7 lb), and requires only two height units in a rack. Other features include reverse power protection of 50 W at 1 GHz, 25 W up to 2 GHz, and 10 W at 6 GHz; broadband frequency modulation with a maximum deviation of 16 MHz above 3 GHz; VSWR of less than 1.8:1; measurement repeatability of +/-0.02 dB; integrated frequency, level, and low-frequency sweeps; and an internal low-frequency generator that delivers sine-wave signals up to 1 MHz and square-wave signals up to 20 kHz.
Base price: from $6350.
www.rohde-schwarz.com.
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