Analog Signal Generators Deliver Up To 6 GHz July 31, 2007
Promising the best combination of performance, ease of use, and serviceability of comparably priced instruments, the SMB100A family of analog signal generators offers four models with measurement ranges from 9 kHz to 1.1 GHz, 2.2 GHz, 3.2 GHZ, and 6 GHz. The instruments deliver an output of +18 dBm specified and +25 dBm in over-range mode with a flatness of ±0.5 dB below 3 GHz and ±0.9 dB above 3 GHz. Settling time is less than 3 ms for frequency, less than 2.5 ms for level, and less than 1 ms in list mode. At 1 GHz with a 1 Hz measurement bandwidth, phase noise is typically -128 dBc/Hz at a 20-kHz carrier offset. Rather than using mixers to cover the lowest frequencies in their output range, the instruments employ a direct digital synthesizer from 9 kHz to 23.3475 MHz. This is said to dramatically improve phase noise performance at low frequencies. Other features include a non-harmonic suppression of -70 dBc at 1 GHz at a 10-kHz offset and a typical wideband noise of -152 dBc at 1 GHz. Prices start at $6,350. ROHDE & SCHWARZ INC., Columbia, MD. (410) 910-7800.
