R&S SMA100B high-end analog RF and microwave signal generator

The R&S SMA100B high-end analog RF and microwave signal generator has a frequency range of up to 20 GHz.

It delivers signals with low phase noise and high output power with low harmonics. It is designed for the RF semiconductor, wireless communications, and aerospace and defence industries.

A 6 GHz instrument generates up to 38 dBm RF output power, and a 20 GHz instrument generates up to 32 dBm in the microwave frequency range. Harmonics are low across the entire frequency range; above 6 GHz they are even lower than 70 dBc at 18 dBm output power. Nonharmonics are below 110 dBc at an output signal of 1 GHz.

The product can simultaneously provide a second, independently configurable, pure and synchronised clock signal up to a frequency of 6 GHz. As a result, users can characterise ADCs with a single analog signal generator. The low wideband phase noise of the clock synthesiser output signal (100 MHz —175 dBc/Hz, 30 MHz offset) makes it possible to measure the true signal-to-noise ratio of modern ADCs.

The product is also suitable for characterising DACs. The generator’s low phase noise produces minimal signal jitter that does not influence the measurement results for the DACs.

The product has a powerful pulse modulator and generates pulses with short rise and fall times and an on/off ratio below 90 dB. Digital high-precision automatic level control (ALC) ensures that the top power levels of narrow pulses are output in a reproducible manner. Closed-loop level control is available for pulse widths starting at 100 ns. These characteristics make it possible to test advanced radar receivers under demanding pulse scenario conditions.

When simulating in-band or out-of-band interferers, the instrument’s ultralow-phase noise option ensures that phase noise and wideband noise from the simulated interferer have a minimal impact on the wanted signal.