Microwave Generator Promises Exceptional Performance

Covering a bandwidth from 1 GHz to 22 GHz, the SMF100A analog microwave signal generator touts notable phase-noise performance, high output power, and very short settling times. At 10 GHz, the unit exhibits a phase noise as low as -115 dBc at a 10-kHz carrier offset and a settling time of 4 ms for frequency and 3 ms for level, which can be reduced to less than 700 µs in list mode. Output power is typically +26 dBm, eliminating the need for an external amplifier in most applications. The generator can inject frequency- or phase-modulated noise to the signal to increase signal-generator phase noise to a desired value. Additionally, ease of operation comes via a block diagram on the display and intuitive menus. The instrument is controllable via Ethernet, USB, and GPIB interfaces, available as options. ROHDE & SCHWARZ INC., Columbia, MD. (410) 910-7800.