Agile signal generator supports multi-emitter simulations
October 2, 2014. Keysight Technologies has announced the N5193A UXG agile signal generator, an off-the-shelf instrument that enables highly realistic and scalable threat simulations for aerospace/defense applications. The UXG is also a dependable slide-in replacement for the legacy fast-switching local oscillators (LOs) often used in large, dedicated simulation systems.
To produce realistic multithreat scenarios, the UXG can switch frequency, amplitude, and phase settings in as little as 250 ns, and it provides built-in phase repeatability. This is made possible by direct digital synthesis technology and a Keysight-proprietary digital-to-analog converter.
When simulating advanced radar signals, the UXG can generate pulses as narrow as 5 ns with 1 ns rise/fall times and an 80 dB on/off ratio. The UXG can also produce chirps as wide as 10 to 25% of the carrier frequency. To mimic antenna scan patterns, the optional attenuator provides 80 dB of agile amplitude changes and 120 dB of overall amplitude range.
“In development and mission-data reprogramming, better testing performed sooner enables higher confidence in the performance of electronic-warfare systems,” said Andy Botka, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s Microwave and Communications Division. “Because the UXG is fluent in the language of EW systems, it accelerates the integration of newly acquired intelligence into up-to-date signal scenarios.”
With the ability to directly understand pulse descriptor words (PDWs), the UXG reduces programming time. For system testing, predefined scenarios can be created and stored in UXG memory for playback using list mode, and on-the-fly control can be triggered by external events.
At three rack units (3U) high, the UXG is a slide-in replacement for legacy fast-switching sources. To minimize the need for software changes, the standard UXG is code-compatible with Aeroflex sources. The UXG also can be connected directly with existing wiring and cabling through trigger- and hardware-connector compatibility and a fast BCD input/output interface.
To help maximize instrument dependability, the UXG leverages design concepts used in Keysight’s proven PSG, MXG, and EXG signal generators. The UXG has also passed rigorous environmental testing including temperature, humidity, and shock. Keysight’s standard three-year warranty reduces cost-of-ownership.
The N5193A UXG agile signal generator is available now. Prices start at $87,000 with the 20-GHz frequency option and $132,000 with the 40-GHz frequency option.