October 31, 2014. Cambridge Instruments, a division of MagiQ Technologies Inc., has introduced the QuantumWave 4000 series of PXIe-based RF and microwave sources that provide high-quality CW signals at frequencies up to 12 GHz. The sources offer low size, weight, and power (SWaP). Delivering high spectral purity with low levels of harmonics and spurious signals in a compact, single-slot 3U PXIe module, the QuantumWave 4000 Series is suited for general purpose LO, CW, and gigahertz clock applications where low cost, high performance and small footprint are important, such as in communications, digital, and radar designs.
All three synthesizers in the QuantumWave 4000 Series PXIe CW synthesizers support DARPA/IARPA quantum-computer development that requires multiple microwave signals in a design that is smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient than traditional bench instruments. The sources feature low phase noise of typically -120 dBc/Hz at a 10-kHz offset from a 1-GHz carrier. Output levels on all the synthesizers can be varied across a 20 dB calibrated range from +10 dBm to -10 dBm on each channel, with a resolution step size of 0.1 dB. Output power level accuracy is typically better than ±0.3 dB.
The model 4061 is a 75-MHz to 6-GHz synthesizer in a single PXI chassis, while the 4062 dual-channel synthesizer provides two fully independent 75-MHz to 6-GHz sources in a single PXIe slot. The dual-channel 4122 model has one channel from 75 MHz to 6 GHz and a second that extends frequency coverage to 12 GHz. Because the 4062 and 4122 models offer two independent low phase-noise synthesizers in a single width 3U PXIe module, they save valuable chassis slot space.
Standard software drivers include a core dll, IVI, and NI LabVIEW. The instruments support all popular test application development languages, so the QuantumWave 4000 Series can be easily integrated into automated systems. For applications, such as experimentation and application development, where manual operation may be necessary, an intuitive GUI is available that allows users to view and control the QuantumWave 4000 Series synthesizers.