Tiny Synthesizer Tunes 2 To 4 GHz

April 1, 2010

Model SLX-4000 is a miniature broadband frequency synthesizer from EM Research capable of as much as 2 to 4 GHz bandwidth when operating with a 10-MHz external reference. It tunes with 5-MHz steps and delivers +4 dBm output power. The typical phase noise is better than -80 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from the carrier, better than -95 dBc/Hz offset 100 kHz from the carrier, and better than -120 dBc/Hz offset 1 MHz from the carrier. The synthesizer has harmonic levels of -10 dBc and spurious levels of -60 dBc. It draws 60 mA from a +5-VDC supply and measures just 12.7 x 12.7 x 3.8 mm.

About the Author

Jack Browne

Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.