PXI Synthesizers Run To 4.1 GHz

May 20, 2014

These single-slot PXI frequency-synthesizer modules provide differential and single-ended square-wave outputs from DC to as high as 4.1 GHz.

Jack Browne

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Clock generators are now available in the modular PXI format, for applications through 4.1 GHz with low phase noise. Model BI401 is a frequency-synthesized square-wave clock generator module from Brilliant Instruments that fits within a single PXI instrument slot. It is available in two basic models, with frequency ranges of 1 μHz to 2.1 GHz (model BI401-2G) and 1 μHz to 4.1 GHz (model BI401-4G), with both models capable of producing DC outputs. The phase noise is only -102 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from a 1-GHz carrier with outstanding performance in the time domain, with less than 0.5 ps jitter. The square-wave synthesizer achieves frequency switching speed of better than 250 μs.

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Model BI401 is a synthesized square-wave clock generator that fits within a single 32-b PXI slot.

The model BI401 square-wave synthesizer provides single-ended and differential output ports. The single-ended port is capable of 6-V peak-to-peak output amplitude; the differential port offers 1-V peak-to-peak maximum amplitude with 65-ps risetime. The PXI frequency synthesizers include a standard timebase of a 2-ppm temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), with an option for an oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator (OCXO) timebase with 0.02-ppm accuracy.

These frequency synthesizers incorporate Practically Perfect frequency resolution to provide 20 digits of frequency resolution with less than 1 ps of accumulated drift per year. At 4 GHz, the frequency resolution is 0.1 nHz. The frequency synthesizers, which are ideal for a variety of applications in both test and measurement and radar systems, consume only 14 W power. They are shipped with operating software that is compatible with MS Windows and Linux operating systems and written in plain C++ language for ease of porting to other software environments. Each model BI401 frequency synthesizer is supplied in a 3U PXI module measuring 5.1 × 7.3 in. and weighing 6.4 oz. (180 g). They each fit a single 32-b PXI slot.

Brilliant Instruments, Inc., 1600 West Campbell Ave., Ste. 206, Campbell, CA 95008; (408) 866-0426, FAX: (408) 866-0431

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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.