Dual-Channel Generator Tunes 54 MHz to 13.6 GHz

Aug. 12, 2015

A low-cost dual-channel signal generator provides +20-dBm signals to 13.6 GHz.

The SynthHD low-cost, dual-channel signal generator can be controlled by means of a Windows- or Linux-compatible personal computer (PC) with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. It can also be run as a standalone signal source. The signal generator tunes from 54 MHz to 13.6 GHz in steps as small as 0.1 Hz, and with a much as +22-dBm output power across the frequency range. It features tight control of phase and amplitude between the two channels—0.01 deg. and 0.01 dB, respectively—and the two channels can be configured to run at two different frequencies. The signal generator is based on a 32-b ARM processor and generous on-board nonvolatile memory for ease and reliability of programming. The signal source, which measures just 2.75 × 2.15 in. excluding mounting flanges, offers a dynamic range of -50 to +20 dBm and a wide range of modulation formats, including amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), and frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) pulsed chirps. It is well suited for antenna beam steering, radar testing, and communications systems testing.

Saelig Company, Inc., 71 Perinton Pkwy., Fairport, NY 14450; 888-7SAELIG, (585) 385-1768

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.