Evaluation_Engineering_October_2020 - 12

SIGNAL GENERATORS

to provide spurious-free outputs with low phase noise (-113 dBc/
Hz at 20-kHz offset from 1-GHz carrier) and extraordinary frequency resolution (1 μHz at any frequency)."
In addition, Lipps described Keysight's N9310A as a generalpurpose analog RF signal generator covering a frequency range
from 9 kHz to 3 GHz. "With a low price, reliable performance, and
multiple built-in functions, it's well suited for R&D, manufacturing, education, and maintenance," she said. "It includes extensive
analog modulation: AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation plus
a SCPI command set for remote control."
Newark also offers a range of software options to complement its signal-generator range, Lipps said, including the
Tektronix TSG4100A-UP VM00 41Y6479 basic vector modulation package with internal 6-MHz modulation bandwidth for
the Tektronix TSG4106A and the Aim TTi software upgrade
option TGR-U01, which supports digital modulation for the
Aim TTi TGR2053.
The distributor Saelig offers a variety of signal-generation
products, including the SIGLENT SSG5000X and SSG3000X as
well as the AIM-TTi TGR2053. Saelig also offers the AIM-TTi
TGR2051, with a top output frequency of 1.5 GHz, vs. 3 GHz
for the TGR2053.
Saelig also offers the Triarchy Technologies' VSG2G5C RF
vector signal generator, described as a cost-effective pocketable

USB-connected RF signal source with capabilities that provide
standalone and PC-controlled functions comparable to full-size
analog RF signal generators. The compact instruments offer
frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 MHz (low-band) and 100 MHz to
2.5 GHz (RF Band) with a frequency resolution of 1 Hz. The unit's
features include frequency sweep, frequency hopping using IQ
modulation, and arbitrary signal generation.

Features and trends
The subject-matter experts who contributed information for this
report elaborated on features and trends. For example, Phadnis
at Anritsu commented on formfactor. "Benchtop instruments,
such as the Anritsu MG3690C, provide the wide functionality
and high performance necessary at microwave and mmWave frequencies in R&D, certification/calibration and metrology labs,"
he said. "They provide the best signal purity, output-power levels,
and frequency stability. Additionally, they support conventional
and emerging applications-even in rapidly changing technology
environments-because of the high performance and flexible
functionality they offer. Conversely, they are more costly, occupy
bench space, and are limited in terms of mobility."
Phadnis continued, "Small-formfactor signal generators such
as USB and PXI modules offer lower functionality and signal
purity that is satisfactory for specific applications, such as

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12

EVALUATION ENGINEERING OCTOBER 2020

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