S-Series breaks new ground in simplicity, portability, modularity and RF performance
MUNICH, GERMANY: Electronica Stand A1.117 – 9 November 2010-The Aeroflex S-Series RF signal generator family makes its worldwide debut at Electronica today. The S-Series offers simplicity, portability, modularity, and RF performance at an attractive price. Aeroflex’s reputation for innovation in signal generators has been re-affirmed in the S-Series. The range of instruments has been designed from the ground up to meet the expectations of today’s engineers for instant answers at the touch of a screen. Buttons, rotary controls, and deeply nested software menus have all been removed.
Introducing the SGA Analog RF Signal Generators
The first in the series is the Aeroflex SGA analog RF signal generators. They are compact and lightweight with low phase noise, accuracy and fast settling time at an attractive price.
“Younger engineers in particular are very familiar with touch-screen interfaces on phones and MP3 players, and are demanding the same ease of use from test instrumentation,” added Bill Burrows, Aeroflex’s business development manager. “Aeroflex has always been the leader in signal generation technology. Today we have moved to the next level, combining the latest technologies to bring on a whole new generation of signal sources.”
The SGA is a high specification analog RF signal generator that is a reliable and repeatable signal source solution for general-purpose, aerospace and military test applications in laboratory, factory and field environments. The intuitive LCD touch-screen interface allows modulated or swept RF signals to be set up using fewer keystrokes than required by traditional soft key models, thus saving the engineer’s time and reducing the risk of error.
A modular format, featuring the new AerolockT locking mechanism, allows additional RF instruments such as a second signal generator and combiner to be mechanically coupled externally by the user.
The Aeroflex SGA is currently available in two models: the SGA 3, which has an operating frequency range of 100 kHz – 3 GHz, and the SGA 6 covering 100 kHz – 6 GHz. The SGA is the first instrument in the new Aeroflex S-Series, which is planned to include digital signal generators for wireless-specific measurements including LTE, LTE-A and IEEE 802.11ac standards, and a range of signal analyzers.
Portability is a key feature of the new instruments. The SGA is half rack width and 4U high, and weighs less than 17 lbs (8 kg) – less than half the weight of its predecessor. This makes it simple for one person to move it around the laboratory or to use in the field.
“Signal generators are in our DNA. This is the first time that a signal generator with such a high performance specification has been available in such a compact package and at such a competitive price,” commented David Asquith, product manager at Aeroflex Test Systems. “The SGA raises the standard in price/performance ratio, offering low phase noise and high output power with a faster settling time than competitive top-of-the-range signal generators, at a price that you’d normally expect to pay for a mid-range instrument.”
SGA performance specification
A typical single sideband (SSB) phase noise specification of -135 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset from a 1 GHz carrier means that the SGA signal generator can easily measure receiver selectivity beyond 80 dB. Fast frequency settling times of 1 ms in conventional frequency selection mode, or 100 µs in list mode, make the SGA particularly suited for frequency hopping and semiconductor test applications, as well as ensuring maximum throughput in a production environment.
Maximum RF output power is +13 dBm, with a resolution of 0.01 dB, and a high power option is available to extend the maximum calibrated RF level to +20 dBm. Power level can be switched rapidly using an electronic attenuator, in less than 100 µs to within 0.1 dB of final value, and repeatability is better than 0.05 dB.
A digital sweep of carrier frequency, RF level and modulation source is included, with single, continuous or externally triggered modes, as well as a list mode sweep facility.
Options are available for AM/FM/phase modulation, adding four internal 10 MHz oscillators and two external modulation inputs, and for pulse modulation.
Availability
For more information, contact your local Aeroflex sales office by visiting or calling Aeroflex Sales at (800) 835-2352 [US], +44 (0)1438 742200 [UK] or info-test@aeroflex.com.
About Aeroflex
Aeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense, cellular and broadband communications markets. The Company’s diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. Aeroflex Incorporated was founded in 1937 and today has more than 2,600 employees worldwide. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the company’s web site: www.aeroflex.com.
All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex’s business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of Aeroflex’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialisation difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Aeroflex does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
