Agilent intros low noise option for signal generation

New Delhi: Agilent Technologies Inc. today introduced an ultra-low phase noise option for the PSG vector and analog signal generators, providing the lowest phase-noise capability for signal generation in the industry.

The company also announced a new frequency range option for its PSG analog signal generator. Providing coverage over the 250 kHz to 31.8 GHz frequency range, this option now offers RF engineers a cost-effective choice for applications up to 31.8 GHz.

Agilent's ultra-low phase noise capability, Option UNX, offers an impressive phase noise performance of -111 dBc/Hz at a 100 Hz offset and -133 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier frequency.

Designed for signal-generation applications that require spectrally pure signals as well as outstanding modulation accuracy, it helps ensure accurate signal simulation and measurements. Typical applications include radar testing where low phase noise is necessary to evaluate high-resolution radar, RF subsystem design verification, and reference source applications for phase noise measurement systems.

Specific RF applications include LO substitution, low-jitter clock stimulus, blocking/interference signals, stimulus/response measurements close to carrier, and high-order digital-modulation-format signal generation, such as 128 QAM and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Option UNX replaces the PSG signal generator's standard internal frequency reference with a high-performance internal frequency reference that improves the close-in phase stability to provide superior phase noise performance.

“Agilent's commitment to ongoing research into frequency reference and time-base design has enabled us to set a new standard in spectral purity with the best off-the-shelf microwave signal available,” said Shankar Roy Chowdhury, general manager (Marketing), Test & Measurement Group, Agilent Technologies India. “Our new ultra-low phase noise option provides a 3 to 6 dB improvement over our current phase noise Option UNR, at frequency offsets from carrier from below 1 Hz to 10 KHz.”

Agilent's new 31.8 GHz frequency range option for the PSG analog signal generator, Option 532, provides design engineers working in satellite communications and other K-band applications a flexible and affordable alternative to higher-frequency signal generators.

This option, coupled with the PSG signal generators' currently available frequency ranges -- 20, 40, 50 and 67 GHz -- provides the engineer with another dimension of flexibility during configuration. The PSG signal generators are part of the Agilent Open program, which provides system-ready convenience and flexible connectivity.