Anritsu's microwave signal synthesizer delivers super fast switching

Anritsu Company's MG37020A microwave synthesizer boasts a 100 μsec per point frequency switching speed, low phase noise, enhanced pulse modulation, and an ultra-stable phase track option.

The MG37020A utilizes an advanced VCO-based hardware architecture to achieve its switching speed of 100 μsec per point. The fast switching speed and specifications make the MG37020A well suited for signal simulation, antenna testing, and other applications where minimum test time and maximum throughput is critical. Anritsu claims that the MG37020A's switching speed is an order of magnitude faster than comparable YIG-based signal generators. But the instrument still maintains low phase noise—typically -101 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset at 10 GHz.

The MG37020A covers a frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz in 0.001 Hz steps. It features +23 dBm high output power at 20 GHz, and high performance pulse modulation to conduct highly accurate signal simulation of pulsed signals. Built on a Windows XP Professional platform, the user interface (UI) has been optimized for ease of use with an intuitive menu flow, familiar icons and on-screen function keys.

Enhanced connectivity with USB 2.0 Device and Host, Ethernet LAN, IEEE-488 GPIB and RS-232 Serial I/O are all standard.

Anritsu has developed options that address specific testing requirements. The MG37020A Pulse Modulation option includes pulse burst capability designed to address Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) test applications. With the option, there is no need for external pulse generators, saving space and cost. A new Ultra-Stable Phase Track option is also available. When the option is installed, up to four MG37020A synthesizers can be interconnected, for those applications requiring multiple test signals that accurately phase track each other. More information is available at www.us.anritsu.com.