Signal quality, speed and flexibility – these are the criteria by which signal generators are measured today. The
R&S®SMA100A perfectly meets these criteria, and thus is
a premium-class analog generator that sets new standards
due to its outstanding characteristics.
The R&S®SMA100A combines superior signal quality with
very high setting speed, which makes it ideal for any task.
Whether in development, production, service or maintenance, the R&S®SMA100A does an excellent job.
In the frequency range from 9 kHz to 6 GHz, it can generate CW signals as well as all common types of analog
modulation (AM, FM, φM, pulse modulation). Excellent
specifications and a wide range of modulation signals –
these are the characteristic features of the R&S®SMA100A.
In addition, a low- jitter clock synthesizer option supplies
differential clock signals of up to 1.5 GHz independently of
the RF frequency. This makes the R&S®SMA100A suitable
for a variety of applications – from use in phase noise test
systems through to tests on mixed-signal ICs.
The R&S®SMA100A signal generator also offers a modern
graphical user interface for fast and intuitive operation.
The R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensors can be connected to
the R&S®SMA100A. The user can therefore perform very
precise power measurements directly with the signal
generator.
22
R&S®SMA100A
SignalGenerator
Benefitsand
keyfeatures
Excellent signal quality
❙ Very low SSB phase noise of typ. –134 dBc
(20 kHz carrier offset, f = 1 GHz, 1 Hz measurement
bandwidth), typ. –139.5 dBc with the R&S®SMA-B22
enhanced phase noise performance option
❙ Wideband noise of –162 dBc (meas.) with carrier offset
f<750 MHz, with the R&S®SMA-B22 option)
❙ High-stability reference oscillator as standard
❙ Very low phase noise at low frequencies due to internal
division of the fundamental frequency range (750 MHz to
1500 MHz) down to 6.6 MHz
▷ page 4
Ideal for use in production
❙ Very short frequency/level setting times of
<1.5ms/1ms (meas.) across the entire frequency and
level range, <450 µs in List mode
❙ Fast Hopping mode with exibly addressable frequency
and level pairs, as fast as normal List mode
❙ Frequency setting time of typ. 10 µs within a bandwidth
of up to 80 MHz due to direct access to the DDS-based
synthesizer (with the R&S®SMA-B20 or R&S®SMA-B22
option; FM EXTERNAL DIGITAL mode)
❙ Very high level accuracy and repeatability
❙ High output power of up to +18 dBm, overrange up to
+28 dBm
❙ Electronic attenuator with built-in overvoltage protection
over entire frequency range
❙ Minimum space requirements due to compact size
(onlytwo height units)
▷ page 5
All-purpose instrument
❙ Frequency range of 9 kHz to 3 GHz (R&S®SMA-B103/
R&S®SMA-B103L) or 6 GHz (R&S®SMA-B106/
R&S®SMA-B106L)
❙ Frequency, level and LF sweeps
❙ Phase-continuous frequency setting
❙ AM, broadband FM/φM (R&S®SMA-B20 or
R&S®SMA-B22), pulse modulation
❙ Built-in LF generator up to 1 MHz, optional multifunction
generator (R&S®SMA-K24) up to 10 MHz
❙ Optional low-jitter clock synthesizer up to 1.5 GHz
(R&S®SMA-B29)
❙ Power measurement using R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensors
❙ Optional power analysis (R&S®SMA-K28) using
R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensors for scalar network analysis
or automatic pulse parameter measurement
▷ page 6
Aerospace and defense applications
❙ Pulse modulator with excellent characteristics
(on/off ratio of > 100 dB (meas.) for f < 5.5 GHz,
rise/fall time typ. < 7 ns)
❙ Pulse generator integrated as standard
❙ Optional high-performance pulse generator with
minimum pulse width of 10 ns (R&S®SMA-K23)
❙ Optional generation of versatile pulse sequences/pulse
trains (R&S®SMA-K27)
❙ Optional chirp modulation (R&S®SMA-B20 or
R&S®SMA-B22)
❙ Optional VOR/ILS modulation (R&S®SMA-K25)
❙ Optional DME modulation/analysis (R&S®SMA-K26)
❙ Optional operating altitude up to 4600 m (R&S®SMA-B46)
❙ Optional removable mass storage (CompactFlash™ card,
R&S®SMA-B80)
▷ page 8
Intuitive operating concept and versatile
interfaces
❙ Color display with 480 × 272 pixel
❙ Intuitive user interface with graphical display of signal
ow (block diagram)
❙ Context-sensitive online help
❙ Remote control via GPIB, LAN or USB
❙ Selectable control language (SCPI or remote control
emulation of various signal generators)
❙ Remote operation by browser or VNC client
❙ USB connectors (e.g. for keyboard, mouse, memory
stick)
❙ Support of R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensors for precise
power measurements
▷ page 11
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 3
Excellentsignal
quality
Measured SSB phase noise with internal reference oscillator
(standard instrument).
The R&S®SMA100A is the ideal solution for measurement
applications requiring high spectral purity, e.g. adjacentchannel or phase-noise measurements. It is also optimal
for use as a local oscillator or quartz replacement.
Due to an innovative synthesizer concept, the standard
version of the instrument already offers excellent values in
terms of broadband noise, SSB phase noise and nonharmonics suppression. The R&S®SMA-B22 enhanced phase
noise performance and FM/φM modulator option even further improves SSB phase noise for frequency offsets of up
to approx. 100 kHz as well as nonharmonics suppression.
The R&S®SMA100A is therefore the ideal signal source for
measurement tasks that place exacting requirements on
spectral purity (e.g. A/D and D/A converter tests).
Frequency synthesis is implemented by division of the fundamental frequency range (750 MHz to 1500 MHz) down
to 6.6 MHz. In the lower frequency range from 6.6 MHz,
this yields spectral purity on par with that of high-grade
crystal oscillators.
The oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OXCO) built in as
standard provides very high frequency accuracy and
stability. These characteristics are even further improved
with the R&S®SMA-B22 option.
–3 0
–4 0
–5 0
–6 0
–7 0
–8 0
–9 0
–1 00
–1 10
–1 20
–1 30
–1 40
–1 50
SSB phase noise/dBc (1 Hz)
–1 60
–1 70
–1 80
11010 01k1 0k10 0k1M1 0M
Measured SSB phase noise with internal reference oscillator
(with the R&S®SMA-B22 enhanced phase noise performance and
FM/φM modulator option).
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
SSB phase noise/dBc (1 Hz)
–160
–170
–180
1101001k10k100k1M10M
Offset frequency/Hz
Offset frequency/Hz
6 GHz
3 GHz
1 GHz
100 MHz
10 MHz
6 GHz
3 GHz
1 GHz
100 MHz
10 MHz
In summary, the R&S®SMA100A’s outstanding signal quality makes it THE analog state-of-the-art signal generator
for even the most exacting demands.
4
Idealforusein
In production and ATE applications, the test equipment
must provide short setting times in order to ensure high
throughput and low measurement costs.
production
The R&S®SMA100A features the very short level and frequency setting times that Rohde & Schwarz signal generators are known for and is thus an ideal choice in timecritical measurement systems. Frequency/level setting
times are already shorter than 2 ms/1.5 ms in normal operation. A further significant reduction (< 450 µs) is achieved
in the List mode, which uses frequency and level settings
previously stored in a list.
In the Fast Hopping mode, the R&S®SMA100A features
setting times as short as in the List mode. In contrast to
the List mode, up to 10 000 frequency and level pairs can
be addressed as desired via a serial bus.
The electronic attenuator enables rapid and wear-free
level setting of the generator. The level setting range
is –145dBm to +13dBm (+20 dBm overrange) for
f≤3GHz, and –145 dBm to +9 dBm (+16 dBm overrange) for f > 3 GHz. Higher output levels of +24 dBm to
+28dBm over the entire frequency range can be provided
by using the relay-switched high-power bypass implemented in the R&S®SMA100A. Overvoltage protection is
integrated as standard over the entire frequency range.
Maximum available power, attenuator mode NORMAL (lower trace) or
HIGH POWER (center trace) and without attenuator (upper trace).
For applications requiring a level setting range not exceeding 30 dB, a more favorably priced solution is available
in the form of a frequency option without an attenuator
(R&S®SMA-B103L/R&S®SMA-B106L).
The high level accuracy and repeatability of the
R&S®SMA100A help ensure results of utmost precision in
series measurements.
With a compact size of only two height units, the signal
generator takes up minimum space in 19" racks.
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 5
All-purpose
The signal generator has a lower frequency limit of 9kHz,
which makes it suitable for use in EMC applications. The
upper frequency limit is 3 GHz or 6 GHz.
instrument
Amplitude and pulse modulation are provided as
standard; frequency and phase modulation with a
bandwidth of 10 MHz can be implemented optionally
(R&S®SMA-B20/R&S®SMA-B22).
The R&S®SMA-B22 enhanced phase noise performance
and FM/φM modulator option offers different setting
modes in which the user can optimally set the modulation
bandwidth and SSB phase noise.
These characteristics make the R&S®SMA100A suitable for
phase noise measurements on free-running VCOs, eliminating the need for complex delay-line measurements.
Tests on integrated RF circuits frequently require a pure
clock signal in addition to the RF signal. In the past, an
extra signal generator was usually necessary in this case.
The R&S®SMA100A delivers a low-jitter clock signal
(R&S®SMA-B29 clock synthesizer option), which can be
set independently of the RF output signal. The clock signal
is available as a differential signal in the frequency range
from 100 kHz to 1.5 GHz at two separate connectors. It
enables, for example, A/D converter tests using only a
single signal generator.
The application note “Selecting a Signal Generator for
Testing A/D Converters” (1GP66) can be downloaded from
the Rohde & Schwarz website (Application Notes download
area).
Application example: A/D converter test with the R&S®SMA100A
Differential clock signal from the ¸SMA-B29 option
A
D
FFT analysis
The ¸SMA100A signal generator
with the ¸SMA-B29 option
6
DUT
The RF signal can be internally modulated by means of the
built-in LF generator or the optional multifunction generator (R&S®SMA-K24). The multi function generator supplies
various waveforms including sine wave, square wave,
user-programmable trapezoidal waveforms or noise with
selectable bandwidth. Modulation signals can be added
together, with different weighting applied to the individual
signals. The modulation signals for AM/FM/φM and for the
LF output can be set independently of one another. Based
on this concept, the new signal generator offers a level of
modulation flexibility previously unknown in analog signal
generators. For example, all types of two-tone modulation
can be implemented; the user can add together two internal modulation signals or one external and one internal
signal.
Using noise as a modulation signal, the R&S®SMA100A
generates defined and adjustable phase or FM noise to
simulate, for example, a VCO or an interference signal of
variable spectral purity for receiver tests.
Moreover, the R&S®SMA-B20 and R&S®SMA-B22 FM/φM
modulator options can be used to implement extremely
fast frequency changes (across a limited frequency range).
Direct access to the DDS-based synthesizer yields frequency setting times of nominally 10 µs across a range of
max. 80 MHz. This allows fast frequency- hopping transmitters to be simulated, for example.
The R&S®SMA-K28 power analysis option makes it possible to use the R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensors to measure
and display power versus frequency, power and time. The
user does not need any additional equipment to quickly
and simply carry out sophisticated power analysis.
Power analysis applications
Measurement of level versusApplication
Frequency ❙ Scalar network analysis
❙ VSWR measurement
(with directional coupler)
Power ❙ Measurement of amplifier charac-
teristics/compression points
Time ❙ Automatic analysis of pulse
parameters
❙ Gated power measurements
Scalar network analysis: characterization of a
bandpass filter.
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 7
Aerospace
anddefense
applications
Pulse train: combination of pulses with
different pulse widths and pauses.
For pulse modulation, the R&S®SMA100A includes as
standard a high-quality pulse modulator with an on/off
ratio of > 80 dB and a rise/fall time of typ. 7 ns as well as
a basic pulse generator. Optionally, a high- performance
pulse generator with a minimum pulse width of 10 ns,
aresolution of 5 ns and a variety of setting options is
available (R&S®SMA-K23).
An optional feature of the built-in pulse generator is the
generation of pulse trains (R&S®SMA-K27 option), which
are commonly used for radar applications. An example
of a pulse train is shown in the figure on the left. In
contrast to single or double pulses, pulse trains are a
combination of different pulses, which can be a periodical
or non- periodical set of pulses.
The application note “Pulse Train Master for the R&S®SMF
and R&S®SMA Signal Generators” (1MA148, available
from the Application Notes download area on the
Rohde & Schwarz website) comes with a software that
enables the user to easily create and transfer pulse trains
between a PC and an R&S®SMA100A signal generator.
T
1
RF signal
Simple creation and transfer of pulse trains with
the Pulse Train Master application software.
T
t
1
T
2
3
t
2
t
T
n
Time
n–1
8
Automatic DME pulse measurement with
the R&S®SMA-K28 pulse analysis option.
The R&S®SMA100A offers internal (linear) chirp generation
up to an 80 MHz chirp bandwidth without the need for
external synchronization. Frequency and pulse modulation
are synchronized internally. This feature can be used in
radar applications, for example.
When equipped with the R&S®SMA-K25 option, the
R&S®SMA100A can generate avionics signals (VOR/ILS) in
accordance with ICAO standards. Due to its low modulation error and very high level accuracy, the R&S®SMA100A
is the optimal high-precision VOR/ILS signal source for
testing avionics receivers.
The R&S®SMA100A signal generator, together with the
R&S®SMA-K26 DME modulation option, lets the user create standard-compliant distance measurement equipment
(DME) signals. The user can easily create the DME interrogation signal (simulation of an airplane interrogator) or the
ground station’s response signal and test the components
or DME receiver in a flexible manner.
The R&S®NRP-Z81 wideband power sensor can also be
connected directly to the R&S®SMA100A signal generator
to analyze DME signals. This provides a convenient way to
measure the reply delay and reply efficiency of the ground
station or the DME average peak power and pulse repetition rate.
Test setup for DME analysis
¸NRP trigger
Video out
t
50 μs/56 μs
¸SMA100A
DME
transponder
Replay delay 50 μs/56 μs
Interrogation pulses
from ¸SMA100A
t
Video out
t
20 dB
Reply pulses from
DME transponder
t
¸NRP trigger out
t
¸NRP-Z81
20 dB
Antenna
Coupler 20 dBCoupler 20 dB
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 9
If the R&S®SMA100A signal generator is equipped with
the R&S®SMA-K28 power analysis option, the DME
double pulse parameters can be simply displayed and
automatically measured. This eliminates the need for
other measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes
and RF detectors.
The application note “Test of DME Transponders” (1GP74)
can be downloaded from the Rohde & Schwarz website
(Application Notes download area).
For areas where security is an issue, an ejector option
(R&S®SMA-B80) is available, by means of which the mass
storage medium (CompactFlash™ card containing all
stored settings) can be removed from the instrument.
A sanitizing procedure for the R&S®SMA100A is also
available.
Furthermore, the USB and LAN interfaces can be disabled.
For further security-related details, please refer to
the “Instrument Security Procedures”, which can
be downloaded from the Rohde & Schwarz website
(R&S®SMA100A > Downloads > Security).
CompactFlash™ card ejector on instrument rear panel.
When the R&S®SMA-B46 operating altitude option is
installed, the R&S®SMA100A can even be used up to an
altitude of 4600m.
10
Intuitiveoperating
conceptand
Intuitive operating concept
The signal flow is shown by a straightforward
block diagram on the R&S®SMA100A color display
(480×272pixel ). Thus, the user can immediately see
the activated and deactivated generator blocks as well as
where settings can be made.
versatileinterfaces
Rotary knob for menu navigation
Turn
Click
The entire operating manual for the R&S®SMA100A signal
generator is integrated into the instrument’s help system.
At the press of a button, the user can access details about
the function currently being used. For example, it is very
easy to display the associated remote-control command.
To make settings, the rotary knob, the cursor and function
keys or a USB mouse and/or keyboard can be used.
The above features combine to make operation of the
R&S®SMA100A easy and intuitive.
Connectors
The R&S®SMA100A can be remote-controlled via GPIB
or LAN and also manually operated from an external PC
using remote desktop control (VNC).
Two USB connectors on the front and the rear panel allow the use of USB devices such as a mouse or a memory
stick.
The R&S®NRP-Zxx USB power sensors can also be connected directly to the R&S®SMA100A. The user can then
easily carry out highly precise power measurements in the
existing test setup without requiring an additional power
meter base unit.
Power measurement dialog on the R&S®SMA100A.
Block diagram of the R&S®SMA100A with power measurement display.
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 11
Selectable control language
In addition to the standard SCPI remote-control command
set, the R&S®SMA100A offers emulations of common
analog signal generators. If these generators are no longer manufactured or if they can no longer be repaired, the
user can easily replace them with the R&S®SMA100A. This
eliminates the time- and budget-consuming task of rewriting the remote-control software.
Selection of GPIB command set.
Rear view of the R&S®SMA100A and its versatile interfaces.
12
Specificationsinbrief
Base unit
Frequency
Frequency range9 kHz to 3 GHz/6 GHz
Setting time< 2 ms
Level
Range–145 dBm to +18 dBm (up to +28 dBm overrange)
Setting time< 1.5 ms
Setting time in List mode/Fast Hopping mode< 450 µs
Keyboard with USB Interface (US character set)R&S®PSL-Z21157.6870.04
Mouse with USB Interface, opticalR&S®PSL-Z101157.7060.03
External USB DVD DriveR&S®PSP-B61134.8201.22
Wideband Power Sensor (for R&S®SMA-K26 DME modulation and R&S®SMA-K28 power analysis)R&S®NRP-Z811137.9009.02
Power Sensor, 9 kHz to 6 GHz, 33 dBmR&S®NRP-Z921171.7005.02
USB Adapter for R&S®NRP-Zxx power sensorsR&S®NRP-Z41146.8001.02
USB Serial Adapter for RS-232-C remote controlR&S®TS-USB16124.2531.00
1)
2)
3) 4)
R&S®SMA100A1400.0000.02
R&S®SMA-K261405.3408.02
R&S®SMA-K271405.3908.02
1)
The base unit must be ordered together with an R&S®SMA -B103/R&S®SMA-B103L or R&S®SMA-B106/R&S®SMA-B106L frequency option.
2)
The R&S®SMA-K26 option can be inst alled in an R&S®SMA100A with serial number 101500 or higher.
3)
Requires the R&S®SMA-K23 high-p erformanc e pulse generator option.
4)
The R&S®SMA-K27 option can be inst alled in an R&S®SMA100A with serial number 101500 or higher.
14
Service options
Two-Year Calibration ServiceR&S®CO2SMA100APlease contact your local
Three-Year Calibration ServiceR&S®CO3SMA100A
Five-Year Calibration ServiceR&S®CO5SMA100A
One-Year Repair Service following the warranty periodR&S®RO2SMA100A
Two-Year Repair Service following the warranty periodR&S®RO3SMA100A
Four-Year Repair Service following the warranty periodR&S®RO5SMA100A
Rohde & Schwarz sales office.
For data sheet, see PD 5213.6412.22 and www.rohde-schwarz.com
Your local Rohde & Schwarz expert will help you determine the optimum solution for your requirements.
To find your nearest Rohde & Schwarz representative, visit
www.sales.rohde-schwarz.com
Rohde & Schwarz R&S®SMA100A Signal Generator 15
Service you can rely on
J Worldwide
J Local and personalized
J Customized and exible
J Uncompromising quality
J Long-term dependability
About Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group of companies
specializing in electronics. It is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcasting,
radiomonitoring and radiolocation, as well as secure
communications. Established more than 75 years ago,
Rohde & Schwarz has a global presence and a dedicated
service network in over 70 countries. Company headquarters are in Munich, Germany.
Environmental commitment
❙ Energy-efcient products
❙ Continuous improvement in environmental sustainability
❙ ISO 14001-certied environmental management system