pulse modulator (¸SML-B3) and
Stereo/RDS Coder (¸SML-B5)
retrofittable
Size
◆ Compact size:
427 mm × 88 mm × 450 mm
◆ Low weight: <8.5 kg
2 Signal Generator ¸SML
Applications ...
Lab and R&D: versatile
High spectral purity
Owing to its low phase noise, the
¸SML is ideally suited to replace LOs.
Versatile modulation modes
The ¸SML in conjunction with the
optional Pulse Modulator ¸SML-B3
handles all analog types of modulation.
AM, FM/ϕM and pulse modulation can
be used simultaneously. TDMA signals or
amplitude variations in the case of FM,
for example, can thus be simulated.
High and precise output level
The ¸SML has plenty of power in
reserve so level loss produced by the test
setup can be easily compensated. Its high
output level makes the ¸SML an
ideal source for driving high-level mixers.
Excellent modulation characteristics
The DC-coupled FM allows the ¸SML
to be used as an accurate VCO.
Example: receiver measurements
◆ Sensitivity measurements require a
signal generator with high level accuracy. This is particularly true at low
output levels. With its sophisticated
calibration technique, the ¸SML
features high level accuracy (<0.5 dB
at levels >−120 dBm).
◆ Squelch measurements call for con-
tinuous level setting. Non-interrupting level variation by typ. 30 dB
makes the ¸SML the ideal choice
for squelch measurements.
◆ Low spurious, low broadband noise
and above all excellent SSB phase
noise are prerequisites for using a
signal generator as an interference
source. With typ. −128 dBc (1 Hz)
SSB phase noise (at f = 1 GHz,
∆f = 20 kHz), spurious suppression of
typ. −76 dBc and broadband noise of
typ. −150 dBc (1 Hz), the ¸SML
easily meets even the most exacting
requirements.
The ¸SML offers all features
required of a state-of-the-art
general-purpose signal generator:
wide frequency range, large variety of modulation functions and
high reliability – at an extremely
attractive price. The fields of application of the ¸SML are virtually unlimited in development,
servicing or production where it is
used as a flexible signal source in
automatic test systems. The
¸SML benefits both from our
long-standing experience in the
field of signal generators and the
latest technology. Its uses are as
versatile as its functionalities.
◆ The mechanical design of the
¸SML ensures excellent RF
shielding of its casing. This is particularly important for measurements on
highly sensitive receivers with built-in
antenna such as pagers.
Level sweep within 25 dB range.
1 GHz
Settling upon frequency change from 100 MHz to 1 GHz.
+100 Hz
–100 Hz
rise time
Frequency deviation in Hz
12 345678910
Time in ms
Signal Generator ¸SML3
Servicing:
robust, compact, lightweight
Mobility
The ¸SML is lightweight and compact and therefore very easy to transport.
Flexible control
In service environments, an IEC/IEEE
interface is not always available for controlling the generator. This is no problem
for the ¸SML since it can also be
driven via a standard RS-232-C interface.
Protection against overvoltage
The integrated overvoltage protection of
the RF input protects the ¸SML
against very high external voltages such
as may occur during transceiver measurements.
the result will be a marked reduction in
manufacturing rejects – an advantage
that pays off immediately.
Speed
Speed is of prime importance in production. And this is precisely one of the
strong points of the ¸SML, with a
setting time of <10 ms for frequency and
level.
Reliability
A signal generator used in production
must have high reliability. The ¸SML
meets this requirement for example
through the use of a completely wearfree electronic attenuator. Should a fault
nevertheless occur, the continuous selfdiagnostics of the ¸SML prevent
expensive erroneous measurements.
Example: component test
◆ To obtain reliable information on com-
ponent quality, high level accuracy
and precise reproducibility of the output level are called for. The ¸SML
fully meets these requirements owing
to the level deviation of <0.5 dB
(at levels >−120 dBm) and high
reproducibility.
◆ With unrivalled short times (<10 ms)
for frequency and level setting, the
¸SML enables fast testing and is
ideal for use in production.
◆ Overshoots in case of level change
may damage or destroy the DUT. This
cannot happen with the ¸SML
since it operates without any overshoots.
Production:
fast, accurate, reliable
Accuracy
Measurement uncertainty can be split
into the part from the instrument and that
introduced by the test setup. With lower
uncertainty of the generator, greater tolerances can be allowed for the setup. If
the low level deviation of the analyzer is
used to allow for higher DUT tolerances,
Output level
In production test systems, the signal is
taken to the DUT (device under test) via
switches and cables, thus leading to level
losses. These losses can be easily compensated by the high output power of the
¸SML.
Dimensions
Space is often at a premium in production. The compact size of the ¸SML
makes it ideal for use in such environments.
–115
–120
–125
–130
–135
Phase noise in dBc (1 Hz)
–140
EMS measurements
Non-interrupting level setting without
overshoots
EMS measurements call for noninterrupting level setting, which should
moreover be performed without any overshoots. The ¸SML operates free of
overshoots and offers a wide dynamic
range of typ. 30 dB for non-interrupting
level variation (with Attenuator Mode
Fixed).
Typical SSB noise at 1 GHz (with OCXO option ¸SML-B1).
4 Signal Generator ¸SML
–145
–150
Typical SSB phase noise versus carrier frequency (carrier offset 20 kHz);
dashed line: Extended Divider Range mode.
1001000330010
50500
Frequency in MHz
Wide frequency range
The ¸SML has a lower frequency
limit of 9 kHz as standard and thus fully
covers the frequency range required for
EMC measurements.
Reference source
SSB phase noise at 9.5 MHz output
frequency, extended divider range activated, 1 Hz measurement bandwidth.
Offset from carrier SSB phase noise, typical values
1 Hz–95 dB
10 Hz–120 dB
100 Hz–130 dB
1 kHz–138 dB
10 kHz–148 dB
The ¸SML allows the mode of frequency generation to be selected. In the
Extended Divider Range mode, the RF signal is generated by frequency division.
The excellent values obtained in this
mode for SSB phase noise are comparable with the high-grade crystal oscillators
normally used as reference sources from
10 MHz to 30 MHz.
Compared to crystal oscillators, the
¸SML provides the following benefits:
◆ Frequency can be set in 0.1 Hz steps
and synchronized to an external
reference
◆ All functions can be remotely
controlled via the IEC/IEEE bus or
serial interface
Signal Generator ¸SML+Stereo/RDS Coder ¸SML-B5
RF-modulated test signal
including ARI and RDS
FM stereo tuner
Audio signals produced by the built-in
LF generator of the ¸SML.
Generation of stereo and
RDS signals
FM stereo broadcasting is still the major
audio medium – especially in the automobile sector, where millions of car
radios are produced every year. With its
integration into mobile radio telephones,
FM broadcasting becomes even more significant. For testing FM stereo receivers,
audio test signals are modulated onto an
RF carrier and measured after demodulation by the DUT. For the car radio sector,
automotive radio information (ARI) has to
be generated in addition. Test signals are
also needed for the radio data system
(RDS), which has been established in
many countries for a long time.
Stereo/RDS Coder ¸SML-B5
The optional Stereo/RDS Coder
¸SML-B5 meets all the above
requirements. Built into instruments of
the Signal Generator Family ¸SML,
the solution is based on equipment featuring an excellent price/performance
ratio as well as top-class specifications
and providing full coverage of the
frequency range in question.
Audio signals produced by internal
LF generator
The internal LF generator, which is suitable for simple receiver tests, is part of
the basic configuration of the ¸SML.
It generates sinusoidal signals at fixed
frequencies, thus allowing basic functional tests to be carried out without an
external signal (see figure on left).
Combination with the
Audio Analyzer ¸UPL
The stereo/RDS coder can also work with
external signals applied to its analog and
digital modulation inputs. Combining
the Signal Generator ¸SML and the
Audio Analyzer ¸UPL (data sheet
PD 0757.2238) creates a general-purpose
test system for FM tuners (see figure on
next page).
The great advantage is the automatic
synchronization of measurement results.
Just as in other two-port audio measurements, the test signals are produced
in the generator section of the Audio
Analyzer ¸UPL, routed through the
modulator and the DUT, and measured in
the analyzer section of the ¸UPL.
Since generation and analysis are optimally timed, measurement times are considerably shorter than with separately
operating instruments.
Use in production
Combining the Signal Generator
¸SML and the Audio Analyzer
¸UPL enables measurements to be
automated. The Universal Sequence
Control ¸UPL-B10 allows complete
test programs to be generated and run on
the ¸UPL, in which case the Signal
Generator ¸SML with the
¸SML-B5 option is remote-controlled
via the IEC60625 or RS-232-C interface.
In most production environments, the
complete test set can be run under an
external controller.
Signal Generator ¸SML5
Signal Generator ¸SML+Stereo/RDS Coder ¸SML-B5
RF-modulated test signal
including ARI and RDS
Analog or digital audio signals
FM stereo tuner
Signal generation and analysis with
Audio Analyzer ¸UPL
Analog audio signals
Audio signals are generated and measured in the Audio Analyzer ¸UPL; automatic synchronization
substantially reduces the measurement time.
All functions of the Stereo/RDS Coder
¸SML-B5 can of course be remotecontrolled.
Analog and digital audio inputs
The ¸SML-B5 has separate analog
inputs for left and right. In combination
with the Audio Analyzer ¸UPL, measurements are possible in the operating
modes L, R, R = L, and R = –L. A digital
audio input in S/P DIF format is available
alternatively. The ¸UPL can additionally generate different signals for left and
right in this format. It is possible to set
one channel to a fixed frequency while
sweeping the second channel through a
frequency band, for example.
Generation of ARI and RDS signals
The ¸SML-B5 outputs stereo multiplex as well as ARI and RDS signals. It is
possible to choose between traffic
announcement identification and
standardized area identification A to F.
The RDS traffic program or RDS traffic
announcement can be switched on and
Use of the Audio Switcher ¸UPZ is
recommended for measurements on car
radios or surround receivers with more
than two audio outputs, as shown in the
figure on the right. For more information
about the Audio Switcher ¸UPZ, see
data sheet PD 0758.1170.
Interruption-free pilot tone
The ¸SML-B5 option was designed
especially for use in test systems. With
other signal generators, the stereo pilot
tone is briefly interrupted if the output
data has to be recalculated (e.g. when
the audio frequency changes). The connected tuner loses synchronization and
has to switch to the stereo mode again
with each frequency change, so overall
measurement time may increase dramatically. This disadvantage does not occur
with the ¸SML-B5 since the audio
signal is modulated onto the RF carrier
independently of pilot tone generation,
and consequently the pilot tone is not
switched off.
Signal Generator ¸SML+Stereo/RDS Coder ¸SML-B5
RF-modulated test signal
including ARI and RDS
Analog or digital audio signals
FM stereo tuner
Signal generation and analysis with
Audio Analyzer ¸UPL
Analog audio signals
The Audio Switcher ¸UPZ for automated measurements on more than two audio outputs.
Signal output by the
stereo/RDS coder prior
to FM modulation with
ARI and RDS
information.
Audio Switcher ¸UPZ
6 Signal Generator ¸SML
off. Up to five different RDS sequences
can be loaded. With a length of up to
64000 characters per sequence, future
RDS applications (e.g. radio text) can also
be tested.
Turn
EasyWheel
◆ One-hand operation with EasyWheel
◆ All settings simple and
self-explanatory
◆ High-contrast LCD
◆ User-assignable menu keys
◆ Online help including IEC/IEEE-bus
commands
Click
Simply select the desired menu with the spinwheel and click the button to open the submenu.
Certified Quality System
ISO 9001
DQS REG. NO 1954 QM
Certified Environmental System
ISO
14001
DQS REG. NO 1954 UM
Signal Generator ¸SML7
Specifications
Specifications apply under the following conditions:
15 minutes warmup time at ambient temperature, specified environmental
conditions met, calibration cycle adhered to, and total calibration performed.
Data designated “nominal” apply to design parameters and are not tested.
Data designated “overrange” are not warranted.
Warranted specs do not apply to the Extended Divider Range mode.
Frequency
Range9 kHz to 1.1 GHz
¸SML01
¸SML02
¸SML03
Resolution0.1 Hz
Resolution of synthesis
(standard, f <1.1 GHz)
Setting time (for an offset of <1 × 10−7
or <90 Hz for f ≤76 MHz)
after
IEC/IEEE-bus delimiter
Reference frequency
Aging (after 30 days of operation)<1 × 10−6/year <1 × 10−7/year or
Temperature drift (0°C to 55°C)<1 × 10
Output for internal reference
Frequency
Output voltage, V rms, sinewave
Source impedance
Input for external reference
Frequency
Permissible frequency drift
Input voltage, V rms, sinewave
Input impedance
Spectral purity
Spurious signals
Harmonics (for f >100 kHz)
¸SML01
¸SML02/03
Subharmonics
f ≤1.1 GHz
f >1.1 GHz
Nonharmonics
(carrier offset >10 kHz)
f ≤1.1 GHz
f >1.1 GHz to 2.2 GHz
f >2.2 GHz to 3.3 GHz
9 kHz to 1.1 GHz
9 kHz to 2.2 GHz
9 kHz to 3.3 GHz
<0.5 µHz
<10 ms
Standard
Option ¸SML-B1
<5
−6
<2 × 10
−10
×
10
−8
10 MHz
>0.5 V into 50 Ω
50 Ω
10 MHz
–6
5
×
10
0.5 V to 2 V into 50 Ω
50 Ω
<−30 dBc at levels ≤+10 dBm
<−30 dBc at levels ≤+8 dBm
none
<–50 dBc
<–70 dBc
<–64 dBc
<–58 dBc
<−140 dBc, typ. −150 dBc
<−122 dBc, typ. −128 dBc
<4 Hz, typ. 1 Hz
<10 Hz, typ. 3 Hz
2)3)
(overrange +19 dBm)
<0.5 dB
<0.5 dB
<0.9 dB
/day
2)
Frequency response at 0 dBm
¸SML01 (for f >100 kHz)
4)
<0.5 dB, typ. 0.3 dB
¸SML02/03
100 kHz to ≤2 GHz
f >2 GHz
<0.7 dB
<1.0 dB
Characteristic impedance50 Ω
VSWR
¸SML01
¸SML02/03
100 kHz to 1.5 GHz
f >1.5 GHz
<1.5
typ. 1.6
typ. 2.3
Setting time (IEC/IEEE bus), f >100 kHz <10 ms, typ. 5 ms
Non-interrupting level setting
(for f >100 kHz)
Overvoltage protection
5)
20 dB, overrange 30 dB
safeguards unit against externally
applied RF power and DC voltage
(50 Ω source)
Max. permissible RF power
f ≤2.2 GHz
f >2.2 GHz
50 W
25 W
Max. permissible DC voltage35 V
Internal modulation generator
Frequency range
Resolution
Frequency accuracysame as for reference frequency +
Frequency response
(up to 500 kHz, level >100 mV)
THD (up to 100 kHz, level 4 V,
R
= 600 Ω)<0.1%
L
Open-circuit voltage Vp (LF connector)
Resolution
Setting accuracy (at 1 kHz)
Output impedanceapprox. 10 Ω
Frequency setting time (after reception
of last IEC/IEEE-bus character)
Simultaneous modulation
for set
p
6)
Amplitude modulation
Operating modesinternal, external AC/DC,
Modulation depth0% to 100%,
Resolution0.1%
Setting accuracy at AF = 1 kHz
8)
(m <80%)
AM distortion8) at AF = 1 kHz
m = 30%
m = 80%
Modulation frequency range (<3 dB) DC/10 Hz to 50 kHz
Incidental ϕM at AM (30 %),
AF = 1 kHz
Modulation input EXT
Input impedance
Input voltage V
modulation depth
0.01 Hz to 1 MHz
0.01 Hz
−3
2.4 × 10
Hz
<0.5 dB
1 mV to 4 V
1 mV
1% of V
+ 1 mV
p
<10 ms
AM, FM/ϕM and pulse modulation
internal/external two-tone
settable modulation depth continuously
decreasing between +7 dBm and
7)
+13 dBm
while adhering to AM specifications; a status message is output
when modulation depth is too high
<4% of reading +1%
<1%
<2%
<0.2 rad
>100 kΩ
1 V
Signal Generator ¸SML8
Frequency modulation
Operating modesinternal, external AC/DC,
Frequency deviation
9 kHz to 76 MHz
>76 MHz to 151.3125 MHz
>151.3125 MHz to 302.625 MHz
>302.625 MHz to 605.25 MHz
>605.25 MHz to 1.2105 GHz
>1.2105 GHz to 1.818 GHz
>1.818 GHz to 2.655 GHz
>2.655 GHz to 3.300 GHz
Resolution<1% of set deviation, minimum 10 Hz
Setting accuracy (at AF = 1 kHz)<4% of reading + 20 Hz
FM distortion (at AF = 1 kHz and
50% of max. deviation)
Modulation frequency range (<3 dB),
standard/wide
Incidental AM (at AF = 1 kHz,
f >10 MHz, 40 kHz deviation)
Stereo modulation at 40 kHz useful
deviation, AF = 1 kHz,
RF = 87 MHz to 108 MHz
Crosstalk attenuation
S/N ratio unweighted, rms
S/N ratio weighted, rms
Distortion
Carrier frequency offset at FM DCtyp. 0.1% of set deviation
Modulation input EXT
Input impedance
Input voltage V
(nominal value)
for set deviation
p
internal/external two-tone
0 Hz to 1 MHz
0 Hz to 125 kHz
0 Hz to 250 kHz
0 Hz to 500 kHz
0 Hz to 1 MHz
0 Hz to 2 MHz
0 Hz to 3 MHz
0 Hz to 4 MHz
<0.2%, typ. 0.1 %
DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz/500 kHz
<0.1%
(for external multiplex signal)
>50 dB
>70 dB
>70 dB
<0.2%, typ. 0.1 %
>100 kΩ
1 V
Phase modulation
Operating modesinternal, external AC/DC,
Phase deviation
9)
9 kHz to 76 MHz
>76 MHz to 151.3125 MHz
>151.3125 MHz to 302.625 MHz
>302.625 MHz to 605.25 MHz
>605.25 MHz to 1.2105 GHz
>1.2105 GHz to 1.818 GHz
>1.818 GHz to 2.655 GHz
>2.655 GHz to 3.300 GHz
Resolution<1%, min. 0.001 rad
Setting accuracy at AF = 1 kHz<4% of reading + 0.02 rad
Phase distortion (at AF = 1 kHz and
50% of maximum deviation)
Modulation frequency range (–3 dB),
standard/wide
Modulation inputs EXT
Input impedance
Input voltage V
(nominal value)
for set deviation
p
internal/external two-tone
0 rad to 10 (2) rad
0 rad to 1.25 (0.25) rad
0 rad to 2.5 (0.5) rad
0 rad to 5 (1) rad
0 rad to 10 (2) rad
0 rad to 20 (4) rad
0 rad to 30 (6) rad
0 rad to 40 (8) rad
<0.2%, typ. 0.1 %
DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz/500 kHz
>100 kΩ
1 V
Pulse modulation (with option ¸SML-B3)
Operating modesinternal, external
On/off ratio>90 dB
Rise/fall time (10%/90 %)<20 ns, typ. 10 ns
Pulse repetition frequency0 Hz to 2.5 MHz
Pulse delaytyp. 50 ns
Video crosstalk (Vp)<30 mV
Modulation input PULSE
Input level
Input impedance
TTL level (HCT)
10 kΩ or 50 Ω, selectable with internal
link
L, R, R = L, R = –L, R ≠ L
internal generation of ARI/RDS signals,
5 user-selectable RDS data sets,
simultaneous generation of MPX, ARI
and RDS signals possible
0 Hz to 80 kHz
10 Hz
20 Hz to 15 kHz
<0.3 dB
<0.2 dB
>50 dB
<0.1%, typ. 0.05%
>60 dB, typ. 63 dB
>70 dB, typ. 74 dB
>70 dB, typ. 76 dB
19 kHz ±2 Hz
0 Hz to 10 kHz
10 Hz
0° to ±5 °
0.1°
0 Hz to 10 kHz
10 Hz
0 Hz to 10 kHz
10 Hz
Signal Generator ¸SML 9
ARI/RDS
functions (directly selectable by menu
or remote control)
ARI identification
selection of traffic announcement
identification (DK) or area identification (BK),
OFF, DK, BK, DK + BK
ARI BK
selection of standardized area
identification A to F
RDS traffic program
RDS traffic announcement
RDS data set
Maximum data length
traffic program off/on
traffic announcement off/on
selection of RDS data set 1 to 5
64 kByte, can be loaded via IEC60625
or RS-232-C interface
Analog modulation inputs L, R
Input impedance
Input voltage V
deviation (nominal value)