Atec SMP User Manual
Microwave Signal Generator SMP
Excellent signal characteristics through to 40 GHz
◆ Instrument family with four models
– SMP02 (10 MHz to 20 GHz)
– SMP22 (10 MHz to 20 GHz)
– SMP03 (10 MHz to 27 GHz)
– SMP04 (10 MHz to 40 GHz)
◆ High output level
– SMP02 >+11.5 dBm
– SMP22 >+20 dBm
(+29 dBm typ. at 2 GHz)
– SMP03 >+13 dBm
– SMP04 >+10 dBm
◆ Optional pulse modulator and
pulse generator
◆ Digital RF, AF and level sweep
◆ Storage of 50 complete instrument
setups
◆ Optional phase modulator
◆ ASK/FSK modulation, phase offset
settings
◆ Extremely low SSB phase noise at
10 GHz (<–105 dBc (1 Hz) at 10 kHz
from carrier)
◆ Very short frequency setting time
<11 ms + 5 ms/GHz
◆ Extremely high level accuracy
<±0.9 dB at 0 dBm in frequency
range 10 MHz to 40 GHz
Microwave signals in the range
from 10 MHz to 40 GHz
The basic models of the SMP cover the
following frequency ranges:
◆ SMP02/SMP22 (2 GHz to 20 GHz)
◆ SMP03 (2 GHz to 27 GHz)
◆ SMP04 (2 GHz to 40 GHz)
The lower frequency limit can be optionally extended to 10 MHz.
A modern frequency synthesis concept
with direct digital synthesis (DDS) is the
basis of:
◆ stable output frequency
◆ 0.1 Hz frequency resolution
◆ fast settling after a frequency
change
High, levelled output power
All SMP models have been designed for
high output power without any compromises:
◆ SMP02 (>+11.5 dBm)
◆ SMP22 (>+20 dBm)
◆ SMP03 (>+13 dBm)
◆ SMP04 (>+10 dBm)
The output levels specified are valid for
the upper frequency limit.
Excellent spectral purity
High spectral purity is ensured by the use
of YIG oscillators – up to 20 GHz without
any frequency multiplying:
◆ Harmonics
<–50 dBc typ. for f >1.8 GHz
◆ Nonharmonics <–60/54 dBc
up to/above 20 GHz
◆ SSB phase noise at
10 GHz <–105 dBc (1 Hz)
(10 kHz from carrier)
Versatile modulation
capabilities
AM, FM and optional ϕM modulation
meet the high standards usually expected
of low-frequency generators only. The
large variety of options includes a highspeed pulse modulator:
◆ AM (DC to 100 kHz)
◆ FM (DC to 5 MHz)
◆
ϕM (DC to 100 kHz)
◆ Pulse modulation with
on/off ratio >80 dB
Large choice of options for
user-specific configuration
A wide selection of options allows the
SMP to be configured economically to
meet today's and tomorrow's requirements:
◆ Pulse generator and pulse modulators
◆ Frequency extension 0.01 to 2 GHz
◆ RF attenuator
◆ Modulation generator up to 500 kHz
◆ Precision FM/
◆ OCXO reference oscillator
◆ Auxiliary interface
ϕM modulator
2 Microwave Signal Generator SMP
Intelligent menu guidance for
–
–
–
–
–
maximum ease of operation
◆ Large-size LC display
◆ Menu-guided operation with all menu
levels being shown at a glance
◆ Two menu memories to speed up
operation
User-friendly details
◆ Digital RF, AF and level sweep
◆ Storage of 50 complete instrument
setups
◆ Combination of any modulation
modes possible
◆ Ultra-low RF leakage
◆ RF control output
Stable output frequency
The crystal reference built-in as standard
ensures an accurate and low-drift output
frequency.
The SMP can also be fitted with an ovencontrolled crystal oscillator (option
SMP-B1, OCXO) to meet the most exacting requirements.
High output level eliminates
the need for add-on units
A large number of microwave measurements requires mainly one thing: a high
output level, which until now has only
been possible with expensive add-on
amplifiers.
Thanks to their high output levels, the
SMP models feature sufficient reserves
for compensating the attenuation of long
cables as well as the losses of power
splitters and directional couplers.
The SMP22 achieves a level of up to
29 dBm at 2 GHz and an excellent value of
23 dBm at 20 GHz.
Our standard:
0.1 Hz frequency resolution
A high frequency resolution is required
especially for scientific applications and
in industrial research, e.g. for surface
measurements of materials using radar
equipment.
Unambiguous results due to high
spectral purity
The outstanding features of the SMP are
the extremely low SSB phase noise of
<–105 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz (10 kHz from
carrier) as well as nonharmonics of
<–60/54 dBc up to/above 20 GHz. The
high harmonics rejection and the complete absence of subharmonics below
20 GHz cut out time-wasting measurements such as occur with inferior signal
generators.
Minimum level error
A highly precise level is required, for
example, for measurements and calibration of receivers. A controlled and frequency-response-compensated output
level is a basic prerequisite for setting
accuracy. In conjunction with a precision
attenuator (option SMP-B15/-B17), an
extremely high level accuracy is ensured
throughout the setting range (<±0.9 dB
at 0 dBm in the frequency range 10 MHz
to 40 GHz).
–40
dBc
–50
–60
–70
–80
–90
100
110
120
130
140
FIG 1: SSB phase noise at 10 GHz
30 dBm
28 dBm
26 dBm
24 dBm
22 dBm
20 dBm
18 dBm
16 dBm
14 dBm
12 dBm
10 dBm
FIG 2: Typical maximum level versus frequency
2468 2468 2468 2468 2468
10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz
SMP 22
SMP 02
8 dBm
0.01 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38
SMP 03
SMP 04
Microwave Signal Generator SMP 3
40 GHz
The SMP is setting standards with a resolution of 0.1 Hz throughout its frequency
range, and even above 20 GHz.
Variety of applications
The SMP is ideal for the following applications:
◆ Substitution of local oscillators
◆ Measurements on nonlinear compo-
nents such as frequency multipliers or
high-level mixers
◆ Driving of TWTs and other power
stages
◆ Interconnection of several signal gen-
erators for intermodulation measurements
◆ Tracking generator for spectrum and
network analyzers
High-quality shielding
Sensitivity measurements on low-noise
satellite receivers can only be made with
absolutely RF-leakage-proof signal
sources.
The comprehensive shielding of the SMP
ensures extremely low RF leakage.
Frequency and phase modulation
The SMP is fitted as standard with a
broadband FM modulator covering a
modulation frequency range up to 5 MHz
for deviations up to 10 MHz (20 MHz
above 20 GHz).
In addition, a precision FM/
tor (option SM-B5) with a modulation frequency range of up to 1 MHz and maximum deviation of up to 1 MHz (2 MHz for
f >20 GHz) is available for testing communication receivers and for scientific applications.
ϕM modula-
FSK modulation
Thanks to a special frequency control circuit, the precision FM/
ϕM modulator fea-
tures an extremely high carrier frequency
accuracy and stability in the FM DC
mode. Digital frequency shift keying (FSK
modulation) is also possible. A deviation
of up to 1 MHz (2 MHz above 20 GHz) can
be selected.
Wide
ϕM modulation range
The wide frequency range of the phase
modulation extending from DC to 100 kHz
allows testing of phase-sensitive circuits.
SMP for use as a VCO
In DC-coupled FM or
ϕM mode, the SMP
can also be used as a voltage-controlled
oscillator (VCO) and integrated into an
external frequency control loop. The RF
control output fitted on the rear panel is
very useful for this application.
SMP
YIG
2 GHz to 10 GHz
YIG
10 GHz to 20 GHz
FM/ϕM
FMDC non-synchronized
modulator
(unlocked)
EXT1 or EXT2
DUT
Frequency divider/
phase comparator/
control amplifier
FIG 3: SMP as VCO
FIG 4: Pulse modulator,
universally used in
microwave applications
such as radar;
(1) shortest pulse duration 20 ns,
(2) 3 ns typ. rise/fall
time, more than 80 dB
on/off ratio
(2) (2)
The RF control output provides signals in
the frequency range 2 GHz to 20 GHz and
can for example be used for monitoring
the output frequency with the aid of a
frequency counter (FIG 3).
Pulse modulation
Ideal for radar receivers
All data specified for pulse modulation,
which is frequently used in the development, production and maintenance of
radar receivers is valid throughout the
rated frequency range and also at the
important intermediate frequencies of
70 MHz and 140 MHz. The on/off ratio is
better than 80 dB, the rise/fall time
shorter than 10 ns. Pulse widths of less
than 20 ns are possible (FIG 4).
Optional pulse generator
In addition to feeding in external modulation signals, the pulse generator (option
SMP-B14) can also be used to generate
direct
2 GHz to 20 GHz
SMP 03/SMP 04
1
2
20 GHz to 40 GHz
6 GHz
SMP-B11
2 GHz to 20 GHz
(RF control output)
10 MHz to 2 GHz
(1)
RF
out
90 %
10 %
50 %
4 Microwave Signal Generator SMP
internal single or double pulses with
pulse frequencies up to 10 MHz.
The pulse generator can also be triggered
externally, pulse width and delay being
user-selectable over a wide range.
Simultaneous modulation modes
and their application
All modulation modes which the SMP is
able to generate can be combined (in the
case of SMP03/04 with some restrictions
regarding pulse and amplitude modulation). Highly complex signals can thus be
generated for modern communication
and radar systems.
Doppler effects
The combination of pulse modulation and
FM DC simulates Doppler effects and also
chirp signals.
Pulse radar with rotating antenna
Combined scan and pulse modulation
provides the type of signals occurring in
pulse radar applications with rotating
antenna.
In the example shown in Fig. 5, the external pulse from the pulse generator or
radar display is applied to the external
pulse input of the SMP and used as a trig-
ger for the internal pulse generator and
modulator.
The main advantage of this kind of trigger
is that it can be delayed to simulate distance and direction and to check the values on the display.
Fading
Simultaneous frequency and amplitude
modulation can be used to study fading
effects of FM receivers.
Sweep capabilities
Level sweep
The 20 dB level sweep of the SMP is an
efficient function for determining power
characteristics and for compression
measurements.
Digital frequency sweep
The digital frequency sweep with steps
from 10 ms is a useful facility for measuring the frequency response of microwave
modules or antennas.
Sweep modes
The digital sweep can be executed automatically in repetitive mode or in singleshot mode with selectable sweep time.
Manual sweeping (STEP MODE) within
the sweep limits is also possible. Trigger
inputs and outputs facilitate synchronous
operation in conjunction with other
instruments.
Use in EMC measurements
Functions qualifying the SMP for EMC
applications include the trigger facility for
step-by-step sweeping, marker outputs
and, above all, the extension of the frequency range to 10 MHz (option SMP-B11).
The capability of compensating external
frequency responses is also an important
feature.
Frequency hopping in list mode
One of the very special features of the
SMP is the list mode. Unlike the normal
sweep mode with increasing or decreasing frequencies, the list mode can be
used for programming frequency hopping. A list editor makes programming
extremely easy. Up to 2003 pairs of frequency and level values can be stored in
lists.
Of course, the same types of sweep can
be executed in the list mode as in the normal sweep mode.
Frequency response
compensation
Circulator
Pulsed Transmitter
Pulse
1
LO RF
Pulse Generator
2
Sideband
Filter
Display
Antenna direction pulse
FIG 5: Radar tests (switch position 1 for testing the distance indicated by radar,
switch position 2 for testing the antenna direction indicated by radar)
Power amplifiers, cables, antennas and
TEM cells usually exhibit a relatively large
frequency response which has to be compensated to obtain accurate measurement results.
The SMP provides two excellent tools for
the correction of external frequency
responses:
◆ User-defined correction of external
frequency responses
◆ External level control using a power
meter
Microwave Signal Generator SMP 5
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