Options take vector signal generator into 5G territory

The microwave signal generator combines a baseband generator and RF generator with fading, AWGN and MIMO capabilities in a single box. As a result, it supports numerous challenging aerospace and defense and wireless communications applications.

The 40 GHz version of the signal generator enables users to completely cover the K and Ka bands. The generator's integrated baseband offers an RF modulation bandwidth of 160 MHz with excellent I/Q flatness and EVM, making it possible to generate signals of the highest modulation quality in the microwave range. It is even easy to generate CW signals with multiple carriers for component tests and wideband QAM-modulated carriers for satellite receiver tests.

The instrument can also be deployed to help developers identify potential technologies for accessing 5G wireless networks. The new frequency options enable the instrument to cover the frequency ranges that are currently the focus of 5G development.

Its internal baseband section can handle all important digital communications standard including LTE Releases 8 to 11. The signal bandwidth of the instrument can even reach 2 GHz when external I/Q signals are used - an ideal feature for wideband 5G applications.

Modulated, phase-coherent signals up to 40 GHz Beamforming applications are used to measure active antenna systems such as phased arrays. This requires high quality, phase coherent test signals. The LO coupling of the signal generator now makes it possible to set up a compact system with up to three phase coherent outputs up to 40 GHz. In addition to the R&S SMW200A, the setup employs two combinations of the R&S SGS100A and R&S SGU100A as additional RF paths up to 40 GHz. The additional signal sources can be easily controlled via the R&S SMW200A GUI.

Many wireless communications applications require complex microwave test signals. The new signal generator now also generates high quality digitally modulated signals up to 40 GHz for direct microwave link applications. If, for example, a 12.75 GHz and a 6 GHz RF path are installed in a single instrument, it is fast and easy to carry out the complex conformance tests specified by many telecommunications standards. The instrument's integrated test case wizard enables users to configure even complex WCDMA and LTE test scenarios such as blocking tests at the push of a button. The 12.75 GHz frequency option also offers a wear free electronic attenuator.