R&S®SMR Microwave Signal Generator
High-performance, cost-effective and reliable up to 60 GHz
Wide output frequency range from 10 MHz to 60 GHz with 0.1 Hz resolution
The R&S® SMR family now consists of six models:
- R&S® SMR20 (10 MHz to 20 GHz)
- R&S® SMR27 (10 MHz to 27 GHz)
- R&S® SMR30 (10 MHz to 30 GHz)
- R&S® SMR40 (10 MHz to 40 GHz)
- R&S® SMR50 (10 MHz to 50 GHz)
- R&S® SMR60 (10 MHz to 60 GHz)
All models include a very fast frequency switching time of < 10 ms +2 ms /GHz and a resolution of 0.1 Hz.
High-precision output level
Microwave signal generators are frequently used for calibrating test receivers. This task calls for a highly accurate and stable output level settable with high resolution. This is ensured by a high-precision, frequency-response-compensated level control for levels higher than –20 dBm. The setting range can be extended to –130 dB with the optional RF Attenuator R&S® SMR-B15 or R&S® SMR-B17.
Typical output power versus frequency including a mechanical step attenuator for R&S® SMR20 and R&S® SMR40.
High-precision output level
Typical output power versus frequency including a mechanical step attenuator for R&S® SMR50 and R&S® SMR60.
Fast setting time for frequency and level
The synthesizer concept allows very fast setting times. This is an important feature which makes the R&S® SMR ideal for use in production where speed is of prime importance.
Analog ramp sweep option
The analog ramp sweep mode corresponds to the analog sweep of classic sweep generators except that the sweep is fully synchronized over the complete range. In this way, the excellent frequency accuracy of digital step sweeps is achieved on the whole, and this at much higher sweep rates of min. 600 MHz/ms at frequencies >2 GHz. In conjunction with scalar network analyzers or suitable spectrum analyzers, realtime adjustment of microwave filters can be performed, for example. To mark important frequency ranges such as filter bandwidths or the position of attenuation poles, the R&S® SMR has 10 user-selectable frequency markers which can be output as pulse markers at the marker output (TTL level) or alternatively modulated on the RF level as level markers (level reduction of 1 dB). The use of the R&S® SMR in conjunction with a scalar network or spectrum analyzer is illustrated by the figure at the bottom of page 4.
Comparison between a conventional ramp sweep using a YIG oscillator and the R&S® SMR fully synthesized ramp sweep.
Analog ramp sweep
Scalar network analysis with the R&S SMR
IF upconversion (not R&S SMR50/60)
With the IF upconverter, the R&S® SMR can generate any vector-modulated signal in the microwave frequency range. The modulated IF signal is provided by a signal generator, e.g. the R&S® SMU/SMJ/SMATE or R&S® SMV + R&S® AMIQ. Three different upconverters for the R&S® SMR20 up to R&S® SMR40 are available
Low cost of ownership with a three-year calibration cycle
The three-year calibration interval cuts costs and increases availability.
Compact size (R&S SMR20/27/30/40 only 2 HU; R&S SMR50/60 only 3HU)
Space is often a precious commodity in production. The instruments of the R&S® SMR family are the smallest in their classes.
AM/SCAN, FM, ASK/FSK and pulse modulation
In addition to CW, the R&S® SMR covers classic analog modulation without any restrictions. With DC-coupled FM, for example, the R&S® SMR can be set up as an accurate VCO. The combination of the different modulation types allows the generation of more complex test scenarios. In addition, the built-in pulse modulator offers a pulse delay to test complete radar systems.
