SignalCore offers high performance VCO-based synthesizers covering 25 MHz to 20 GHz. The SC5510A packs the performance of large box instruments into a single slot, PXI Express module: Low phase noise of -115 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from a 10 GHz carrier, a frequency range from 100 MHz to 20 GHz, tuning with 1 Hz resolution across the entire band and an amplitude step resolution of 0.01 dB from -30 to +10 dBm output set the SC5510A apart from other small modular synthesizers. Using a unique multiple phase-locked loop architecture, the phase spurs are typically below -65 dBc across the tuning range, even at 1 Hz step resolution. Using a high fundamental frequency VCO (at 20 GHz) and eliminating multipliers, subharmonics are typically less than -70 dBc, and far out spurious signals are al so below -70 dBc.
The synthesizer has a second, independent RF channel covering 100 MHz to 3 GHz with a tuning resolution of 25 MHz. This makes the module ideal for both single stage and dual stage (image suppression) up/down-converter systems. The price-to-performance of the synthesizer makes it useful as a general-purpose laboratory signal source, where demanding phase noise and signal purity are needed. It can also be used as an integrated clock source for fast DAC and ADC applications, especially those requiring variable sampling rates. Applications includeRF instrumentation, wireless communications, signal intelligence, data converters and software-defined radio.
For non PXI users, SignalCore offers the SC5511A. It has the same performance and functionality as the SC5510A and is packaged as a compact, stand-alone, core module with USB, SPI or RS-232 communication interfaces.
Full implementation instructions, an easy-to-use, out-of-the-box GUI control panel, driver software and example code are provided with both synthesizers.
SignalCore, Inc.
Austin, Texas
www.signalcore.com
