AnaPico Switzerland has released a compact frequency synthesizer that generates accurate and stable frequencies from 100 kHz to 22 GHz. The unique feature of the APMSYN22 synthesizer is that multiple units can be daisy-chained to implement phasecoherent and multi-channel sources for various applications. The unit is easy to use and, because of its small size, can be integrated into RF/microwave systems in various forms and layouts.
SINGLE-CHANNEL PERFORMANCE
Covering 100 kHz to 22 GHz, the frequency setting resolution is 10 mHz using the graphical control software and higher using SCPI commands. Switching time between frequencies is just 5 μs. Its built-in, precise OCXO provides a calibrated frequency accuracy of ±30 ppb with ±0.5 ppm aging during the first year.
The APMSYN22 has adjustable output power from 40 to +25 dBm, accurate to ±1.5 dB, and a power setting resolution of 0.5 dB. The output phase can be adjusted over the entire range of 0 to 360 degrees, with a resolution of 0.1 degree. The phase noise of the synthesizer at a 20 kHz offset from a 1 GHz carrier is 132 dBc/Hz; at 100 Hz offset, it is 110 dBc/Hz. Subharmonics and spurious signals are less than -55 dBc.
In addition to providing a CW signal, the APMSYN22 supports pulse modulation, either internally programmable or externally triggerable. The maximum modulation rate is 10 MHz and narrowest pulse width is 30 ns. A high speed triggered parameter sweeping function with flexible sweeping profiles is available with the shortest step time of 5 μs.
The synthesizer is well-shielded in a compact flange-mountable module measuring 134 × 95 × 25 mm. It weighs under 0.5 kg and consumes only 17 W, which enables it to use passive heat sinking, with easy and flexible mounting to a heat sink. Internal temperature monitoring is available to prevent the synthesizer from exceeding the recommended operating temperature range; if that occurs, the RF output stage will turn off.
The synthesizer has a standard Ethernet port for connecting to a PC and controlling the unit with AnaPico’s graphical interface software or using SCPI commands.
MULTI-CHANNEL AND PHASECOHERENT
The synthesizer supports an external reference, both 100 MHz and 1 GHz with a relatively wide frequency lock range of ±10 ppm, and it provides a 1 GHz reference output. Using this reference output, multiple units can be connected to implement phase-coherent sources. The first unit acts as the reference, with its 1 GHz reference frequency looped through the other units. To reduce cost, the APMSYN22 modules can be ordered without the internal OCXO when planned to be used with other APMSYN22 modules or an external reference.
Phase-coherence can be characterized by the relative phase difference variation between channels The relative phase difference variation measured in a non-airconditioned room is about ±0.5 degree over 10 hours.
The synthesizer uses a low noise amplifier between the 1 GHz reference input and output. The additive phase noise of the amplifier is low and does not appreciably degrade the phase noise, enabling up to at least 16 channels to be configured as phase-coherent sources.
