Signal Generator
A signal source is a very common instrument in a RF system or on the lab-bench. It serves often to deliver a possible clean and stable sine wave. Possibly the output level needs to be adjusted within a range or at certain speed, continuously variable or with settable within a certain minimum step-size. Functions like modulation (AM, PM, FM, Pulse, Chirp) may be required.
Millimeter wave signal sources
Especially for signal generation above 50GHz and in waveguide bands is done with a standard lower microwave generator and then the signal is frequency multiplied to get to higher frequencies. The frequency multiplied signal may optionally be filtered to make it spectrally pure and/or amplified to come to an appreciable signal level.
Overview
bsw delivers several signal sources for various purposes:
Our portfolio ranges from lab-bench universal signal generators (and ARB’s) via small form factor modules to free-running Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO's), Dielectric Resonator Oscillators (DRO's) or Gunn Oscillators (at micro and millimeter wave).
Especially at millimeter waves there are signal source extenders available which multiply your microwave generator into a millimeter wave signal source. The modules typically include an output/buffer amplifier, an electronically controlled attenuator or some pulse-modulation or strobe possibility.
