The Aeroflex 3020 is a compact 3U PXI modular RF signal generator engineered for R&D, manufacturing, and design verification across communication system test environments. It integrates a dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and operates in conjunction with an external RF synthesizer module to deliver precise frequency control and output power management. The 3020 series supports analog, digital, and vector modulation across a broad frequency spectrum, making it suitable for complex RF test requirements demanding fast frequency switching and low phase noise.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Switching Performance
• Frequency range: 100 kHz to 6 GHz (standard 3020 series)
• Frequency resolution: Works in conjunction with 3010/11 RF Synthesizer module
• Frequency switching: 25 µs typical for frequencies 85 MHz and below (3020 option 02); 250 µs typical above 85 MHz (3010 option 01)
Output Power
• Power range: -120 dBm to +17 dBm (standard models)
• Power range: -120 dBm to +6 dBm (3020A variant)
• Level control increments: 0.01 dB
• Level accuracy: ±0.3 dB typical CW
• Level stability: Better than 0.05 dB over 23°C ±5°C
Modulation & Baseband
• Internal modulation: AM, FM, I/Q
• Modulation bandwidth: Up to 90 MHz
• Digital modulation: Integrated dual-channel AWG or external digital I/Q inputs
• Vector modulation: Analog I and Q inputs supported (optional)
• Baseband outputs: Dual differential AWG outputs for simultaneous I/Q and CW RF delivery
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
• Memory capacity: 128 Msamples (3020C/3021C/3025C/3026C); 32 Msamples (3020A/3025); up to 0.5 Gsamples with option 04
Phase Noise (with 3010/11 RF Synthesizer Module)
• -135 dBc/Hz at 50 MHz (20 kHz offset)
• -116 dBc/Hz at 2 GHz (20 kHz offset)
• -108 dBc/Hz at 5 GHz (20 kHz offset)
• Noise floor: -135 dBc/Hz from 10 MHz offset at 2 GHz
– Key Features
• Fast frequency switching from microseconds to sub-millisecond response
• Fine output power control in 0.01 dB steps with ±0.3 dB accuracy
• Dual-channel AWG supports independent I and Q generation simultaneously
• External RF synthesizer integration for optimized frequency stability
• Vector modulation capability via analog I/Q inputs
– Typical Applications
• Communication system design verification and manufacturing test
• Complex modulation format generation and validation
• Vector modulation testing with wideband I/Q inputs
• Multi-channel RF signal generation for system-level testing
– Compatibility & Integration
The 3020 series is designed for operation with Aeroflex 3010 and 3011 RF Synthesizer modules, which define frequency resolution and switching characteristics. Multiple variants (3020A, 3020C, 3021C, 3025, 3026C) support different frequency ranges and power levels for tailored test requirements.
