The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 2023 is a synthesized signal generator spanning 10 kHz to 1.2 GHz, engineered for design, production, and maintenance testing across radio communication systems. It delivers precise frequency synthesis with 1 Hz resolution and output levels from -140 dBm to +13 dBm, supported by frequency stability better than ±5 in 10⁸ over 0–50 °C. The instrument combines amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation with selectable internal LF generation (0.01 Hz to 20 kHz) or external modulation input. Its pulse and FSK capabilities—including optional fast pulse modes with sub-20 ns rise/fall times—address demanding RF and baseband test requirements. Electronic output protection guards against reverse power up to 50 W (VSWR 5:1), while programmable RF level limits and ±5 dB offset compensation integrate into complex test systems. Spectral purity reaches better than -70 dBc to 1 GHz, meeting stringent emission and spurious performance criteria.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Synthesis
• Frequency range: 10 kHz to 1.2 GHz
• Resolution: 1 Hz across full range
• Stability: Better than ±5 in 10⁸ (0 °C to 50 °C)
• Warm-up time: Within 2 in 10⁷ of final frequency at 10 minutes after switch-on (20 °C)
Output Power
• Range: -140 dBm to +13 dBm
• Resolution: 0.1 dB
• Electronic trip protection: Up to 50 W reverse power (VSWR 5:1)
• Programmable level offsets: ±5 dB
Modulation
• Amplitude: 0–99.9% depth, 40 dB on/off ratio; <10 µs rise/fall or <20 ns with optional fast module
• FSK: 2-level and 4-level from external logic, 3.9 kHz Bessel filtering
Modulation Source
• Internal LF generator: 0.01 Hz to 20 kHz, sine/triangle/square, dual-tone simultaneous
• External input: Front-panel BNC connector
Spectral Purity
• Non-harmonics: Better than -70 dBc to 1 GHz
– Key Features
• Carrier ON/OFF control with dedicated key
• Combined modulation: AM with FM or phase; FM with AM or phase
• DC-coupled FM mode for low carrier frequency error in paging and narrowband applications
• Frequency standard accuracy across 10 kHz to 1.2 GHz band
– Typical Applications
• Radio receiver and transmitter design and characterization
• Production acceptance testing for RF equipment
• Field maintenance and troubleshooting of communication systems
• Modulation performance validation across AM, FM, and phase domains
– Compatibility & Integration
External modulation input and programmable offset compensation enable integration with automatic test equipment and production test systems. Selectable AC/DC FM coupling and optional fast pulse modules adapt the generator to specialized measurement environments.
