The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 2041 is a low-noise signal generator delivering precise RF signal generation from 10 kHz to 2.7 GHz with exceptional spectral purity and phase noise performance. Built for demanding receiver testing and RF system calibration, the instrument combines microprocessor control with menu-driven operation, dot-matrix display, and non-volatile memory for stored settings. GPIB remote programming enables seamless integration into automated test environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range: 10 kHz to 2.7 GHz
Output Level: −144 dBm to +13 dBm standard; selectable overrange mode to +19 dBm (uncalibrated). Optional electronic attenuator provides up to 24 dB range without level interruption. AM modulation reduces maximum output linearly to +7 dBm at maximum depth.
Phase Noise: Low noise mode achieves better than −140 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset from 1 GHz carrier. At 1 kHz offset, performance is less than −115 dBc/Hz. Normal mode delivers less than −116 dBc/Hz (typically −122 dBc/Hz) at 20 kHz offset from 470 MHz.
Residual FM Noise: Low noise mode maintains less than 0.3 Hz RMS deviation in 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz unweighted bandwidth at 1 GHz. Normal mode exhibits less than 7 Hz RMS deviation under identical bandwidth at 470 MHz.
Spectral Purity: Non-harmonic spurious signals better than −90 dBc to 1.35 GHz (offsets >3 kHz). Performance degrades to better than −40 dBc to 2.3 GHz and better than −30 dBc to 5.4 GHz. FM on AM content better than −90 dBc from 21.09375 MHz to 2.7 GHz.
– Key Features
• Four modulation modes: single (FM, wideband FM, phase, AM), dual independent channels, and composite
• Optional pulse modulation with selectable rise/fall time characteristics
• Dual internal modulation oscillators available
• Signalling facility with sequential and sub-audible tone capability for radio equipment testing
• Avionics option with RF profiles and complex sweep functionality
• External modulation input (600 Ω) option
– Typical Applications
Receiver sensitivity and selectivity measurements, phase noise evaluation, modulation quality assessment, and production calibration of RF systems across communications, avionics, and broadband applications.
