The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 2042 is a low-noise signal generator delivering precise RF stimulus across 10 kHz to 5.4 GHz. Purpose-built for receiver, component, and system testing, it combines exceptional phase noise performance with flexible modulation architectures and robust output protection. The instrument spans -144 dBm to +13 dBm output levels with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution, making it suitable for demanding metrology and production environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency
• Range: 10 kHz to 5.4 GHz
• Resolution: 0.1 Hz
Amplitude
• Output Range: -144 dBm to +13 dBm
• Accuracy: ±1.2 dB for levels > -127 dBm at 22°C ±5°C
• Temperature Stability: ±0.01 dB/°C
• Output VSWR: <1.5:1 below 0 dBm
• Reverse Power Handling: 1 W (source VSWR 5:1); protected to 50 W
• AM Output: Reduces linearly to +7 dBm at maximum depth
Phase Noise & Spectral Purity
• Low Noise Mode: Better than -115 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset; better than -140 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset (1 GHz carrier)
• Normal Mode: Better than -122 dBc/Hz typical at 20 kHz offset (470 MHz carrier)
• Residual FM: <0.3 Hz RMS (1 GHz, low noise mode)
• Non-Harmonic Spurious: Better than -90 dBc to 1.35 GHz; -40 dBc to 2.3 GHz; -30 dBc to 5.4 GHz
• Harmonics (2042): Better than -30 dBc to 1 GHz; -27 dBc to 1.35 GHz; -25 dBc above 1.35 GHz
Modulation
• Modes: AM, FM, wideband FM, phase modulation (ΦM); optional pulse modulation
• Dual and composite modulation supported
• Internal Modulation Oscillator: 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz (0.1 Hz resolution)
• FM Deviation: Up to 1 MHz for frequencies to 21 MHz; 1% of carrier frequency elsewhere
– Typical Applications
• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing
• Component and subsystem characterization
• Production quality assurance and acceptance testing
• Signal integrity validation in low-noise measurement chains
