The Marconi IFR Aeroflex 3020A is a 3U PXI modular RF signal generator delivering precision signal generation from 250 MHz to 2.7 GHz. Built for aerospace, defense, and communications testing, this dual-channel arbitrary waveform generator combines fast frequency switching with low phase noise and flexible modulation architectures. Output power spans -120 dBm to +5 dBm with ±0.3 dB level accuracy, supporting AM, FM, I/Q, analog, digital, and vector modulation modes.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 250 MHz to 2.7 GHz
• Frequency switching: 25 µs typical (≤85 MHz); 250 µs typical (>85 MHz)
• Phase noise: -115 dBc/Hz @ 20 kHz offset; -135 dBc/Hz @ 10 MHz offset; -116 dBc/Hz @ 2 GHz offset
RF Output
• Power range: -120 dBm to +5 dBm or +6 dBm
• Level accuracy: ±0.3 dB (typical CW)
• Step resolution: 0.01 dB increments
Modulation & Signal Generation
• Modes: AM, FM, I/Q, analog, digital, vector modulation
• Modulation bandwidth: Up to 90 MHz
• I/Q bandwidth: 14 MHz (digital); ±45 MHz (vector)
• Modulator carrier leakage/sideband suppression: Typically -50 dBc
• UMTS W-CDMA linearity: Better than 55 dB
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
• Channels: Dual-channel
• Memory: Up to 2 Gbytes (512 Msamples)
• Sample word: 32-bit (14-bit I, 14-bit Q, 4-bit marker)
• Output level (differential): 100 mV to 4 V pk with up to ±3 V DC bias
• Differential offset control: < ±600 mV (6 V total EMF limit)
• Waveform sequencer: Yes
Interfaces & Connectivity
• PXI format: 3U high
• Digital IQ input: Real-time LVDS interface
• External frequency reference: 10 MHz ±100 Hz (SMA)
• Trigger routing: TTL, LVDS, PXI, AWG file sources
Environmental
• Operating temperature: 0 to 50°C
• Storage temperature: -20 to +70°C
• Weight: 675 g
– Key Features
• Dual-channel AWG with 512 Msamples memory per channel
• Real-time LVDS digital IQ streaming with optional analog IQ I/O
• Flexible trigger routing across multiple interfaces
• Sub-microsecond frequency switching capability
• Low phase noise across full frequency range
– Typical Applications
• Design verification and validation for RF systems
• High-volume manufacturing test in aerospace and defense
• Communications system development and characterization
• Vector modulation and complex waveform generation
– Compatibility & Integration
Standard 3U PXI modular integration enables seamless insertion into test racks alongside timing, switching, and measurement modules. Supports external 10 MHz frequency references for synchronized multi-instrument operation.
