The Wavetek 144 HF Sweep Generator is a precision RF signal source for testing and aligning radio frequency circuits and devices across multiple frequency bands. It generates swept and fixed-frequency outputs with six selectable waveforms and independent control of frequency, amplitude, and DC offset—making it essential for frequency response characterization, bandwidth measurement, and RF circuit development.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Generation
• Frequency Range: 0.0005 Hz to 10 MHz across 10 overlapping decade ranges
• Frequency Accuracy: ±(1% of setting + 1% of full scale) from 0.01 Hz to 1 MHz; ±(2% of setting + 2% of full scale) from 1 MHz to 10 MHz
• Frequency Vernier: ~1% adjustment of selected range
• Voltage Controlled Generator (VCG): External 0 to ±5 V controls frequency with up to 1000:1 ratio; slew rate 2% of range per µs; input impedance 5 kΩ; linearity ±0.2% (10 Hz to 100 kHz) and ±0.5% (0.001 Hz to 1 MHz)
Waveform Outputs
• Waveforms: Sine, square, triangle, positive pulse, negative pulse, ramp
• Symmetry: Continuously adjustable 1:19 to 19:1 for variable duty cycle and ramp/sawtooth generation
• Sine Distortion: <0.5% (10 Hz to 100 kHz); 99% from 0.0005 Hz to 100 kHz
• Square Wave Rise/Fall Time: <20 ns into 50 Ω load (slew rate limited to 500 V/µs)
• Total Aberrations: <5%
• Amplitude Stability: <0.1 dB to 100 kHz; <0.2 dB to 1 MHz; <2.0 dB to 10 MHz
• Waveform Symmetry: ±1% (all waveforms except pulses)
Amplitude and Attenuation
• Maximum Output: 30 V p-p open circuit; 15 V p-p into 50 Ω; 15 V p-p pulse output into 50 Ω
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω
• Attenuator: 10 dB step precision attenuator to -60 dB; 20 dB vernier for -80 dB total attenuation
• Minimum Signal Level: 1.5 mV p-p
• Step Attenuator Accuracy: ±0.25 dB per 10 dB step
• Short Circuit Current: 150 mA
DC Offset
• Range: +10 Vdc open circuit (±5 Vdc into 50 Ω); rear panel control
– Key Features
• Six waveform selections with independently variable symmetry
• 1% frequency vernier for fine tuning within decade ranges
• Precision 10 dB step attenuator with 20 dB vernier overlay
• Low-distortion sine outputs below 1 kHz harmonic content to 10 MHz
• Fast square wave edges (20 ns) for digital circuit testing
– Typical Applications
• RF filter and amplifier frequency response characterization
• Circuit alignment and bandwidth verification
• Frequency sweep testing of tuned networks
• Modulation and waveform synthesis in analog circuit development
