Product category:
Stand-Alone Instruments
News Release from: Signal Forge | Subject: SF1000
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 28 March 2006
Portable signal generator does the lot
A novel digitally synthesised signal generator combines the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product.
Signal Forge today released a new digitally synthesised signal generator The Signal Forge 1000 with a frequency range of 1Hz to 1GHz, multiple output types and a variety of waveform modulation options combine to offer the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 11 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Software upgrades signal generator performance
Signal Forge has released a new version of its Wave Manager software for the Signal Forge 1000 and Signal Forge 800 signal generators.
Modules expand range of signal generator
Addon modules for the SF1000 signal generator allow the user to add higher RF frequency capabilities without buying an entirely new signal generator.
The Signal Forge 1000 (SF1000) is small enough - 216 x 137 x 38mm - and light enough, at 794g, to fit in a briefcase, making it ideal for field engineers and service personnel.
Unlike other small-sized signal generators, the SF1000 is a high performance device with a stable, accurate 1GHz frequency range.
Also unique are the signal outputs which include: an AC-coupled output for RF and wireless device testing; a digital (TTL) output for testing clock-driven systems and ICs up to 110MHz; and a differential output for testing communication equipment as well as differential clock-driven systems up to 1GHz.
Further reading
Digital signal generator claims price breakthrough
Signal Forge has released the first high-performance digitally synthesised signal generator with an 800MHz range, usable to 1GHz, for under $1000.
An alternative approach to bit error rate testing
Steven Robalino discusses a test methodology that may be applied to a wide range of datacommunications systems and devices which transmit data over a serial bus.
Clearly fused for vehicle current measurement
Klari-Fuse detects errors in automobile electronics with precise measurement of currents in vehicle fuse devices.
The waveform modulation functions supported include: square and sinusoidal AM, ASK, FKS (ramped, unramped, triangle), OOK and shaped OOK, arbitrary/chirp modulation as well as fully programmable frequency sweep control.
These features expand the capabilities of the SF1000 beyond a typical signal source and provide the functionality needed for a wide range of digital IC and RF test applications.
Some of the applications that the SF1000 may be used for include: testing the setup and hold of digital devices, as well as the design margins of digital, clock-driven circuit boards (determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit), by configuring the digital and differential outputs in sweep mode; testing and calibrating IF and RF sections of receivers and wireless devices; testing amplifiers for gain and for the 1dB compression point.
It may also used as a local oscillator source and an RF exciter with modulation to test receiver response (the FSK and frequency sweep functions may be used to test FM receivers).
And, the SF1000 may be used for testing the third-order intercept point (IP3) of radio systems and alignment of receivers.
Other applications include: automotive electronics testing (simulate input sensors); examining the spectral response of circuits; and low cost manufacturing test of high-speed cables and connectors.
Setup and control is accomplished using the Wave Manager software, a menu-driven application, that is installed onboard the SF1000.
Standard serial communication software, such as HyperTerminal, is used to access and display the Wave Manager on a PC.
There is no need to install special software on the client PC, which enhances the portability of the SF1000 and reduces compatibility and support issues related to client-side software.
Until now, high-performance test equipment came in large, expensive packages making it difficult to take it into the field.
The SF1000, with its $985 price and small size, solves this problem.
"Customers have really responded well to the portable 'feature' of our signal generators".
"For example, we have a field service engineer using our signal generator to calibrate communications receivers in Iraq and field engineers at a semiconductor manufacturer who take the SF1000 with them to customer sites to help debug the customer's designs", said David Race, Chief Executive Officer.
"There are also research labs that take advantage of the small size and rack mount bracket to setup multiple test systems while using only a 1U space in their rack", he added.
The Signal Forge 1000 is priced at $985 and is available now.
• Signal Forge: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
