Synthetic generators
The Synthetic Generators category includes instruments capable of producing electrical or RF signals with precisely controlled frequency, amplitude and phase, based on digital or PLL synthesis. These generators are used to create stable, reproducible and programmable signals for testing, validation and characterisation of electronic systems.
In electronics and RF, synthetic generators can be used to simulate realistic input signals for testing receivers, amplifiers, filters, converters or communication systems. In R&D, they are essential for validating architectures, analysing operating margins and reproducing identical test conditions over time. In production, they ensure the repeatability of functional tests and facilitate the automation of test benches.
These instruments generally cover a wide range of frequencies, from DC to microwave depending on the model, with fine control of spectral purity, phase noise and modulation modes. Digital interfaces (LAN, USB, GPIB, SCPI) allow integration into automated test environments and traceability of measurement configurations.
Used in telecommunications, aeronautics, defence, the automotive industry and technical education, synthetic generators are a key tool for reliable, reproducible and controlled testing, essential for validating modern electronic systems.
N9310A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
9 kHz to 3 GHz RF generator, AM/FM/PHASE/IQ modulations, USB programmable.
8648A-1E5
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Compact synthesised generator, 100 KHz to 1 GHz, GP-IB programmable.
3325B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
1 µHz to 21 MHz synthesised function generator, GP-IB and RS-232 programmable.
PS33
JDSU / ACTERNA / VIAVI
Synthetised selective level generator for telecom applications.
335ARB1U
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Ajout de la fonction arbitraire aux générateurs 1 voie 20 ou 30 MHz.
CG635
STANFORD RESEARCH SYSTEMS
Synthetised clock generator, 1 µHz to 2.05 GHz, low jitter.
E4424B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur RF synthétisé 250 kHz à 2 GHz avec haute pureté spectrale.
E4425B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur synthétisé de 250 kHz à 3 GHz avec faible bruit de phase.
E4438C-506
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur synthétisé pour modulations numériques 250 KHz à 6 GHz.
E4422B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur synthétisé de 250 kHz à 4 GHz avec sortie -136 à +13 dBm.
E4430B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur RF synthétisé de 250 kHz à 1 GHz pour modulations numériques I/Q.
83621B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur Synthétisé 45 MHz à 20 GHz pour analyseurs vectoriels.
83630L
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Microwave generator 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, GP-IB programmable.
3413
AEROFLEX
Générateur de signaux numériques de 250 KHz à 3 GHz avec modulations variées.
SGA-3
AEROFLEX
Générateur synthétisé compact, 100 KHz à 3 GHz, modulations AM/FM/PHASE, PULSE.
SMR30
ROHDE & SCHWARZ
Compact Microwave generator, 1 GHz to 30 GHz, GP-IB programmable.
68169B-2B-11-14
ANRITSU
Générateur vobulateur synthétisé haute performance de 10 MHz à 40 GHz.
concrete questions about Synthetic Generators
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1. What does a synthetic generator offer compared with a conventional analogue generator?Digital synthesis or PLL provides much greater frequency stability, exact signal reproducibility and fine parameter control. This makes it possible to strictly repeat the same test scenario, which is essential for validation and production.
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2. Is spectral purity always critical in testing?Not systematically. It becomes decisive when testing sensitive receivers, high-gain RF stages or complex communication systems. In other cases, a higher level of phase noise may still be acceptable if the objective is purely functional.
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3. Why is phase noise often underestimated?This is because it does not have a direct impact on the amplitude of the signal, but on the modulation quality and selectivity of the systems under test. An unstable generator can mask real faults or artificially create them during testing.
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4. Can a synthetic generator replace an arbitrary generator?Not completely. The synthetic generator excels in stability and frequency accuracy, while the arbitrary generator is better suited to reproducing complex or non-periodic waveforms. The two meet distinct needs.
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5. Why document the precise settings of a synthetic generator?Because the configuration is an integral part of the test result. Traceability of frequencies, levels, modulations and clock references is essential for comparing tests over time or between different sites.
