Frequency generators
Frequency generators produce precise, stable sinusoidal signals for excitation, calibration or testing of electronic systems. Their generation range generally extends from a few hertz to 6 GHz, or even 20 GHz for microwave models. Their spectral purity, characterised by phase noise of less than -120 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, guarantees measurement fidelity. In R&D, they are used to simulate carriers, analyse RF chains and check filters, amplifiers and mixers. In production, they are used to test receiver sensitivity and modulator linearity. Modern generators offer sweep, AM/FM/PM modulation, burst and external synchronisation modes for multi-channel correlation. Some include vector IQ generation for complex LTE, Wi-Fi or 5G NR signals. LAN, USB, GPIB and SCPI interfaces facilitate remote control and integration into automated test benches. Used in the RF, telecoms, defence, aerospace and metrology sectors, they provide the frequency accuracy and reference stability required for the most demanding tests.
A precise generator to guarantee spectral coherence in any test chain.
8642A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
100 kHz to 1057.5 MHz synthesised generator, AM/FM/PHASE modulations.
8642B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
100 KHz to 2100 MHz RF generator with AM/FM/PHASE modulation.
83712A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
CW synthesised generator from 10MHz to 20GHz, ideal for RF applications.
83731A
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
1 to 20GHz synthesised generator with programmable output.
83622B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
2 to 20 GHz synthesised generator with vobulation and GP-IB.
6071A
FLUKE
RF synthesised generator from 200 KHz to 1040 MHz with AM/FM/PHASE modulations.
68037B
ANRITSU
10 MHz or 2 GHz to 20 GHz synthesised generator, AM/FM/PHASE modulations.
N5182A-506
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
High-performance vector signal generator from 250 kHz to 6 GHz.
E4437B
KEYSIGHT / AGILENT / HP
Générateur de signaux numériques, 250 KHz à 4 GHz, GP-IB, RS-232C.
2031
IFR Systems
Synthetic frequency generator from 10KHz to 2.7GHz with several modulations.
2042
IFR Systems
Synt.IF frequency generator from 10KHz to 5.4GHz with various modulations.
Frequently asked questions about Frequency generators
01
What is the purpose of a frequency generator?It produces a sinusoidal or modulated signal at a specific, stable and adjustable frequency. It is a reference source used to test the frequency response of a device, power an RF circuit or simulate a clock on a measurement bench.
02
What's the difference between a function generator and an RF generator?The frequency generator focuses on the purity and stability of a sinusoidal signal, often at a fixed or variable frequency but without complex modulation. The RF generator covers a wider range and offers modulations (AM, FM, IQ), while the function generator produces various shapes (square, triangle, pulse).
03
In what contexts are these devices used?In metrology to check frequency responses, in production to power input circuits, in R&D for gain or filtering analysis, or in telecoms for bandwidth and intermodulation tests.
04
What technical criteria should be examined?Frequency range, temperature stability, long-term drift, phase noise level, modulation or synchronisation options, and control interfaces (LAN, USB, GPIB).
05
Is it worth buying a reconditioned frequency generator?Yes, especially for the top-of-the-range models still used in industry. As long as frequency stability and spectral purity are verified, these devices remain reliable for critical applications.
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