RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo & Signal Generator RFE6GEN baseline User Manual Updated to Firmware Version 1.
RF Explorer ® RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator family of products with a growing list of features. This little powerful unit is the tool you need to reduce the implementation time and cost of your next wireless project. Updates of the RF Explorer User Manual are available online. Please consider the environment before printing this document.
Table of Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Description of main features ............................................................................................................................... 6 Feature ..............................................................................................................................................................
SMA-BNC adapter SMA Plug to BNC Jack straight ........................................................................................ 45 SMA-N adapter SMA Plug to N Jack straight ................................................................................................. 45 RF Adapter RP-SMA Jack to SMA Plug straight-long version......................................................................... 46 SMA adapter SMA Plug to SMA Jack right angle .....................................................
Introduction RF Explorer Signal Generator has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. There is no need to read large user manuals to get advantage of its advanced functionality. For simple actions, only a keyboard click is needed to start transmitting signals. For most advanced features like Tracking SNA, the RF Explorer for Windows software will easily guide through steps required so analyzing RF devices becomes a few minutes task for even the most novice users.
Description of main features The RF Explorer Signal Generator is a powerful, wideband fully programmable RF signal generator. It is the perfect companion for Spectrum Analyzer RF Explorer product line. As a standalone unit, RFE6Gen can generate CW and Sweep signals by selecting embedded menu options. When connected to a PC, it can be fully programmed with the RF Explorer for Windows software tool.
Specifications Parameter Combo Signal Generator Baseline Signal Generator Frequency range 100KHz to 6GHz 23.4MHz to 6GHz Frequency step/resolution 1Khz 1Khz Frequency stability 100KHz to 250MHz: ±5ppm 250MHz to 6GHz: ±0.5ppm ±0.5ppm Frequency accuracy (internal reference) 100KHz to 250MHz: ±10ppm 250MHz to 6GHz: ±1ppm ±1ppm Output power range Calibrated: -40 to +10dBm Uncalibrated: -60 to +18dBm Output power resolution 0.25dB 3dB Output power accuracy Typical ±1.
Connector type SMA 50 ohms SMA 50 ohms Display Graphics LCD 128x64 pixels Graphics LCD 128x64 pixels Excellent visibility outdoors with sunlight Backlight 5 levels 5 levels Excellent visibility indoors Weight 205g 185g Size 113x70x25 mm 113x70x25 mm Programmable USB generic API Python API .NET API USB generic API Python API .
Connecting RF Explorer Signal Generator The unit includes 50 ohm impedance RF connector standard SMA format. The RFE6Gen baseline model includes only one connector, the RF SMA on the left in the above image. This manual will indicate specifics for this model whenever is different from Combo model. The RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo model includes two SMA connectors, but only the enhanced functionality of the SMA connector on the right side is enabled.
Important: The internal battery power switch must be in the ON position for the battery to charge when the USB cable is connected. The internal battery will not charge when the power switch is in the OFF position. Note: There are a number of SMA adapters to easily interface RF Explorer SMA Connector to any other standard RF connector format, including BNC, N, RP-SMA, etc. For more information of adapters available see section RF Explorer accessories in page 45.
Signal Generator CW mode - Main Screen Upon start, RF Explorer Signal Generator goes to this mode automatically. The RF output power is disabled by default and it is important to connect a LOAD in all cases before enabling the RF port. IMPORTANT You must have connected a 50 ohm antenna or RF load before you switch your transmitter ON. If you switch the transmitter ON without a proper load, you may damage the RF module of your RF Explorer Signal Generator, as the power amplifier will not have a load to feed.
The available indicators are: Selected CW frequency: This is the currently selected carrier (or CW) frequency, expressed in GHz, MHz and KHz. It can be modified in the FREQUENCY MENU. Power Level: This is the actual output power selected in Power Menu for CW. With selective value as fine as 0.25dB this can go in ranges from -60 to +20dBm, but only -40 to +10dBm are calibrated ranges. Note: an upgrade firmware will display a special mark to indicate calibrated vs uncalibrated range.
Baseline model The below screen is an example of a RF signal generator mode configured at 3.767020GHz. This is organized visually in GHz, MHz and KHz for easy reading. The internal High-Power switch to ON, and the power level in mode 2 (levels are 1-4). This result in (3.1dBm) output at this frequency. All elements on screen are important parameters to understand how the Signal Generator is working at any given time.
Power Level Switch: The Signal Generator includes an internal power switch, with a nominal 3dB increment on each step. There are 4 steps available. When combined with the internal attenuator, a total of 8 possible power values can be selected. Action Indicator (current power mode): The Signal Generator display the current status of the RF output signal, at the selected frequency and selected power level.
Using buttons UP and DOWN on this screen will increase or decrease the selected RF power, one step at a time. It works slightly different depending on the Signal Generator model. Combo model: For instance, if the unit is at -30.00dBm and the Power Step is defined at 2.5dBm in POWER MENU, click on UP button once will increase to -27.50dBm, a second click will increase to -25.00dBm, etc. A click on DOWN button will decrease power by the defined step.
Using menus There are several menus in RF Explorer Signal Generator. They are organized on different screens, which you can iterate through by using the [Menu] key. If you click [Menu] button multiple times, you will visit every one of them: Optionally, you can use the [Left] and [Right] keys to go from one screen to another. You can exit from a menu anytime by using the [Return] key.
The first time you click on [Menu] button in a RF Explorer session, Frequency Menu will open. This may change as we will see later, so every time you click on [Menu] from Signal Generator main screen, you actually re-open the last menu you were working with. In this way you save time by not having to navigate through all the menus to go the same place you were before.
Operational Mode menu The menu displays different functional modes available in your Analyzer. Use [Up] and [Down] arrow keys to select the desired mode and click on [Enter] to activate it immediately. RF Generator mode is the default mode, this is used for carrier CW signals Frequency Sweep allows iterative hops over Start Frequency and Stop Frequency defined by a Step Frequency and a Step delay. Amplitude Sweep allows iterative amplitude change at CW frequency.
Battery includes details on internal battery charge level, and assist you on charging the unit when connected to USB. For more details read section Charging the internal battery in page 38. About displays information about installed firmware and versioning. Use any key to get out of this screen.
Frequency Menu CW Freq: CW frequency selected for transmission in MHZ Freq Step: Frequency step in MHZ used in Frequency Sweep mode and when using LEFT-RIGHT button increments in CW mode.
Power Menu (Combo model) The RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo model is able to specify output power signal with 0.25dB resolution. Values are selectable from -60 dBm to +15 dBm, but only -40 dBm to +10 dBm are calibrated as per description in section below. A future firmware upgrade will show calibration information more explicitly. CW Power: Power level used for Generator CW mode and Frequency Sweep mode.
The calibrated range accuracy is described in next table. Uncalibrated or out-of-range power levels are described as “n/a”. In these ranges the device can be used but output power level may not be accurate. RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo – output power accuracy Frequency range (MHz) Power range (dBm) Typical Accuracy (dB) Worst case Accuracy (dB) -40 to 0 ±2 ±5 0 to +10 n/a n/a -40 to 0 ±1 ±2.5 0 to +10 n/a n/a -40 to -10 ±1 ±2.5 -10 to +10 ±1.5 ±3.
Power Menu (baseline model) The baseline model has limited power levels available when compared to the Combo model. CW Power: Power level used for Generator CW mode and Frequency Sweep mode. Start Power: Lower power level for Amplitude Sweep Stop Power: Higher power level for Amplitude Sweep Power Steps: number of steps used in Amplitude Sweep, automatically calculated based on Start/Stop power settings.
The delivered power levels have a linear response up to about 2GHz, for higher frequencies there are some roll off and power becomes predictable but not constant. The unit is fully calibrated and includes an internal amplitude calibration table to allow accurate power normalization and measurement done in Tracking mode. The exact power level available on each frequency point is available on screen, as well as in the RF Explorer for Windows application.
Configuration Menu Backlight: Several levels of display backlight. RF Explorer has good visibility indoor and outdoor, including direct sunlight. The level of backlight should be the appropriate for each condition, and you may want to limit backlight brightness to preserve battery capacity. Contrast: There are 10 different display contrast levels to choose from. USB Bauds: Default is 500Kbps, which is also the recommended setting.
Frequency Sweep mode The RF Explorer Signal Generator Frequency Sweep mode allows iterative hops over Start Frequency and Stop Frequency defined by a Step Frequency and a Step delay. Signal Generator RFE6GEN baseline model offers power levels limited to 8 values, whereas Combo model offers advanced power selection with 0.25dB resolution, as described in Power Menu (Combo model) section. Power screens below are depicted for RFE6GEN baseline model but are equivalent for Combo model.
FM modulation RF Explorer Signal Generator RFE6GEN does not directly create FM or AM modulation signals, but can be easily used to produce low rate modulation including SINAD signals using Frequency Sweep. For a FM modulation of 1 KHz tone typically used for SINAD, proceed as follows: Select the Start Frequency the value you need (e.g. 2.000000GHz) Select the Stop Frequency the FM deviation you need. For instance, for a 5KHz deviation, set exactly 5KHz above (e.g. 2.
Amplitude Sweep Mode The RF Explorer Signal Generator Amplitude Sweep allows iterative amplitude change at CW frequency using Step delay. Signal Generator RFE6GEN baseline model offers power levels limited to 8 values, whereas Combo model offers advanced power selection with 0.25dB resolution, as described in Power Menu (Combo model) section. Power screens below are depicted for RFE6GEN baseline model but are equivalent for Combo model. To start the Amplitude Sweep, press ENTER key.
RF Explorer Signal Generator User Manual page 29
Tracking with Scalar Network Analyzer An advanced functionality available when combining RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer and RF Explorer Signal Generator is to enable Tracking SNA (Scalar Network Analyzer) to efficiently characterize RF devices and circuits such as Filters and Amplifiers.
Measure Directivity of Directional Couplers link This tutorial walks through different directional coupler options and how to select the best, cost efficient one for the return loss measurement you need RF Explorer Signal Generator User Manual page 31
Harmonics filtering Harmonics are integer multiple frequencies of the main CW output frequency, and is a common sub-product of RF circuits of all kinds. In some cases, the harmonics are intended useful output signal but, in most cases, they are undesired and can cause intermodulation and false output reading in Spectrum Analyzers. RF Explorer Signal Generator RFE6GEN baseline includes no internal harmonic filtering, and is intended for use in Tracking SNA and other purposes where harmonics are not an issue.
Example output signal including harmonics from a 25MHz CW signal in Combo filtered model with significant improvement over baseline model. When these results at 25MHz are translated to the time domain the difference between the squarish output signal from the RFE6GEN baseline model (in blue below) and the sine from the Combo model (in red below) are easily identified in a high-speed oscilloscope.
An example at CW 100MHz shows dramatic reduction of 2nd and 3rd harmonics: Image above: 100MHz 2nd (-40dBc) and 3rd (-10dBc) Harmonic using baseline RFE6GEN model Image above: 100MHz 2nd and 3rd Harmonic using filtered Combo model.
The power and frequency ranges below define the efficiency of the harmonic filtering implemented in the RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo model. These values are measured at reference output signal at -20dBm, measuring all harmonics order #2 - #10, as this is representative of worst-case scenario. RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo – Harmonics filtering Frequency range (MHz) Best case (dBc) Typical (dBc) Worst case (dBc) 0.1 – 0.5 -42 -40 -20 0.
Example of specific -30dBm harmonics measurement at 1GHz and 240MHz below.
Spurious and Phase Noise RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo uses a low noise signal source and low noise independent voltage regulators to provide a reduced phase noise output signal. Below table shows typical values measured at -20dBm output power. These values can slightly increase or decrease at different power levels. CW Frequency Phase Noise @ 1KHz Phase Noise @ 100KHz Phase Noise @ 1MHz 2MHz -93 dBc/Hz -105 dBc/Hz -122 dBc/Hz 1GHz -96 dBc/Hz -108 dBc/Hz -128 dBc/Hz 5.
RF Explorer internal battery The internal battery is a high capacity Lithium-ion polymer 1000mAh. This is the same battery technology used in cell phones and modern laptops and tablet computers. The power switch is a true hard switch connecting the battery in ON position, fully isolating the battery in the OFF position.
RF Explorer may draw up to 500mA according to USB standard, and may take up to 3hs max to charge a fully discharged battery in normal conditions. We recommend the first time to be charged for up to 8hs. It is ok having the battery connected forever to the USB port, the internal charger will stop and start the charge when needed. If your USB port is unpowered it may not be capable of delivering more than 100mA; the battery may not be charged at all.
At this point you can close this screen pressing ENTER or RETURN. If you keep it active for more than 15 seconds, it automatically sets the device in SLEEP MODE - all internal circuits and LCD backlight go off, except for charging and minimal CPU monitoring - This is the recommended procedure to charge the device overnight. Note: for the sake of clarity, below black/white screen images are depicted when LCD backlight is OFF.
capacity to be consistent with the battery icon on screen, you can easily recalibrate after the charge process completed. In the previous example screen, if the battery charge remains at 99% (or any other level) after the internal charger timer completes 3hs charge process, it will keep asking to DISCONNECT USB. By doing so, the firmware adjusts for a few seconds the new charge level and save in internal ROM for future use.
Expansion Modules RF Explorer Signal Generator includes an internal expansion port to enhance the RF power capabilities and frequency coverage of the main unit with RF Explorer Signal Generator compatible Expansion Modules. Note: Spectrum Analyzer modules cannot be connected to the Signal Generator, they are incompatibles and have a changed gender connector to avoid any change of connecting incompatible modules. RF Explorer Signal Generator Expansion is an advanced expansion board.
Protecting your instrument from damage Please protect the RF port from static discharge. This is ESD1 sensitive device. The RF output port is DC decoupled and can sustain up to 25V DC external voltage. 1 http://en.wikipedia.
RF Explorer Holder This is a great accessory for the RF Explorer Signal Generator, a high-quality stand / holder for the desk while USB cable is connected. The holder is made of robust laser cut blue acrylic and has provisioned room for a USB cable to connect to a PC. The USB cable can be connected from behind the holder or any of the two lateral large holes on each side. They're even large enough for bulky USB cables with ferrite beads.
RF Explorer accessories RF Explorer uses standard SMA quality connectors. By using adapters, you can connect RF Explorer to any RF device or antenna. You can buy SMA adapters and devices on any RF shop, but sometimes is difficult to find what you need and have the certainty the connector you are ordering is the right one. Therefore, we have included a selection of quality connectors, adapters and RF devices that are fully compatible with RF Explorer.
RF Adapter RP-SMA Jack to SMA Plug straight-long version Some WiFi antennas and cables are designed for RP-SMA (reverse polarity SMA) and cannot be connected to a standard SMA plug. RP-SMA is a variation of the SMA connector specification which reverses the gender of the interface. The reason for that was a decision made by FCC in order to prevent end-users from manipulating certified WiFi devices at home, using other available SMA antennas.
SMA connection cables RF cables are an important tool required to directly connect your Spectrum Analyzer to another device (such as a RF transmitter or an antenna) or with a Signal Generator for tracking. Cables add attenuation to your measurement and, if not correctly connected or if the cable is low quality, it may largely invalidate any measurement.
50cm length - SMA male to SMA female RF pigtail Coaxial Cable RG316 RF cables are required when connecting RF Explorer to other instruments or devices. This 50cm cable is good for any frequency up to 3GHz, and can fit RF Explorer with any external SMA-male device or antenna. If you need extra length for your connection, you can easily daisy chain two or more of these cables in series.
Attenuators SMA attenuators are used to reduce the input power, and therefore enable RF Explorer Spectrum Analyzer to measure stronger signals, or in a Signal Generator to accurately reduce the output power. It is also used to protect the input SMA port of RF Explorer when unknown strong signals may be in the environment, so you can use this attenuator on demand. You can easily unplug the attenuator when measurement is for weak signals. You can also combine multiple attenuators to get additional values.
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 10dB This precision attenuator can measure up to 6GHz frequency range with high amplitude accuracy. Use OffsetDB: +010 when connected to this attenuator. 6GHz SMA Attenuator - 30dB This precision attenuator can measure up to 6GHz frequency range with high amplitude accuracy. Use OffsetDB: +030 when connected to this attenuator.
SMA Male/Female Adaptor All RF connectors wear with use. The RF Explorer SMA ports are subject to minimal wear each time the connector interface is coupled and decoupled with an antenna, a SMA Cable, an attenuator or a RF device of any kind. If you repeat plug/unplug operations over the RF Explorer SMA port hundreds of times, the SMA port may underperform over time and exhibit undesired attenuation.
Connecting RF Explorer to a computer RF Explorer device can be connected to a computer (Windows, Linux, Mac and Android) for additional capabilities, including higher resolution screen, additional features and programmability. For free, open source RF Explorer for Windows tool, please check this link: www.rf-explorer.com/windows For additional software options developed by a growing list of 3rd party companies, please check this link: www.rf-explorer.
Specifications For a complete list of features and RF Explorer Signal Generator models, expansion boards available, and accessories please check the RF Explorer Model Map online. www.rf-explorer.com/models Acknowledgments This product could not be possible without the SeeedStudio Team who manufacture, test and distribute RF Explorer worldwide. RF Explorer is a reality thanks to the great community behind, always suggesting features and providing useful feedback.
