RF source calibrates high-accuracy analysers

The Fluke 9640A-LPN (low phase noise) RF reference source is a higher-performance synthesiser designed to simplify RF calibration of the most demanding spectrum analysers and improve calibration laboratory productivity for even more demanding workload coverage.

The phase noise specification of the Fluke 9640A-LPN is designed around maintaining adequate calibration margin capable of verifying the most demanding spectrum analysers, including the Agilent PSA series and Rohde and Schwarz FSU Series, in a single instrument.

Previous systems typically used two or more signal generators to cover close-in and far-out measurements, or simply did not have the necessary test accuracy ratio.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN reference source joins the Fluke 9640A in delivering level precision, dynamic range and 4GHz frequency capability in a single instrument.

They can be used to calibrate a broad range of RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, modulation meters and analysers, RF power meters and sensors, measurement receivers, frequency counters and attenuators.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN and the Fluke 9640A are supported by a range of common RF workload procedures within the Fluke MET/CAL Plus calibration measurement software, allowing quick automation of the calibration process while simplifying the documentation requirements for quality standards and tracking assets.

The Fluke 9640A series instruments are designed to replace popular but now discontinued synthesisers.

The Fluke 9640A matches or exceeds performance of the HP 3335A synthesiser/level generator, and the Fluke 9640A-LPN matches or exceeds the phase noise performance of the HP 8662A or HP 8663A synthesisers.

Typical phase noise at 1GHz for the 9640A is 10kHz offset -122dBc/Hz, 1MHz offset -130dBc/Hz.

For the 9640A-LPN, it is 10kHz offset -138dBc/Hz, 1MHz offset -152dBc/Hz.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN features integrated signal levelling and attenuation within its precision levelling head, eliminating the need for characterisation using a separate power meter and step attenuators, which is time consuming and difficult to automate.

The levelling head delivers signals directly to the unit under test (UUT), maintaining signal precision and noise immunity throughout a +24 to -130dBm dynamic range to minimise losses, noise and mismatch errors and to maintain the calibrated integrity of the signal.

The Fluke 9640A comes with a 50ohm levelling head and has an option to add a 75ohm head, which extends the instrument's capability to calibrate workload with 50 and 75ohm inputs, a unique characteristic in modern signal sources.

Designed to simplify calibration laboratory applications, the Fluke 9640A features dedicated function keys, context-sensitive softkeys and a bright colour display.

Users can set a level or frequency step size and deviate the output to match specified target values while displaying the calculated UUT error for calibration certificate documentation.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN RF reference source is available now from Fluke Precision Measurement distributors.