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TSG4100A RF Signal Generator
TSG4100A Series RF Signal Generator offer mid-range RF performance and up to 200MHz super wide modulation bandwidth at an entry-level RF signal generator price. The convenient in-field software upgrade allows engineers to easily transition units from analog to more advanced vector and digital modulation capabilities, providing the most flexible configuration and best CAPEX protection.
Add an RF Signal Generator to your bench
TSG4100A Series complements other leading mid-range RF test solutions from Tektronix, such as the USB-based RSA306 Spectrum Analyzer, 3 Series MDO Mixed Domain Oscilloscope, 4 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope, and the 5 Series MSO Mixed Domain Oscilloscope.
RF Signal Generator for Analog and Digital Applications
The TSG4100A Series RF Signal Generators accommodate both analog and more advanced vector and digital modulation capabilities at an extremely low cost. Engineers can easily transition from analog to vector signals, providing the most flexible configuration and best CAPEX protection. These RF signal generators have built-in support for the most common vector modulation schemes, including ASK, QPSK, DQPSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8PSK, FSK, CPM, QAM (4 to 256), 8VSB, and 16VSB.
RF Signal Generator with an Internal Bandwidth up to 6MHz
With an innovative architecture for I/Q modulation, the user-friendly TSG4100A Series provides quick waveform generation and supports the playback of pure digital data. The instruments automatically map digital symbols into a selected I/Q constellation at symbol rates of up to 6 MHz and passes the result through the selected pulse shaping filter to generate a final waveform updated in real time at 125 MHz. This baseband signal is then modulated onto an RF carrier using standard IQ modulation techniques.
Superior OCXO Time-base with the RF Signal Generator
The TSG4100A Series instruments use an oven-controlled SC-cut oscillator time-base, providing a 100x improvement in stability (<±0.002ppm) and a 100x reduction in the in-close phase noise compared to instruments that use a TCXO time-base. It also allows for superior aging (<±0.05ppm) for R&D applications.
Captured RF Signal Playback on the TSG4100A RF Signal Generator using the AFG31000
TSG4100A RF Signal Generators have an option for using external IQ signals, which can provide >200MHz of RF modulation bandwidth for carrier frequencies above 400MHz. Learn how to use the RF signal captured using an RSA, along with the SourceXpress application to format the baseband IQ signals, and then how-to setup the AFG31000 Arbitrary Function Generator to drive the IQ inputs on the TSG.
Captured RF Signal Playback on the TSG4100A using the AFG31000Conducting Receiver Sensitivity Testing with an RF Signal Generator
With our increased reliance on wireless communication, it’s essential that wireless receivers are able to decode data correctly. Learn how to conduct various receiver sensitivity tests using the TSG4100, including receiver sensitivity test with and without interference as well as a receiver blocking performance test.
RF Signal Generator FAQs
What is an RF signal generator used for?
A radio frequency (RF) signal generator is used to create continuous radio frequency signals with known characteristics to test the design of circuits, primarily those in communication equipment. An RF signal generator doesn’t make any measurements itself, it simply sets up the right conditions for other instruments to measure the device under test.
What are the types of signal generators?
There are many types of signal generators, including function generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and vector signal generators.
What’s the difference between signal generators and function generators?
A signal generator is any device that creates electronic signals. A vector signal generator specializes in creating RF signals with analog and digital modulation schemes in formats such as QAM, QPSK, FSK, BPSK, and OFDM. Vector signal generators are commonly used for receiver sensitivity testing.
A function generator has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it can play. The operator can change the parameters of a waveform, such as how fast it’s played, the amplitude and offset, or add basic distortion or modulation.