EcoSyn Lite MG36021A 10 MHz to 20 GHz Microwave Frequency Synthesizer Module

Compact 10 MHz to 20 GHz CW microwave frequency synthesizer module with low phase noise, 50 µs list-mode switching and +18 dBm output at 20 GHz.

Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 20 GHz
Frequency Resolution: 0.001 Hz
Frequency Stability: ± 0.3 ppm
Frequency Accuracy: Reference ±5 ppb

Datasheet

Overview

The Anritsu EcoSyn Lite MG36021A is a CW microwave frequency synthesizer module that covers 10 MHz to 20 GHz in a compact form factor. It combines low phase noise, fast frequency switching and high output power in a module intended for integration into systems and test racks.

Typical phase noise is -126 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz carrier and 10 kHz offset, and non-harmonic spurious is -60 dBc maximum. These figures allow the module to serve as a low-jitter clock source for Gbit ADC/DAC testing and in high-speed optical systems. Low phase noise at both close-in and far-out offsets, together with +18 dBm output power at 20 GHz, also suits it for use as a local oscillator for up/down converters in RF/microwave transceivers that use complex, high-order modulation.

Frequency switching time is 50 µs in triggered list mode. Fast switching reduces test time in production and ATE environments and in measurements that step through many frequencies, such as radar cross section (RCS) characterization and antenna testing.

Form factor and control

The module measures 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm x 20.32 mm (4 in x 4 in x 0.8 in), which allows use in space-constrained applications that require an instrumentation-grade CW source. It is powered from a +12 VDC supply and is controlled through USB and SPI interfaces. Standard SCPI commands and QuickSyn native commands are supported, so existing test scripts can be reused for remote control and automation.

Key Features

10 MHz to 20 GHz CW frequency coverage
0.001 Hz frequency resolution
SSB phase noise of -126 dBc/Hz (typical) at 10 GHz and 10 kHz offset
Non-harmonic spurious of -60 dBc (max)
50 µs frequency switching in triggered list mode
+18 dBm output power at 20 GHz
Internal 10 MHz OCXO reference plus external reference input
Amplitude control
Sweep and list modes
Supports industry-standard SCPI commands for reuse of existing test scripts
Supports QuickSyn native commands
USB and SPI control interfaces
Compact 4 in x 4 in x 0.8 in form factor for space-constrained applications
Powered from a +12 VDC source

Specifications

Frequency

Frequency Range	10 MHz to 20 GHz Tested to 21.7 GHz
Frequency Resolution	0.001 Hz
Frequency Stability	± 0.3 ppm
Frequency Accuracy	Reference ±5 ppb
Frequency Switching Time	50 μs (triggered list mode) Full band step to ±5 ppm of final frequency
Frequency Switching Time (SPI)	500 μs (individual SPI commands) Full band step to ±5 ppm of final frequency
List Mode	64,000 points

Internal Reference

Internal Reference	10 MHz, OCXO
Output Frequency	10 MHz nominal
Output Power	+5 dBm ± 2 dBm Web page lists Reference Output Power as 5 dBm ± 2 dB
Reference Mute	–60 dBm max
Frequency Temp. Stability	± 0.3 ppm
Aging	± 0.5 ppm / year Calibration command is available
Locking Range	± 2 ppm
Output Impedance	50 Ω nominal

External Reference

Input Frequency	10 MHz
Input Power	+5 dBm ± 10 dBm
Absolute Max. Input Level	+15 dBm
Input Impedance	50 Ω nominal

Power

Output Power, 10 MHz to < 50 MHz	+15 dBm
Output Power, 50 MHz to < 3.7 GHz	+20 dBm
Output Power, 3.7 GHz to 20 GHz	+18 dBm Web page: Max Output Power +18 dBm at 20 GHz
Power Control Range	> 20 dB
Level Accuracy	±1.5 dB
Resolution	±0.5 dB
RF Output On/Off Ratio	> 60 dB min, > 75 dB typical
Output Return Loss	10 dB nominal
VSWR	1.9 (nominal)

Spectral Purity

Harmonics	–10 dBc nominal Measured at +10 dBm
Non-Harmonic Spurious	–60 dBc max Measured at +10 dBm
SSB Phase Noise (headline)	-126 dBc/Hz (typical) at 10 GHz and 10 kHz offset Quick Fact Sheet prose states –124 dBc/Hz (typical); datasheet table gives –126 typ
Phase Noise, 100 Hz offset	0.1 GHz: –134 typ / –131 max; 1 GHz: –116 typ / –113 max; 5 GHz: –101 typ / –98 max; 10 GHz: –95 typ / –92 max; 20 GHz: –89 typ / –86 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Phase Noise, 1 kHz offset	0.1 GHz: –142 typ / –139 max; 1 GHz: –137 typ / –134 max; 5 GHz: –124 typ / –121 max; 10 GHz: –118 typ / –115 max; 20 GHz: –112 typ / –109 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Phase Noise, 10 kHz offset	0.1 GHz: –151 typ / –148 max; 1 GHz: –143 typ / –140 max; 5 GHz: –132 typ / –129 max; 10 GHz: –126 typ / –123 max; 20 GHz: –120 typ / –117 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Phase Noise, 100 kHz offset	0.1 GHz: –156 typ / –153 max; 1 GHz: –144 typ / –141 max; 5 GHz: –134 typ / –131 max; 10 GHz: –128 typ / –125 max; 20 GHz: –121 typ / –118 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Phase Noise, 1 MHz offset	0.1 GHz: –156 typ / –153 max; 1 GHz: –142 typ / –139 max; 5 GHz: –132 typ / –129 max; 10 GHz: –126 typ / –123 max; 20 GHz: –120 typ / –117 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Phase Noise, 10 MHz offset	0.1 GHz: –158 typ / –155 max; 1 GHz: –151 typ / –148 max; 5 GHz: –145 typ / –142 max; 10 GHz: –139 typ / –136 max; 20 GHz: –133 typ / –130 max dBc/Hz; measured at +10 dBm
Frequency Jitter @ 100 MHz	14.24 fs RMS jitter, BW from 50 Hz to 15 KHz
Frequency Jitter @ 1 GHz	6.20 fs RMS jitter, BW from 50 Hz to 15 KHz
Frequency Jitter @ 5 GHz	6.04 fs RMS jitter, BW from 50 Hz to 15 KHz
Frequency Jitter @ 10 GHz	5.98 fs RMS jitter, BW from 50 Hz to 15 KHz
Frequency Jitter @ 20 GHz	5.98 fs RMS jitter, BW from 50 Hz to 15 KHz

Connectors

RF OUT	SMA(f)
REF OUT	SMA(f)
REF IN	SMA(f)
SPI	14 pin, 1.27 mm spaced double-row header Anritsu recommends Samtec manufactured mating socket assembly 07-28-G-03.25-DL-NDX series
USB	USB-C receptacle (USB 2.0) Provides access to serial communication, used for firmware updates and remote interfaces
12 V OUT	2 pin header. Provides power for external 12 V fan. 500 mA max.

Remote Interface

Functionality	Full instrument programming control (except power on/off)
Programming Language	Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI), QuickSyn® Native Commands
Interfaces	14-pin SPI header
SPI Maximum Clock Frequency (FCLK)	≤ 12 MHz
SPI Minimum Clock High / Low Time (TCH / TCL)	> 40 ns
SPI Select Low Before First Clock (TSC)	> 25 ns
SPI Clock Low Before Secondary Select High (TCS)	> 25 ns
SPI Data Stable Before Rising Clock Edge (TSU)	> 15 ns

Electrical

Supply Voltage	+12 VDC ± 5%
Absolute Max. Supply Voltage	+15 VDC
Power Consumption	15 W nominal

Environmental

Environmental	MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2/3
Operating Temperature	0 ˚C to +50 ˚C (operating) Adequate heat sinking must be provided in order to prevent permanent damage
Non-operating Temperature	–40 ˚C to +70 ˚C (non-operating)
Warm-up Time	30 minutes

Regulatory Compliance

European Union EMC	2014/30/EU, EN 61326-1:2013, CISPR-11/EN 55011, IEC/EN 61000-4-2/3/4/5/6/8/11
Low Voltage Directive	2014/35/EU
Safety	EN 61010-1:2010
RoHS Directive	2011/65/EU & 2015/683 EU Declaration of Conformity lists 2011/65/EU + 2015/863
Australia and New Zealand	RCM AS/NZS 4417:2012
South Korea	R-R-A2J-1017
Canada	ICES-1(A)/NMB-1(A)

Physical

Size	101.6 mm x 101.6 mm x 20.32 mm (4 in x 4 in x 0.8 in)
Weight	0.38 kg (0.84 lb)
Warranty	One-year warranty

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

Production testing of RF/mmWave components and subsystems
Antenna measurements
Radar cross section (RCS) measurements
Portable signal source for quick functional testing
LO source for up/down converters
Low-jitter clock source for Gbit ADC/DAC testing
Clock source in high-speed optical systems
CW source in RF/microwave subsystems requiring fast switching
CW source in ATE racks
Mil/Aero embedded solutions

Included

40-187-R AC/DC Power Supply, 1 m, 12 V output cable
2100-43-R Development Cable
2000-1859-R USB 3.0 Type-C to Type-A Cable, 1 m

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
MG36021A-0098	Standard Calibration to ISO17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, includes calibration certificate
2000-2180-R	Cooling Assembly Kit — Optional accessory