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The PicoSource™ AS108 Agile Synthesizer is designed to meet the needs of both benchtop and integrated module applications. Its broad 300 kHz to 8 GHz frequency range, fast settling and programmable phase, frequency and amplitude match it to a wide range of applications, with the added advantages of low cost, small footprint and 12 to 15 V power requirement.
The AS108 has professional-grade performance that is effective in both static and parameter- agile applications, making it a bench or field instrument for developers, scientists, educators, students, and service and installation technicians. Its speed, external clock referencing, trigger capabilities and user programmable power-up mode all suit it to system integrations such as automated test, unmanned installations and multi-signal stimulus
The AS108 is a full-function USB controlled vector (IQ) modulating signal synthesizer. It is supplied with a clean, easy and efficient user interface for controlling its amplitude, frequency and phase agility; including modulations, sweeps, hopping and list modes from Microsoft Windows. Multiple synthesizers can be controlled from multiple instances of the software running on a single controlling PC or device. Remote control is also possible using the API included
The PicoSynth 2 software presents a clean, efficient, touchscreen compatible user interface for direct and convenient access to synthesis parameters. These can be typed, scrolled or stepped by a configurable increment value, in a selectable unit of measure such as dBm, mW, V RMS, V pk-pk or degrees &dradians. Its flexibility matches or exceeds that of the traditional control panel of a benchtop synthesizer. The controls are presented in three independent parameter tabs, each of which holds separate settings for convenient switching of functionality:
Frequency; level; phase; frequency and level; phase and level
Discrete sweep or list points
2 to 10 001 (or 2 to 1750 points when saving power-up settings to device)
Hop is a special case of sweep with only two points.
Frequency stepping dwell time
27 to 65 500 µs (or 27 µs to 1750 µs when saving power-up settings to device)
Excepting any step exceeding ±2.2 GHz to or from the frequency band 7.0 GHz to 8.0 GHz, minimum dwell 100 µs.
Modulation
Parameter
Applicable range and values
Condition
Frequency range internal sine source
10 Hz to 5 kHz
Internal modulation sample rate
37 kS/s
Sampled sideband spurs are generated at 37 kHz offset. At 1 kHz modulation typically < -30 dB relative to sidebands.
Frequency resolution and accuracy
1 Hz resolution ± 0.1% accuracy
AM depth range
For carrier at 0 dBm
5% minimum
90% maximum
0 dBm to 9 dBm
5% minimum
50% maximum
FM deviation
2% carrier frequency or 200 kHz maximum
PM deviation
±180°
External modulation input bandwidth
DC coupled to 10 kHz
External modulation input sampling
AM: 125 kS/s FM/PM: 89 kS/s at 12-bit resolution
Sampled sideband spurs are generated at 125 / 89 kHz offset. At 1 kHz modulation typically < -50 dB relative to sidebands.
External modulation input sensitivity
BNC(f) 600 Ω
±1 V pk typical
for selected depth or deviation
External modulation input protection
±5 V DC + AC pk
Synchronization I/O
Internal 10 MHz reference output
BNC(f) 50 Ω
−3 dBm minimum
0 dBm typical
Into 50 Ω
External reference input
BNC(f) 50 Ω
−6 dBm sensitivity
6 dBm maximum
External reference lock range
±5 ppm
Trigger input threshold voltage
BNC(f) 1 kΩ
0.5 V minimum
2.6 V maximum
Trigger output logic levels
BNC(f)
Low 0.5 V maximum
High 3.6 V minimum
Low 0.2 V maximum
High 1.2 V minimum
Into 1 kΩ Into 50 Ω
Trigger output rise and fall times
40 ns maximum
Into 50 Ω
Trigger in to trigger out delay
0.5 ± 0.1 µs
Gives a lead of 17.5 µs to frequency / phase step, 37.5 µs to a level step.
Trigger out to triggered event delay
17.5 µs typical
Frequency or phase step
37.5 µs typical
Level step
Dwell period holds off (prevents receipt of) a further trigger.
Trigger input protection
±10 V DC + AC peak
Trigger output protection
±4 V DC + AC peak
Reference I/O protection
4 V AC p-p ±15 V DC
General
Standard conditions are ambient temperature between 15°C and 30°C, 20 minutes after power-up.
Miscellaneous and environmental specifications
Power requirements
+12 V to +15 V DC, 12 W, 2.1 mm jack, centre pin positive
Control interface
USB 2.0
Dimensions
W 173 mm x L 232 mm x H 56 mm
Excluding connectors
Weight
1.78 kg
Operating environment
+5°C to +40°C, 80% RH non-condensing, Pollution Degree 2
Storage environment
−20°C to +50°C, 80% RH non-condensing, Pollution Degree 2
Vibration tolerance
0.5 g
5 Hz to 300 Hz
Safety
Declared conforming to: EN61010-1:2010 and EN61010-2-030:2010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use, general requirements and for testing and measuring circuits.
EMC
Declared conforming to: EN61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements. Group 1, Class B. (Emissions) EN61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements. Basic Environment. (Immunity) EN61326-2-1:2013 Part 2-1: Test configurations, operational conditions and performance criteria for sensitive test and measurement equipment for unprotected applications. CFR 47 Code of Federal Regulations FCC: part 15 Subpart B – Frequency devices – unintentional radiators. Radiated emissions standard. Class A.
