Continuous Wave (CW) Signal Generators
Description
Continuous Wave (CW) Signal Generators are devices that produce a continuous, unmodulated sinusoidal waveform. These generators are designed to deliver a stable and precise frequency output, which is essential for various testing and measurement applications in engineering and technical fields.
Working Principle
CW Signal Generators operate by generating a continuous sinusoidal waveform at a specific frequency. The core principle involves the use of oscillators that produce a stable frequency output. This continuous wave is advantageous because it minimizes the spread in the transmitted spectrum, reducing radio interference and simplifying microwave preselection and filtering processes. The simplicity of CW signals allows for easy handling of the received waveform, requiring minimal bandwidth in the intermediate frequency (IF) circuitry. This makes CW Signal Generators particularly useful for applications that require precise frequency control and stability.
Applications
CW Signal Generators are widely used in radar systems, particularly in CW radar applications, where they help in the detection and tracking of moving targets by measuring the Doppler effect. They are also employed in testing and characterizing microwave receivers, where precise frequency and amplitude control are crucial. Additionally, CW Signal Generators are used in communication systems for testing purposes, ensuring that components and subsystems operate correctly under specified conditions.
Advantages over other Signal Generators
One of the primary advantages of CW Signal Generators is their ability to handle targets at any range and velocity without velocity ambiguity, a feature that is complex to achieve with pulse Doppler or moving-target indication (MTI) radar systems. The minimal spread in the transmitted spectrum reduces radio interference, making CW Signal Generators more efficient in environments with multiple signal sources. Furthermore, the use of solid-state components allows for a consistent average power output, enhancing the reliability and performance of these generators.
Limitations
CW Signal Generators have limitations, particularly in their inability to measure range directly without modulation. This can be a drawback in applications where range resolution is critical. Additionally, CW systems may require additional filtering to separate signals from close-in clutter, which can complicate the design and increase the cost of the system.
Considerations
When considering CW Signal Generators, it is important to evaluate the initial costs, which can vary based on the complexity and specifications of the generator. Operating expenses are generally low due to the efficiency of solid-state components. Durability and accuracy are typically high, but regular maintenance and calibration may be necessary to ensure optimal performance. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be factored into the overall cost of ownership, as these can impact the long-term viability of the equipment.
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
In order to develop, test and optimize these more complex systems, the measurement technology must exceed the desired system performance. The SSG6000A is designed to provide high performance signal quality that meets the stringent requirements of the latest microwave and millimeter wave testing... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Pulse; Sweep; Signal; RF
- Form Factor: Portable; Fixed (optional feature)
- Device Type: Generator
- Minimum: 0.1000
from Siglent Technologies NA, Inc.
The SSG5083A/SSG5085A microwave signal generators feature output frequency ranges from 9 kHz to 13.6/20 GHz, they support AM & FM & PM modulation, pulse modulation, pulse sequence generator, power meter control and other functions. The SSG5000As include an OCXO reference hardware module that... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Pulse; Sweep; Signal; RF
- Form Factor: Portable; Fixed (optional feature)
- Device Type: Generator
- Minimum: 0.0090
from VIAVI Solutions, Inc.
The AXIe Modular Products set a new standard in performance and function. VIAVI Solutions formerly Cobham/Aeroflex is pleased to announce its new modular line of products based upon the latest AXIe standard. The new Cobham AXIe chassis is the world ’s first to support both the Wide PCI Express... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Fixed
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Full/Half Duplex, List, Leveling, Triggering
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 External clock is based on the SDRlab 122-16 model that is modified to be used with an external clock oscillator, which is important especially for RF applications that operate at other frequencies, require better quality clock or clock synchronization. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 2 to 4
from Teledyne LeCroy
ArbStudio waveform generators meet the needs of today ’s engineers and technicians with uncompromised performance, a wide variety of signal types, modulation schemes and generation modes all controlled through an intuitive, easy to use software interface. Unmatched Performance. ArbStudio... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Triangle/Bump, Arbitrary
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Single, Continuous, Stepped, Sweep, Burst
from Tektronix, Inc.
Tektronix arbitrary waveform generators enable complex signal generation with simple, easy to use tools. The AWG family provides leading-edge performance with sample rates up to 50 GS/s, up to 4 channels, and software packages that simplify the creation of these complex signals. The unparalleled... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Multiple Outputs
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 32
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LMS-402D Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is an affordable, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 Hz frequency step size, configurable linear frequency sweeping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Internal/External Pulse Mode
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SDRlab 122-16 was developed specifically for software-defined radio and more demanding RF applications. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 2 to 4
from Teledyne LeCroy
With 5 basic signal types, and over 40 built-in arbitrary waveforms the WaveStation is a versatile waveform generator. A variety of modulation schemes, intuitive waveform editing software and remote control capabilities, enable versatile waveform generation of waveforms up to 160 MHz. The large... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Pulse; Triangle/Bump, Arbitrary
- Form Factor: Portable; Fixed (optional feature)
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Manual, External, Internal Trigger and Burst
from Tektronix, Inc.
TSG4100A Series RF Vector Signal Generators offer mid-range RF performance and up to 200MHz modulation bandwidth. They allow a convenient, in-field software upgrade to easily transition units from analog to more advanced vector and digital modulation capabilities, providing the most flexible... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Minimum: 0.0
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-402 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Fixed Frequency, Frequency Stepping - Single Sweep, Frequency Stepping - Repeat Sweep
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 2 to 4
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-602 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, energy efficient, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Fixed Frequency, Frequency Stepping - Single Sweep, Frequency Stepping - Repeat Sweep
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
SIGNALlab 250-12 is most sophisticated Red Pitaya product, built for more demanding industrial applications and research, where robustness and performance matter more than cost. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 2 to 4
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-121 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Fixed Frequency, Frequency Stepping - Single Sweep, Frequency Stepping - Repeat Sweep
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 4 Inputs is based on STEMlab 125-14 board, but instead of 2 inputs and 2 output channels offers 4 Input channels that with improved performance. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 4
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-121 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, hand held, lab quality signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control steps. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC or... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Fixed Frequency, Frequency Stepping - Single Sweep, Frequency Stepping - Repeat Sweep
from Red Pitaya, d.o.o.
STEMlab 125-14 is our most versatile and popular product, which was introduced to the market in 2013 when Red Pitaya was established. Since then it has been used in a wide variety of contexts, from hobbyists and ham radio operators to industry, research, and space applications. [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Function; Noise; Pulse; Sweep; Multiple Outputs; Synchronized Multiple Outputs; Signal
- Form Factor: Portable; PCB
- Device Type: Generator
- Inputs: 2 to 4
from Vaunix Technology Corporation
The LSG-152 Lab Brick USB programmable signal generator is a low-cost, portable, lab quality portable signal generator. This unit offers a 100 kHz frequency step size, configurable frequency stepping and 0.5 dB power control. The signal generator is powered and controlled by USB connection to a PC... [See More]
- Generator Type: Continuous Wave; Sweep
- Form Factor: Portable
- Device Type: Generator
- Operating Modes: Fixed Frequency, Frequency Stepping - Single Sweep, Frequency Stepping - Repeat Sweep