RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo 100kHz-6GHz

RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo (100 kHz to 6 GHz) - Australian Local Stock

The RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo is a major advancement over baseline RF signal generators, incorporating active harmonic filtering, high performance output amplifiers, and precise amplitude adjustment across an ultra-wide frequency range from 100 kHz to 6 GHz without gaps. Unlike basic unfiltered generators that output square wave signals heavy in unwanted harmonics, the Signal Generator Combo delivers a clean, filtered sinusoidal wave essential for accurate radio frequency testing, receiver alignment, and component characterisation. Enclosed in a rugged, pocket-sized solid aluminium chassis, this portable generator operates as a standalone Continuous Wave (CW) signal generator, a frequency sweep generator, or a tracking generator when paired with an RF Explorer Spectrum Analyser.

Designed for both field technicians and laboratory environments, this instrument provides versatile signal output capabilities for evaluating RF circuits and components. When connected to a PC via USB, free cross-platform software enables automated frequency sweeps, custom power level sequences, and tracking generator operations. When operated alongside a spectrum analyser, it forms a full Scalar Network Analyser (SNA) system, allowing engineers to measure the amplitude response, transmission loss, and bandwidth of filters, cables, attenuators, and amplifiers in real time.

Applications & Practical Uses:

• Scalar Network Analysis (SNA): Functions as a tracking generator when paired with an RF Explorer Spectrum Analyser, enabling real-time visual characterisation of 2-port RF devices including filters, duplexers, and splitters.
• RF Filter & Component Testing: Precisely measures insertion loss, pass-band ripple, stop-band rejection, and 3 dB cut-off points across low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters.
• Cable & Attenuation Loss Measurement: Evaluates coaxial cable signal loss across long cable runs and tests physical RF attenuators, switches, and couplers across the full 6 GHz spectrum.
• Receiver Front-End Calibration & Alignment: Injects clean, calibrated reference tones into radio receivers, transceivers, and telemetry equipment to align local oscillators and test input sensitivity across HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave frequencies.
• Amplifier Testing & Gain Characterisation: Supplies controlled signal levels to low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and power amplifiers to evaluate gain, frequency response, and output linearity.
• EMC Immunity & Shielding Pre-Testing: Generates localised RF fields to evaluate electromagnetic shielding effectiveness on circuit boards, electronic enclosures, and cabling prior to formal compliance testing.

Key Features:

• Ultra-Wide Frequency Range: Continuous coverage from 100 kHz to 6000 MHz with no frequency gaps.
• Harmonic Filtering: Integrated low pass filtering delivers clean sinusoidal output signals with significantly reduced harmonic distortion.
• Precise Amplitude Adjustment: Fine power control with 0.25 dB resolution across the calibrated output range.
• High Output Power: High-performance internal amplifier delivering up to +18 dBm output power.
• Internal Rechargeable Battery: Integrated high capacity LiPo battery providing 10+ hours of continuous runtime, rechargeable via standard USB.
• Rugged Enclosure: Pocket-sized, lightweight design built with a durable solid aluminium metal housing.
• Comprehensive Software Suite: Includes free RF Explorer for Windows software for CW control, frequency sweeps, and Tracking Scalar Network Analyser (SNA) functionality.
• Open Source API: Automation libraries available in Python and .NET with a free USB API for custom software integration.
• Free Firmware Updates: Lifetime free firmware upgrades with ongoing community-requested feature enhancements.

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 6000 MHz (100 kHz - 6 GHz)
• Calibrated Amplitude Range: -40 to +10 dBm
• Uncalibrated Extended Amplitude Range: -60 to +18 dBm
• Amplitude Resolution: 0.25 dB step size over calibrated range
• Amplitude Accuracy: ±2 dB (typical across most frequency and power ranges)
• Frequency Step / Resolution: 1 kHz
• Frequency Stability: 0.5 ppm
• Temperature Compensation: 0 to 45 °C operating range
• RF Output Impedance: 50 Ohms (Standard SMA female connector)
• Spurious Output: Internal fractional PLL configuration (typically -50 dBc or less)
• Harmonics: Typical values of -40 dBc for 2nd harmonic, -50 dBc for 3rd and higher harmonics
• Measurement Switch Speed: Less than 10 ms
• Display: 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight for indoor and high contrast outdoor visibility
• Compliance: CE / FCC / RoHS compliant

Functional Operating Modes:

• CW Signal Generator: Continuous wave signal generation at any user-defined frequency from 100 kHz to 6 GHz.
• Tracking Generator: Works in combination with an RF Explorer Spectrum Analyser on the same PC to perform Scalar Network Analysis (SNA) for measuring filters, cables, and amplifiers.
• Sweep Generator: Automated frequency sweeping between designated start and stop frequencies with configurable step resolution and speed.

Suggested Uses & Applications:

• Field testing, antenna tuning, and wireless signal path debugging across VHF, UHF, cellular, and Wi-Fi bands.
• Scalar Network Analyser (SNA) tracking generator setup for characterising RF filters, attenuators, and coaxial cables.
• General purpose laboratory RF signal source for EMC pre-compliance testing and educational experimentation.

Getting Started & Battery Charging Tips:

• Initial Battery Charge: Fully charge the internal LiPo battery before initial field use. Units are shipped with a partial storage charge to preserve battery shelf life. Never charge the device unattended.
• Power Switch Requirement: The device automatically powers on when connected via USB, but the internal battery will only charge when the physical battery power switch is set to the "ON" position.
• Software & Driver Downloads: Access manuals, firmware, and software directly from the RF Explorer download area.

Important System Caveats:

• Spur Thresholds: Internal fractional synthesis architecture may create minor spurs (typically -50 dBc or lower) at specific frequency combinations.
• Calibrated vs Extended Range: Output settings between -40 dBm and +10 dBm are factory calibrated. Output power levels above +10 dBm (up to +18 dBm) or below -40 dBm (down to -60 dBm) operate in uncalibrated extended mode.

Signal Generation Comparison:

Comparison between RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo filtered sinusoidal output (red) and standard unfiltered RFE6GEN output (blue).