Robert
Yarbrough, an independent consulting RF engineer, sent me information
on a nice compact, inexpensive,
wideband RF signal generator that he has developed. Joining what
has become a very extensive array of USB-powered test instruments -
signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum
analyzers, software defined radios, etc. - from various vendors, the
TPI Synthesizer generates high spectral purity signals ranging from
35 MHz to 4.4 GHz with programmable output power levels from
-55 to +10 dBm. Sweeping can be set for both frequency and power
for testing both frequency and amplitude responses of passive and active
devices. The unit can be locked to a 10 MHz external reference
and it also has a buffered 10 MHz output for locking other devices
to the synthesizer. Executable user interface software runs under Windows,
and was developed for LabView and Tickle platforms. At a price of
only $330, this synthesizer is well within
the budgets of many experimenters and hobbyists, and can supplement
the research and development laboratory equipment of professional and
academic institutions. Extensive hardware and software descriptions
are available on the
TPI Wideband Signal Generator website. For amateur radio
enthusiasts, Morse Code and beacon software modules are available.
BTW,
the logo in the document is a photo of the Project Trinity nuclear explosion,
not a single scoop of ice cream ;-) I get quite a few
requests for consultant referrals. If you are in need of assistance,
you might consider talking to Robert. From Robert's homepage:
Robert Yarbrough founded
RF-Consultant.com in March 2003. The facility is located in Austin,
Texas. Mr. Yarbrough has been serving the wireless community for
20 years in various RF technologies and has worked for industry leaders
such as Boeing and most recently 3Com Corporation. Robert has extensive
experience in both the military sector and the commercial end of the
wireless business. Robert has been involved with every aspect
of product development to include:
- Project Management
- Project Development
- Circuit Design (Schematics, Bill of materials)
- Industrial Design
- Prototype Builds
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- First article Builds
- Beta Builds
- FCC and other certifications
- Manufacturing Set up
- Wireless Engineering
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Posted January 20,
2014
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