Munich, 30 March 2007 — With its new analog R&S SMF100A microwave signal generator, Rohde & Schwarz is setting new standards for single-sideband (SSB) phase noise. A unique SSB phase noise value of -115 dBc (at 10 GHz/10 kHz offset) makes the instrument ideal for a variety of telecommunications and radar applications. In addition, high output power and very short setting times enable flexible applications in production. The R&S SMF100A is designed for a frequency range up to 22 GHz. High throughput and outstanding signal quality are key requirements placed on test equipment in a modern production environment. Rohde & Schwarz is well-known for the short level and frequency setting times of its signal generators. The new R&S SMF100A microwave signal generator also achieves an outstanding value of 4 ms and 3 ms respectively (for frequency and level respectively). Setting times of less than 700 µs can be considerably reduced even further in the list mode. Moreover, the instrument provides output power of typ. +26 dBm without an external amplifier, making it easy to compensate for cable loss and transfer impedance. The signal quality of the R&S SMF100A opens up a variety of applications. For example, it can be used in two-tone-measurements, or as a local oscillator for phase noise measurements. Ultra-pure signals are also essential for many applications in telecommunications, for example, to simulate CW interferers. Adjustable signal quality is an advantage in synthesizer tests. The R&S SMF100A offers a special feature for this case – FM- or PhiM-modulated noise can be added to the signal in order to artificially correct the SSB phase noise of the signal generator downward by the desired value. The new microwave signal generator also excels in ease-of-operation. The settings on the instrument are made via a block diagram, which is unique in this product class. As a result of this graphical user interface and of virtually intuitive menus, operation is very easy. With its standard equipment, the R&S SMF100A can be controlled via a LAN; other interfaces such as USB or GPIB are available as options. The removable data memory ensures that all user data is protected against unauthorized access during calibration and repair, and the instrument thus corresponds to the high security standards in the military sector. The R&S SMF100A is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.