Munich, July 25, 2007 — When you are in the market for a signal source, high signal quality, wide flexibility, and low operating costs are also primary considerations in the mid-range class. Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S SMB100A to meet specifically these requirements: With its low SSB phase noise of typ. -128 dBc and its worldwide unique output level of > +18 dBm across a wide frequency range (1 MHz to 6 GHz), the new signal generator is setting standards. The fact that users can perform maintenance on the instrument themselves also increases availability and reduces operating costs. The instrument's low weight (5.3 kg), compact design, and favorable price/performance ratio complement the concept. As an RF source with a frequency range of 9 kHz to 6 GHz, the R&S SMB100A covers all important frequency bands for RF applications. The conventional analog AM/FM and PhiM modulation modes as well as frequency sweep, level sweep, and LF sweep are also available as standard. In production, the R&S SMB100A excels with high level accuracy and level repeatability. Its short switchover times for frequency and level (remote control: typ. 1.6 ms for frequency and 1.2 ms for level, List mode: <1ms) help ensure optimized throughput. Thus, the R&S SMB100A can be used in the production and servicing of broadcasting, EMC, and automotive products as well as for semiconductor development tests and aerospace & defense applications. Here, the pulse modulator (typ. 90 dB on/off ratio), which is available as an option, and the flexible pulse generator with a minimum pulse width of 20 ns are of special benefit. Additional properties that make the instrument ideal for these applications are its robust design and the fact that it can be used at altitudes up to 4600 m and within a temperature range of 0° C to 55° C. To make servicing as easy and cost-effective as possible, the R&S SMB100A enables users to perform maintenance on their own. When service becomes necessary, an integrated selftest can be used during troubleshooting. Since replacement modules are precalibrated, a simple function check is sufficient to ensure the excellent technical data of the signal generator. With the help of the R&S NRP-Z92 power sensor, users can also optimize the level accuracy of the RF signal by means of automatic adjustment. The R&S SMB100A is available from Rohde & Schwarz as of July 2007