Understanding RF Instrument Specifications Part 2

RF instrument specifications characterize the performance of the instrument. To keep current with constantly evolving wireless technologies, engineers of all levels are routinely asked to design and test RF components. This article is Part 2 of a three-article series designed to help engineers understand both basic and advanced RF instrument specifications. General RF instrument specifications covered in Understanding RF Instrument Specifications Part 1 include frequency range, instantaneous bandwidth, tuning speed, phase noise, and voltage standing wave radio (VSWR). Part 2 focuses on RF signal generators, examining the specifications of frequency tolerance, output level accuracy, output power range, intermodulation distortion, and modulation bandwidth. This article describes the technical details and relevance of each specification. There are many specifications to consider when determining the ability of an RF signal generator to perform a specific job well. The specifications detailed in this article as well as in Part 1 can help you determine the right RF signal generator for your application.