CS-ERASYNTH-02

CS-ERASYNTH-02 Datasheet

Part	Datasheet
CS-ERASYNTH-02	CS-ERASYNTH-02 (pdf)

Related Parts	Information
CS-ERASYNTH-01	CS-ERASYNTH-01

PDF Datasheet Preview
ERASynth An open source, Arduino-compatible RF signal generator with wi-fi connectivity Finally, an affordable signal generator for everyone! ERASynth is a high quality portable signal generator at a price point affordable by everyone including makers, students, universities, research labs, and start-ups. Makers/Hackers RF signal generators are expensive pieces of test equipment typically only accessible by pro engineers. ERASynth removes the cost barriers and makes quality RF signal synthesis accessible to everyone, especially budget-conscious makers. Professionals Professional engineers will find ERASynth is a very good alternative to many of their existing signal generators. If you are professional engineer, you can compare it yourself find the lowest cost equipment on your bench that can give you a 1 GHz signal with -120 dBc/Hz or better phase noise at 10 kHz offset. Its price tag will be several times more than ERASynth’s. See the comparison charts below to learn more about how ERASynth compares to common signal generators. Professors/Researchers/Start-ups With all the cuts in research funds, who can afford to spend tens of thousands on signal generators? Whether you are a college professor studying Gigasample converters or a start-up developing state-of-the-art converter technology, you need to clock ADC/DAC somehow. Check out the specs, you will find ERASynth may very well be your next clock source. Besides the price, ERASynth’s portability will definitely help when you are out in the field. Anyone else ERASynth is for anyone interested in RF testing. Below is a short list of application areas where users can take advantage of ERASynth o General purpose RF testing. For example, to measure the gain of an amplifier, ERASynth can be used as the source. o Test signal source for SDR. People who are using any of the many SDR platforms can use ERASynth as the test signal source for testing and calibration of their SDR devices. o An agile LO source for up and down-converters. o Clock source for ADCs and DACs. When equipped with an optional OCXO, ERASynth’s jitter performance exceeds the requirements of state-of-the-art gigasample data-converters. Mini-USB for Serial Access Wi-Fi Module ESP8266 Wi-Fi Antenna Connector Micro-USB Input for Power Trigger Input Step-down Switcher Step-up Switcher Attenuators for Level Control RF Output 50 Ω Ultralow Noise Ultrahigh PSRR RF LDO Ultralow Phase Noise PFD Wideband PLL with VCO 10 MHz Reference Output 10 MHz Reference Input ±0.5ppm TCXO Ultralow Phase Noise VCXO Tunable Reference Generator Arduino Due MCU Features & Specifications • Architecture Multiloop Integer-N PLL driven by a tunable reference. No fractional-N or integer boundary spurs • Frequency Range o ERASynth 10 MHz to 6 GHz o ERASynth+ 250 kHz to 15 GHz • Amplitude Range -60 to +15 dBm • Phase Noise typical phase noise 1 GHz output and 10 kHz offset o ERASynth -120 dBc/Hz o ERASynth+ -125 dBc/Hz • Frequency Switching Time 100 µs • Reference Ultra-low noise 100 MHz VCXO locked to a o ppm TCXO for ERASynth o ±25 ppb OCXO for ERASynth+ • MCU Arduino Due board with BGA package Atmel Microcontroller ATSAM3X8EA-CU • Interfaces o Wi-Fi interface for web-based GUI access o Serial-USB mini USB for serial access o Micro USB for power input o Trigger Input SMA for triggered sweep o REF In SMA for external reference input o REF Out SMA for 10 MHz reference output o RF Out • Dimensions 10 cm x cm x 2 cm • Weight < 350 g oz • Power Input 5 to 12 V • Power Consumption o < 6 W for ERASynth o < 7 W for ERASynth+ • Enclosure Precision-milled, nickel-plated aluminum case • Open Source Schematics, embedded Arduino code, Web GUI source code, and RS-232 command set Signal Generator Architecture Multiloop with a Tunable Reference vs Single Loop Fractional-N Low cost, USB-controlled RF signal generators are available from a multitude of vendors. These signal generators usually include a single fractional PLL IC with integrated VCO. Examples of such PLL ICs are ADF435x and ADF5355 series from ADI, LMX series from TI, MAX2870 from Maxim, and STuW series from STMicro. These signal generators are mostly a close replica of the eval board of the PLL/VCO IC and they are usually limited in terms of performance. ERASynth architecture provides several built-in features that overcome these limitations. ERASynth block diargram Competitor block diargram ERASynth Eliminates Integer Boundary Spurs While fractional-N PLLs are great for generating frequencies with fine frequency resolution, they suffer from a phenomenon called “integer boundary spurs” IB spurs . IB spurs are visible at the output of a frac-N PLL IC when the output frequency is close to an integer multiple of the reference frequency. For example, generating an RF output of GHz from a 100 MHz reference will result in IB spurs as large as -30 dBc. This level of performance may be acceptable for some specific application, but generally it is unacceptable for signal generators. ERASynth’s multi-loop architecture eliminates IB spurs by varying the reference in fine steps while keeping the main loop in integer-N mode. This architecture not only diminishes IB spurs but also helps reduce phase noise. PLL IC’s phase noise floors are usually lower by 2-3 dB in integer-N mode compared to frac-N mode. ERASynth Improves Phase Noise On top of the dual loop PLL that generates the RF output, ERASynth adds another PLL to minimize the reference phase noise. While many competitors use low-cost TCXOs in the range of a few tens of MHz, ERASynth uses a 100 MHz VCXO with a very low phase noise floor. This VCXO is stabilized with a ppm TCXO or ±25ppb OCXO depending on the model. The VCXO may also be locked to an external 10 MHz reference. Comparisons ERASynth vs. Low-cost USB Signal Generators Instruments Vaunix Instruments Windfreak ERASynth ERASynth+ LMS-602D SG6000LD SynthHD Architecture Int-N Driven by Int-N Driven by ? Frac-N Frac-N Frac-N Frac-N Frequency Range 10 MHz to 6 GHz 250 kHz to 15 GHz to 6 GHz 25 to 6000 MHz and 6 to 12 GHz 54 MHz to GHz Frequency ERASynths will be shipping from Crowd Supply’s warehouse in Portland, Oregon USA. We can’t pre-pay VAT, so if you are living in a country that collects VAT upon import, you will likely have to pay that and deal with customs clearance. International shipments will be fulfilled with Priority Mail, which is why the shipping fee is USD for all international shipments excluding Turkey . This fee does not include any applicable taxes, duties, etc. For more information about ordering, paying, and shipping please visit this Crowd Supply Guide page. Risks and Challenges Hardware projects are vulnerable to several risks and challenges. ERASynth is a relatively complicated hardware project with over a hundred unique parts in its BOM. There are several risks involved: Stock Status RF components are not general purpose parts. They are not manufactured in massive amounts like general purpose chips. Hence, stocks may get depleted suddenly. If a part used by ERASynth becomes depleted and there are alternatives, we use the alternatives. If there are no foot-print compatible alternatives, then we don’t have a lot to do other than waiting for it to become available again. Unfortunately, lead-times for RF components are usually long up to 25 weeks . In the design of ERASynth, we tried to use the most readily available parts, but we can never be certain there will be no shortages. Obsolescence Nowadays, with all the mergers and acquisitions in the global IC market, components can become obsolete overnight. We have had experiences where a component that is available at the start of the PCB design becomes obsolete in a few weeks later as we finish the PCB design. We designed ERASynth to use the most up-to-date parts possible in order to minimize obsolescence risk. 1-4-18

PDF Datasheet Preview

ERASynth

An open source, Arduino-compatible RF signal generator with wi-fi connectivity Finally, an affordable signal generator for everyone!

ERASynth is a high quality portable signal generator at a price point affordable by everyone including makers, students, universities, research labs, and start-ups.

Makers/Hackers RF signal generators are expensive pieces of test equipment typically only accessible by pro engineers. ERASynth removes the cost barriers and makes quality RF signal synthesis accessible to everyone, especially budget-conscious makers.

Professionals Professional engineers will find ERASynth is a very good alternative to many of their existing signal generators. If you are professional engineer, you can compare it yourself find the lowest cost equipment on your bench that can give you a 1 GHz signal with -120 dBc/Hz or better phase noise at 10 kHz offset. Its price tag will be several times more than ERASynth’s. See the comparison charts below to learn more about how ERASynth compares to common signal generators.

Professors/Researchers/Start-ups With all the cuts in research funds, who can afford to spend tens of thousands on signal generators? Whether you are a college professor studying Gigasample converters or a start-up developing state-of-the-art converter technology, you need to clock ADC/DAC somehow. Check out the specs, you will find ERASynth may very well be your next clock source. Besides the price, ERASynth’s portability will definitely help when you are out in the field.

Anyone else ERASynth is for anyone interested in RF testing. Below is a short list of application areas where users can take advantage of ERASynth o General purpose RF testing. For example, to measure the gain of an amplifier, ERASynth can be used as the source. o Test signal source for SDR. People who are using any of the many SDR platforms can use ERASynth as the test signal source for testing and calibration of their SDR devices. o An agile LO source for up and down-converters. o Clock source for ADCs and DACs. When equipped with an optional OCXO, ERASynth’s jitter performance exceeds the requirements of state-of-the-art gigasample data-converters.

Mini-USB for Serial Access Wi-Fi Module ESP8266 Wi-Fi Antenna Connector Micro-USB Input for Power Trigger Input Step-down Switcher Step-up Switcher Attenuators for Level Control RF Output 50 Ω

Ultralow Noise Ultrahigh PSRR RF LDO Ultralow Phase Noise PFD Wideband PLL with VCO 10 MHz Reference Output 10 MHz Reference Input ±0.5ppm TCXO Ultralow Phase Noise VCXO Tunable Reference Generator Arduino Due MCU

Features & Specifications
• Architecture Multiloop Integer-N PLL driven by a tunable reference. No fractional-N or integer boundary spurs
• Frequency Range o ERASynth 10 MHz to 6 GHz o ERASynth+ 250 kHz to 15 GHz
• Amplitude Range -60 to +15 dBm
• Phase Noise typical phase noise 1 GHz output and 10 kHz offset
o ERASynth -120 dBc/Hz o ERASynth+ -125 dBc/Hz
• Frequency Switching Time 100 µs
• Reference Ultra-low noise 100 MHz VCXO locked to a o ppm TCXO for ERASynth o ±25 ppb OCXO for ERASynth+
• MCU Arduino Due board with BGA package Atmel Microcontroller ATSAM3X8EA-CU
• Interfaces o Wi-Fi interface for web-based GUI access o Serial-USB mini USB for serial access o Micro USB for power input o Trigger Input SMA for triggered sweep o REF In SMA for external reference input o REF Out SMA for 10 MHz reference output o RF Out
• Dimensions 10 cm x cm x 2 cm
• Weight < 350 g oz
• Power Input 5 to 12 V
• Power Consumption o < 6 W for ERASynth o < 7 W for ERASynth+
• Enclosure Precision-milled, nickel-plated aluminum case
• Open Source Schematics, embedded Arduino code, Web GUI source code, and RS-232 command set

Signal Generator Architecture Multiloop with a Tunable Reference vs Single Loop Fractional-N

Low cost, USB-controlled RF signal generators are available from a multitude of vendors. These signal generators usually include a single fractional PLL IC with integrated VCO. Examples of such PLL ICs are ADF435x and ADF5355 series from ADI, LMX series from TI, MAX2870 from Maxim, and STuW series from STMicro. These signal generators are mostly a close replica of the eval board of the PLL/VCO IC and they are usually limited in terms of performance. ERASynth architecture provides several built-in features that overcome these limitations.

ERASynth block diargram

Competitor block diargram

ERASynth Eliminates Integer Boundary Spurs

While fractional-N PLLs are great for generating frequencies with fine frequency resolution, they suffer from a phenomenon called “integer boundary spurs” IB spurs . IB spurs are visible at the output of a frac-N PLL IC when the output frequency is close to an integer multiple of the reference frequency. For example, generating an RF output of GHz from a 100 MHz reference will result in IB spurs as large as -30 dBc. This level of performance may be acceptable for some specific application, but generally it is unacceptable for signal generators. ERASynth’s multi-loop architecture eliminates IB spurs by varying the reference in fine steps while keeping the main loop in integer-N mode. This architecture not only diminishes IB spurs but also helps reduce phase noise. PLL IC’s phase noise floors are usually lower by 2-3 dB in integer-N mode compared to frac-N mode.

ERASynth Improves Phase Noise

On top of the dual loop PLL that generates the RF output, ERASynth adds another PLL to minimize the reference phase noise. While many competitors use low-cost TCXOs in the range of a few tens of MHz, ERASynth uses a 100 MHz VCXO with a very low phase noise floor. This VCXO is stabilized with a ppm TCXO or ±25ppb OCXO depending on the model. The VCXO may also be locked to an external 10 MHz reference.

Comparisons ERASynth vs. Low-cost USB Signal Generators

Instruments Vaunix

Instruments Windfreak

ERASynth

ERASynth+

LMS-602D SG6000LD

SynthHD

Architecture

Int-N Driven by Int-N Driven by ?

Frac-N

Frac-N

Frac-N

Frac-N

Frequency Range
10 MHz to 6 GHz
250 kHz to 15 GHz
to 6 GHz 25 to 6000 MHz and 6 to 12 GHz
54 MHz to GHz

Frequency
ERASynths will be shipping from Crowd Supply’s warehouse in Portland, Oregon USA. We can’t pre-pay VAT, so if you are living in a country that collects VAT upon import, you will likely have to pay that and deal with customs clearance. International shipments will be fulfilled with Priority Mail, which is why the shipping fee is USD for all international shipments excluding Turkey . This fee does not include any applicable taxes, duties, etc. For more information about ordering, paying, and shipping please visit this Crowd Supply Guide page.

Risks and Challenges

Hardware projects are vulnerable to several risks and challenges. ERASynth is a relatively complicated hardware project with over a hundred unique parts in its BOM. There are several risks involved:

Stock Status

RF components are not general purpose parts. They are not manufactured in massive amounts like general purpose chips. Hence, stocks may get depleted suddenly. If a part used by ERASynth becomes depleted and there are alternatives, we use the alternatives. If there are no foot-print compatible alternatives, then we don’t have a lot to do other than waiting for it to become available again. Unfortunately, lead-times for RF components are usually long up to 25 weeks . In the design of ERASynth, we tried to use the most readily available parts, but we can never be certain there will be no shortages.

Obsolescence

Nowadays, with all the mergers and acquisitions in the global IC market, components can become obsolete overnight. We have had experiences where a component that is available at the start of the PCB design becomes obsolete in a few weeks later as we finish the PCB design. We designed ERASynth to use the most up-to-date parts possible in order to minimize obsolescence risk.
1-4-18

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Notice: we do not provide any warranties that information, datasheets, application notes, circuit diagrams, or software stored on this website are up-to-date or error free. The archived CS-ERASYNTH-02 Datasheet file may be downloaded here without warranties.

Datasheet ID: CS-ERASYNTH-02 507201