RF Vector Signal Generators
TSG4100A Series
Key performance specifications
True DC to 2 GHz, 4 GHz or 6 GHz to support both analog and vector/
digital signal generation
Typical ≤±0.30 dB amplitude accuracy (0 dBm CW signal at 22 ºC)
from 10 MHz to 6 GHz
I/Q modulation inputs (400 MHz RF bandwidth)
ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, QAM, VSB, and custom I/Q
The TSG4100A Series RF Vector Signal Generator offers mid-range
performance and up to 200 MHz modulation bandwidth at an entry-level RF
signal generator price. They use a new technique to provide spurious free
outputs with low phase noise (-113 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset from 1 GHz
carrier) and extraordinary frequency resolution (1 μHz at any frequency).
The TSG4100A Series comes standard with analog modulation.
Convenient, in-field software upgrades allow for easy transition from analog
to more advanced vector and digital modulation capabilities, providing the
most flexible configuration and best CAPEX protection. These instruments
complement other leading mid-range RF test solutions from Tektronix, such
as the USB-based RSA306 Spectrum Analyzer and MDO4000B and
MDO3000 Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes.
The TSG4100A Series instruments use an ovenized SC-cut oscillator
(TSG410xA-M00 or E1 models) time-base, providing a 100 X improvement
in stability (and a 100 X reduction in the in-close phase noise) compared to
instruments that use a TCXO time-base.
Analog modulation
The Tektronix TSG4100A Series RF Vector Signal Generators offer a wide
variety of modulation capabilities. Modes include amplitude modulation
(AM), frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (ΦM), and pulse
modulation. There is an internal modulation source as well as an external
modulation input. The internal modulation source produces sine, ramp,
saw, square, and noise waveforms. An external modulation signal may be
applied to the rear panel modulation input. The internal modulation
generator is available as an output on the rear panel.
Vector modulation
The TSG4100A Series builds on this performance by adding full support for
vector signal modulation on RF carriers between 400 MHz and 6.0 GHz. It
features a dual arbitrary waveform generator operating at 125 MHz for
baseband signal generation. The generator has built-in support for the most
common vector modulation schemes: ASK, QPSK, DQPSK, π/4 DQPSK,
8PSK, FSK, CPM, QAM (4 to 256), 8VSB, and 16VSB. It also includes
built-in support for all the standard pulse shaping filters used in digital
communications: raised cosine, root-raised cosine, Gaussian, rectangular,
triangular, and more. Lastly, it provides direct support for the controlled
injection of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) into the signal path.
Key features
Analog and vector/digital signal generation capabilities
Dual baseband ARB generators
Analog modulation standard
Soft key upgrade to vector/digital modulation at very low cost
Digital modulation applications for GSM, EDGE, W-CDMA, APCO-25,
DECT, NADC, PDC, and TETRA
USB, GPIB, RS-232, and LAN interfaces
12 pounds (5.6 kg)
2U high and half standard rack width
www.tektronix.com 1
TSG4100A Series RF Vector Signal Generator
Internal baseband generators
Using a novel architecture for I/Q modulation, the TSG4100A Series
provides quick, user-friendly waveform generation. The baseband
generator supports the playback of pure digital data. It automatically maps
digital symbols into a selected I/Q constellation at symbol rates of up to
6 MHz and passes the result through the selected pulse shaping filter to
generate a final waveform updated in real time at 125 MHz. This baseband
signal is then modulated onto an RF carrier using standard IQ modulation
techniques.
Digital communications protocols (GSM, GSM EDGE, W-CDMA, APCO-25,
DECT, NADC, PDC, and TETRA) quickly configure the signal generator to
the correct modulation type, symbol data rates, TDMA duty cycles, and
digital waveform filters. The preset protocols also configure the rear-panel
TDMA, START of FRAME, and SYMBOL CLOCK digital outputs. The
baseband generators can be configured for these protocols without the use
of external computers or third party software.
The I/Q waveforms are computed in real time. Symbols are mapped to
constellations, digitally filtered, and up-sampled to 125 Msps to drive the I/
Q modulator via dual 14-bit DACs. The symbols can be a fixed pattern,
PRBS data from an internal source, or come from a downloaded user list of
up to 16 Mbits.
The constellation mapping can be modified by the user. Digital filters
include raised cosine, root raised cosine, Gaussian, rectangular, linear,
sinc, and user-defined FIR.
Power vs. frequency
All TSG4100A Series models have cascaded stages of amplifiers and
digital attenuators to drive the RF output. Five stages can provide up to
+25 dB of gain to -130 dB of attenuation in 156 digitally controlled steps.
During factory calibration, the output power is measured at 32 frequencies
per octave for each of the 156 attenuator steps to populate a memory
matrix with about 40,000 elements. When set to a particular frequency and
power, the instrument interpolates between these matrix elements to
determine the best attenuator setting. An analog attenuator is used to
provide 0.01 dB resolution between matrix elements and to compensate for
residual thermal effects.
OCXO time-base
These instruments offer an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) time-
base. The time-base uses a third-overtone stress-compensated 10 MHz
resonator in a thermostatically controlled oven. The time-base provides
very low phase noise and very low aging.
Easy remote communications
Remote operation is supported with RS-232, LAN, and GPIB interfaces. All
instrument functions can be controlled and read over any of the interfaces.
Up to nine instrument configurations can be saved in non-volatile memory.
External IQ modulation
The rear-panel BNC I/Q modulation inputs and outputs enable arbitrary
vector modulation via an external source. The external signal path supports
maximally 400 MHz of RF bandwidth with a full scale range of ±0.5 V and a
50 Ω input impedance.
2 www.tektronix.com
Datasheet
Specifications
All specifications apply to all models unless noted otherwise.
Frequency
BNC output, all models
N-type outputs
TSG4102A
TSG4104A
TSG4106A
Frequency resolution
Switching speed
Frequency error
Frequency stability
950 kHz to 2.0 GHz
950 kHz to 4.0 GHz
950 kHz to 6.0 GHz
1 μHz at any frequency
<8 ms (to within 1 ppm)
<(10
–18
+ time-base error) × fc
1 × 10
–11
(1 s Allan variance)
DC to 62.5 MHz
Front panel BNC output
Frequency range
Amplitude
Offset
Offset resolution
Maximum excursion
Amplitude resolution
Amplitude accuracy
Harmonics, typical
Spurious, typical
Output coupling
Impedance
Reverse protection
VSWR, typical
DC to 62.5 MHz
1.00 V
RMS
to 0.001 V
RMS
(-47 dBm to +14.96 dBm)
±1.5 VDC
5 mV
1.817 V (amplitude + offset)
<1 %
±0.7 dB
<–40 dBc
<–65 dBc
DC, 50 Ω ±2%
50 Ω
±5 VDC
< 1.6 :1
www.tektronix.com 3
TSG4100A Series RF Vector Signal Generator
Front panel N-type output
Power output
TSG4102A
TSG4104A
TSG4106A
+16.5 dBm to –110 dBm
+16.5 dBm to –110 dBm (<3 GHz)
+16.5 dBm to –110 dBm (<4 GHz)
+10 dBm to –110 dBm (4-6 GHz)
Voltage output
TSG4102A
TSG4104A
TSG4106A
Amplitude resolution
Amplitude accuracy
CW, 50 Ω load (dB, typical)
CW, 18 °C to 28 °C >10 dBm
10 MHz to 0.1 GHz ±0.2
0.1 GHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 4 GHz
4 GHz to 6 GHz
CW, 50 Ω load (dB, max)
Level range:
Temperature:
10 MHz to 0.1 GHz
0.1 GHz to 2 GHz
2 GHz to 4 GHz
4 GHz to 6 GHz
Impedance
Output coupling
VSWR, typical
50 Ω
AC, 50 Ω
<1.5 (2 MHz to 2 GHz)
<1.8 (2 GHz to 6 GHz)
Reverse protection
IQ modulation output level
accuracy
30 VDC, +25 dBm
Output amplitude is -5 dBm.
Temperature:
Fc:
<2 GHz
2 GHz to 4 GHz
4 GHz to 6 GHz
18 °C to 28 °C
Typical (dB)
±0.1
±0.2
±0.4
Max (dB)
±0.4
±0.6
±0.8
5 °C to 40 °C
Typical (dB)
±0.4
±0.4
±0.7
±0.15
±0.3
NA
10 to -30 dBm
±0.25
±0.15
±0.2
±0.3
+5 to -30 dBm (max)
18 °C to 28 °C
±0.6
±0.6
±0.6
±1
5 °C to 40 °C
±1.0
±1.0
±1.0
±1.5
-30 to -60 dBm
±0.35
±0.25
±0.35
±0.4
-60 to -100 dBm
±0.45
±0.35
±0.6
±0.75
<-100 dBm
±0.6
±0.6
±0.8
±1.25
+5 to -30 dBm (typical)
5 °C to 40 °C
±0.7
±0.6
±0.7
±0.9
1.5 V
RMS
to 0.7V
RMS
1.5 V
RMS
to 0.7 μV
RMS
(<3 GHz)
1.5 V
RMS
to 0.7 μV
RMS
(<4 GHz)
0.01 dBm
4 www.tektronix.com
Datasheet
Spectral purity of the RF output
Subharmonics
Harmonics, maximum
TSG4102A and TSG4104A
TSG4106A
Harmonics, typical (output level <
0 dBm)
Spurious (typical)
< -68 dBc
< -60 dBc
< -55 dBc
< -55 dBc
Residual FM, typical
Residual AM, typical
SSB phase noise
None
Output level <0 dBm, 1 GHz CW signal
< -38 dBc
< -30 dBc
< -35 dBc, CW , Fc < 2 GHz
Output level -10 dBm, CW
>10 kHz from carrier in 950 kHz to 1 GHz
>10 kHz from carrier in 1 GHz to 2 GHz
>10 kHz from carrier in 2 GHz to 4 GHz
>10 kHz from carrier in 4 GHz to 6 GHz
1 Hz rms (300 Hz to 3 kHz bandwidth)
0.006 % rms (300 Hz to 3 kHz bandwidth)
Output level is +5 dBm at 18 °C to 28 °C.
Carrier
1 GHz
2 GHz
3 GHz
6 GHz
Offset from carrier, typical (dBc/Hz)
1 kHz
-102
-96
-93
-87
10 kHz
-110
-104
-102
-96
20 kHz
-113
-107
-105
-99
1 MHz
-124
-118
-120
-114
SSB phase noise at 1 GHz carrier,
maximum (output level +5 dBm,
5
℃
to 40
℃)
1 kHz offset
10 kHz offset
20 kHz offset
1 MHz offset
2 GHz offset
>3 GHz offset
–95 dBc/Hz
–106 dBc/Hz
–107 dBc/Hz
–120 dBc/Hz
–118 dBc/Hz
–120 dBc/Hz
www.tektronix.com 5
