Signal Hound’s 20 GHz Vector Signal Generator Features 200 μs Switching Time
The VSG200 20 GHz vector signal generator features 40 MHz real-time streaming bandwidth, 200 μs switching time, and support for LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modulation formats.
Signal Hound has introduced the VSG200, a 20 GHz vector signal generator with 40 MHz of real-time streaming bandwidth priced at $7,995. The instrument operates over a frequency range from 100 kHz to 20 GHz, with an amplitude range of -55 dBm to 7 dBm. Extended operation from -85 dBm to 10 dBm is available at reduced performance specifications.
The VSG200 addresses requirements for wireless communications testing, RF component characterization, and receiver development across cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth systems.
Signal Hound’s VSG200 20 GHz vector signal generator. Image used courtesy of Signal Hound
VSG200 20 GHz Vector Signal Generator
The VSG200 employs a dual 14-bit DAC architecture that runs at 2x or 3x the I/Q symbol rate, using digital oversampling to deliver a flat baseband response. This design approach combines digital oversampling in the FPGA with baseband and harmonic filtering across the full operating range. The system maintains amplitude, mixer balance, and DC offset correction over both frequency and temperature variations.
The local oscillator exhibits a 200 µs switching time, enabling the generation of frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals. A digitally adjustable internal VCTCXO minimizes frequency errors over temperature, with an external 10 MHz input available for applications requiring zero ppm frequency error. The unit achieves a typical error vector magnitude of 0.3 percent at 1 GHz carrier frequency with 1 MSPS QAM16 modulation using alpha 0.35 raised cosine filtering.
The VSG200 is powered via a single USB-C cable. Image used courtesy of Signal Hound
Modulation Capabilities and Signal Generation
The VSG200 supports arbitrary I/Q sample rates from 12.5 kSPS to 51.2 MSPS and can stream waveforms of virtually any size from a PC or laptop. Available modulation types include LTE, 802.11a/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth LE, custom OFDM, 16/64/256/1024-QAM, 2/4/8/16-PSK, 2/4/8/16-FSK, ASK, GMSK, AWGN channels, ramp/chirp, stepped sweep, multi-tone, pulse, FM, AM, and CW formats, along with arbitrary and custom waveforms.
Digital modulation impairment options include custom channel response, AWGN, sample-rate error, frequency and level offsets, I/Q offset, and spectrum inversion. The API supports continuous streaming of custom I/Q data at arbitrary sample rates up to 51.2 MSPS, providing flexibility for specialized test scenarios.
The VSG200 addresses general-purpose RF test and measurement as well as signal generation. Image used courtesy of Signal Hound
Physical Design and System Integration
The VSG200 measures under 9 in in length, weighs 2 lbs, and is powered via USB-C. A trigger output enables synchronization with other test equipment for complex measurement setups. The external 10 MHz timebase input facilitates frequency coordination across multiple instruments in laboratory environments.
The system includes VSG control software, API, and documentation. Programming interfaces support C++, MATLAB, and SCPI commands for automated test environments. Example arbitrary waveforms in CSV and binary formats are provided to accelerate development work.
