RF Signal Generators

An RF (Radio Frequency) Signal Generator is a precision instrument used to generate electromagnetic signals at very high frequencies, typically from a few kHz to several GHz. While a standard function generator handles low-frequency waves, an RF generator is specifically engineered to test wireless communication systems and high-frequency components.

Why Choose an RF Signal Generator?

Extreme Frequency Stability: Unlike general-purpose sources, RF generators use high-quality internal oscillators (often oven-controlled) to ensure the output frequency does not drift, which is critical for testing narrow-band communication channels.
Low Phase Noise: They are designed to produce an exceptionally "clean" signal; lower phase noise ensures that the generator's own jitter doesn't interfere with the performance measurements of the device being tested.
Precise Amplitude Control: RF testing often requires signals at incredibly low power levels (down to -140 dBm). These generators use high-precision attenuators to deliver exact power levels without leaking stray radiation.
Complex Vector Modulation: Modern "Vector" RF generators (VSGs) can produce complex digitally modulated signals like QAM or PSK, allowing you to simulate actual 5G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth data streams.

Core Applications

Receiver Sensitivity Testing: Determining the "noise floor" of a radio receiver by injecting an increasingly weak RF signal until the device can no longer decode the data.
Filter and Amplifier Characterisation: Measuring the "S-parameters" or frequency response of RF components to ensure they provide the correct gain or rejection within a specific frequency band.
Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) Testing: Using two RF tones to check if an amplifier creates unwanted "ghost" signals that could interfere with neighbouring channels in a wireless network.
EMC Immunity Testing: Simulating external radio interference to see if an electronic product's shielding is sufficient to prevent it from malfunctioning when near a mobile phone or radio mast.

SeriesImageMin. FrequencyMax. FrequencyResolutionAmplitude ResolutionPhase NoiseI/Q ModulationPrice From
DSG3000B SeriesRigol DSG3136B IQ Signal Generator Telonic9 kHz, 50 MHz (IQ)13.6 GHz, 6.5 GHz0.01 Hz< 0.5 dB< -110 dBc/Hz,
< -116 dBc/Hz		Yes£6,311.00
DSG5000 SeriesDSG5000 19 kHz20 GHz, 12 GHz0.01 Hz0.01 dB< -130 dBc/Hz,
< -133 dBc/Hz		No£28,364.00
DSG800 SeriesRigol DSG800A Signal Generator Front9 kHz1.5 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 3 GHz, 3.6 GHz0.01 Hz0.5 dB< -105 dBc/Hz,
< -112 dBc/Hz		Yes£1,625.00
SSG3000X SeriesSiglent SSG3000X RF Signal Generator Front9 kHz, 10 MHz (IQ)2.1 GHz, 3.2 GHz0.01 Hz0.01 dB< -110 dBc/HzYes£1,684.00
SSG5000A SeriesSSG5085A 19 kHz20 GHz, 13.6 GHz0.001 Hz0.01 dB< -120 dBc / HzNo£12,995.00
SSG5000X SeriesSiglent SSG5000X V Front RF Signal Generator Telonic9 kHz, 10 MHz (IQ)6 GHz, 4 GHz0.001 Hz0.01 dB< -120 dBc/HzYes£4,465.00
SSG6000A SeriesSiglent SSG6000A Microwave Signal Generator100 kHz13.6 GHz, 20GHz, 40 GHz0.001 Hz0.01 dB< -135 dBc/HzNo£17,740.00
SSG6082A-V SeriesSiglent SSG6082A V Front Telonic UK9 kHz, 10 MHz (IQ)8 GHz0.001 Hz0.7 dB< -132 dBc/HzYes£23,937.00