USB Powered RF Signal Generator
The Windfreak Synthesizer is a low cost 137MHz to 4.4GHz software tunable, PLL synthesized RF signal generator, controlled and powered by a PC running Windows XP or Windows 7 via its USB port.
Don't pay thousands for an old HP signal generator!
IN STOCK. Ships within 24 hours.
$249.00
The technology is based on Analog Devices ADF4350 chip seen here:
4350 Datasheet - (right click for new tab)
You can expect high quality RF performance similar to the specs in the datasheet.
The new version 2 software is easy to install and use. It can control up to 8 devices and will also do an RF sweep. Control is very similar to a bench top signal generator. It is also touch panel friendly.
As measured from this board, phase noise is less than -107dBc at 100KHz offset from 2GHz. Integrated from 100Hz to 1MHz, the phase noise is 0.4 degrees RMS which allows for use in communications systems up to 64PSK or equivalent.
RF power (max) into a 50 ohm load is similar to this: 0dBm @ 137.5MHz, 0dBm @500MHz, 1.5dBm @ 1GHz, 5dBm @ 2GHz, 0dBm @ 4GHz (note: amplitude is adjustable via software)
RF accuracy is based on an onboard 25ppm 10MHz crystal oscillator.
Although this is a shield-less synthesizer, no sideband spurs can be found in a typical lab EMI environment.
USB communication is done via FTDIs FT245R chip seen here: 245 Datasheet - (right click for new tab)
Drivers for this chip are included, but are unchanged from the version found on FTDIs website. Drivers do not need to be installed for Windows 7.
The package comes with open source Labview based software that you can modify and enhance any way you see fit. If you don't own Labview, you will also get an executable that will install stand-alone and run on a PC with WinXP. If you want to write your own software on a specific operating system, FTDI supplies great example code for easy development using C++, C#, Delphi, Visual Basic, Visual C++ and others. Hardware drivers are available for Linux, Mac, all versions of Windows, and others.
RF single frequency generation tab. (Enter frequency in with the touchpad and fine tune with the knob.)
RF sweep generation tab.(Step as fast a 1mS per point. Resolution as low as 1KHz per step.)
PLL Control tab.(Control some finer details of the ADF4350 to get higher accuracy or quality for a particular frequency.)
Device Descriptions tab.(See what devices are plugged in, check their status, and check remotely for frequency lock.)
Click here for the operating instructions included with the device:
Also included is a hard copy of the PC board schematics and a PCB reference designator map. This way you can see what bus wires are used to control the synthesizer chip. Its perfect for learning the details of PLL design and programming. All the ADF4350 register settings are shown in the software. This device is also great for learning how to very simply control a device through USB using Labview or Visual Studio C#. Visual Studio C# example code ships on the CD that comes with the device.
On board the PCB are 3 troubleshooting LEDs: one that shows USB power, one that lights during program transfer, and one that shows phase lock on the programmed frequency. You can also determine phase lock with an indicator in the software.
Compare this unit to other solutions worth thousands of dollars.
Some applications include: wireless communications systems, software defined radio (SDR), radar, automated test equipment, computer controlled sweeping and hopping, Phase Lock Loop Synthesizer Design, Local Oscillator replacement, and hobbyist radio development.
For orders over 5 units, request a quote via this Web Form . Emails will be answered within 24 hours. You will be given a lead time (usually ships right away) and a quote if you desire large volume.
Otherwise order here: