SIGNAL & CONTROL SOLUTIONS

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Aeroflex Signal & Control Solutions

www.aeroflex.com/ASCS • acc-sales@aeroflex.com

Revision Date: 8/21/2013

FS5000 Series

Fast Switching Synthesizer

The frequency generation technique used by the FS5000 is Direct

Analog Frequency Synthesis, implemented in a patented, iterative,

modular, architecture. Based on mixing, adding and dividing fixed

frequenciesusingwide-bandmixers,ultra-fastswitchesandswitched

filter banks, this technique is singular in providing, simultaneously,

the attributes of fast switching speed, high spectral purity and wide

frequencyrange.DirectAnalogFrequencySynthesisisalsoinherent-

ly rugged and reliable - there are no loops to unlock and no vibration

sensitive oscillators.

The FS5000’s fundamental frequency generation range is 4.8 to

13.5 GHz, an order of magnitude higher than the FS2000.

Synthesis at X band microwave frequencies allows for wide

bandwidths, small size, and superior spectral purity. The output

frequency can be extended to 26.5 GHz using one doubler,

which increases spurious signals and phase noise by only 6 dB.

FS5000 technology consequently provides not only superb

frequency agility, but also spectral purity rivaling low noise fixed

frequency references. At X-band the FS5000 delivers 200 nS

frequency switching time, phase noise of -120 dBc at 10 kHz offset,

spurious signals better than -70 dBc, and harmonics suppressed to

better than -50 dBc. Modular FS5000 synthesizers with special-

ized low noise references are available with improved phase

noise of -130 dBc at 10 KHz offset and spurious signals better

than -80 dBc at X band. The programming and digital interface

for the FS5000 are fully compatible with Aeroflex’s FS2000 family

of synthesizers.

Aeroflex develops and manufactures the specialized components

used in implementation of the FS5000 architecture. Thick film

hybrid microcircuits, fabricated in the Company’s Boca Raton,

Florida facility, contribute to the unmatched performance and

reliability found in the FS5000. Wide-band switched filter banks

and ultra-fast switches are manufactured by Aeroflex tailored to

FS5000 specifications.

Standard kits to support frequently used frequency ranges are

available in compact packages.

The instrument realization is housed in a 3U rack mountable chas-

sis with display, keyboard, IEEE-488 interface, and parallel BCD

interface for fast switching control. These are designated ‘B’ series

and plug into standard power mains, both U.S. and International.

The ‘B’ series is supported by a number of standard options which

tailor the unit to specific system or laboratory requirements. OEM

versions are typically supplied with modules mounted on plates

and require external regulated power - exact configuration is

application dependent. Typical examples are given in this data

sheet. OEM versions can be supplied to meet a broad spectrum

of performance and physical requirements ranging from commer-

cial to full military airborne.

Actual phase noise plot at 9 GHz of modular radar upgrade system

8.0 GHz output spectrum showing 2nd harmonic at 16 GHz, no

sub-harmonic at 4.0 GHz and spurious signals better than -80 dBc

Actual oscilloscope photo showing 6.5 to 13.5 GHz step in

103 nanoseconds