PicoSource® AS108 Agile Synthesizer

Set up sweeps and hops between two parameter values: start of sweep and end of

sweep (stop). Either can be the higher value. Set the number of points in a sweep

(between 2 and 10,001 points). The dwell time then defines a duration for which each

point in the sweep will be output. PicoSynth calculates and displays the duration of

the whole sweep and the linear step size between each point. A bidirectional sweep

will sweep from the start to stop and back to start in completing a single sweep of

the parameter. A hop is a limited case of sweep in which there are only two parameter

values that are alternately output.

The AS108 can sweep or hop the frequency, level or phase parameter. It can also sweep

or hop two parameters at the same time: frequency and level, or phase and level. This

allows, for instance, a simple linear flatness or loss-compensating profile to be applied

to a sweep or hop, perhaps increasing output level as frequency increases. The example

shown applies a 5 dBm increase in level as the frequency sweeps from 1 GHz to 2 GHz.

Sweeps and hops can be synchronized to external events and instruments using the

external trigger input and output (rear panel BNCs) or software trigger. Trigger occurs at,

or initiates, a sweep start or next point in sweep. This synchronization flexibility can be

of particular value to high-speed system sequencing in, for example, high-speed test.

Sweep or hop parameters

Select sweep or hop mode and type

Single and dual parameter

Frequency start and stop values

Level start and stop values

Set number of sweep points and the

dwell period between them

Resulting step sizes and sweep duration

Synchronize the sweep to a trigger

Internal clock, external input or software trigger sources.

Trigger a sweep or trigger next point in sweep.