Hi, I am working on research(as an undergrad), and my project needs anRF signal generator capable of a constant output of 2.4 GHz at about+5 dBm, and I was wondering if there was any way that a networkanalyzer can be used to output one frequency (2.4 GHz) instead ofdoing sweeps? and if so would the signal be much weaker than I need?I'm an EE working under an ME, and have used a network analyzer oncein my time at school, so my knowledge of how it works is limited, andnot many people around me know how this stuff works. Would hooking itup to be used as a signal generator that I amplify and transmit thesignal wirelessly put the network analyzer in any risk of gettingdamaged?for reference, I'm thinking of using the network analyzer for the 2.4GHz signal generator because we already have one, while it would bearound $3,000 for a used/questionable signal generator or $11,000 fora new one, which eats a LOT of the budget.Thanks for any help you can give me.

I checked the HP and Tektronics gear I have on my workbench and found If it has a Sweep Mode selection called Manual Sweep, it can put out a single frequency with all the controllability and accuracy of the product specification. Another possible choice would be if it has Span selection where you can select Zero Span, and again it will put out a single frequency. Plus five dBm should be within the range of most network analyzers.Chuck

GHzit,ayncers,"inghavez andse7.html... has lots of tohe the(which=A0Iftion, do howticedn'tdcan thatce to-) prettyThat's great advice. One of those ?YIG? sphere oscillators might workas the 2.3 GHz LO.George

ndt4rI'm wondering if a simple 2.4GHz video modulator can be the guts ofthis project. You can buy them from Supercircuits for example. Onehack might be to just use the local oscillator and then slap on a mini-circuits modulator. Or you just dig up the circu9itry for such a partfrom the FCC product website. All you need is the FCC ID number.Some random link:If you are going to test something, you use test equipment. If you aregoing to design something, it is better to use components. It doesn'thave to be chip/transistor level. Off the shelf modules are fine toget something off the ground. I buy stuff from minicircuits that Iknow I could build, but don't feel like reinventing the wheel.

Can a Network Analyzer be used in place of a signal generator

Jun 14, 2011 21 Replies

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That's great advice. One of those ?YIG? sphere oscillators might work as the 2.3 GHz LO.

George

I'm wondering if a simple 2.4GHz video modulator can be the guts of this project. You can buy them from Supercircuits for example. One hack might be to just use the local oscillator and then slap on a mini- circuits modulator. Or you just dig up the circu9itry for such a part from the FCC product website. All you need is the FCC ID number.

Some random link:

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If you are going to test something, you use test equipment. If you are going to design something, it is better to use components. It doesn't have to be chip/transistor level. Off the shelf modules are fine to get something off the ground. I buy stuff from minicircuits that I know I could build, but don't feel like reinventing the wheel.

Can a Network Analyzer be used in place of a signal generator

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