Download FireFox User Manual

FireFox Synthesizer User Manual
Introduction
1.1 Overview
The FireFox synthesizer is a continuous wave (CW), a digital, and a sweeping broadband signal
generator with an ultra high-accuracy built-in frequency reference. The unit can generate CW or
sweep signals ranging from 0.00001Hz to 1640MHz in 0.00001Hz steps.
It derives its frequency accuracy from an internal GPS receiver that feeds Cesium-quality (long term
stability) reference signals to the Synthesizer unit. The unit does not require maintenance as Cesium
oscillators do (Cesium references need expensive physics package replacements every 5 years or
less), and provides better long-term time-base accuracy than non GPS-disciplined Cesium
references.
This manual describes the FireFox GPS disciplined broadband synthesizer module and Desktop unit.
The FireFox GPS Disciplined broadband signal generator is available as a benchtop unit or
OEM-module. Both units use a built-in, highly stable GPS-disciplined Oven Controlled Crystal
Oscillator (GPSDO). The FireFox Synthesizer for the first time combines sine-wave and digital
outputs, and a highly stable frequency reference in one instrument. This combination can generate
digital CMOS and LVDS/PECL square waves, and analog RF sine-wave outputs from DC to
1.64GHz with better than 1E-012 long term frequency accuracy.
© 2006 Jackson-Labs
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