T&M Anritsu MG3710A Vector Signal Generator: Features and Specifications
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This page covers the Anritsu MG3710A VSG (Vector Signal Generator). It details the features, benefits, specifications, and applications of this equipment.
A Vector Signal Generator generates vector modulated signals according to various standards like WLAN, GSM, WCDMA, or LTE. It can provide output as an IQ signal or a modulated RF signal. A VSG consists of two main parts:
- Baseband: Takes binary data as input and generates an IQ vector as output. The modules within the baseband section depend on the physical layer specifications of the relevant standard.
- RF: Takes the IQ vector as input and produces a modulated RF output. The RF carrier frequency is determined by the standard’s frequency requirements based on country-wide allocations.
Features of Anritsu MG3710A VSG
Here are the key features of the Anritsu MG3710A VSG:
- Frequency range supports up to 6 GHz
- Supports two RF channel outputs
- Provides dual memory to load baseband waveforms from multiple standards
- Ideal for receiver tests such as sensitivity, adjacent channel selectivity, intermodulation tests, and receiver blocking tests.
- Supports multi-standard test signal generation, including GSM, LTE, WCDMA, WLAN, WiMAX, and TD-SCDMA.
Technical Specifications of Anritsu MG3710A VSG
The following table outlines the technical specifications of the Anritsu MG3710A Vector Signal Generator:
| Specifications | MG3710A VSG support |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | Different versions support different bands, commonly available are 2.7GHz, 4GHz and 6GHz. |
| Switching Speed | < 600 µs |
| Output level | -144 to +25 dBm for versions MG3710A-041/042/071/072 |
| Output level resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Signal Purity | Harmonics: <-30dBc (with MG3710A-041) Non-harmonics Spurious: <-64dBc typically for 3GHz < f <=6GHz SSB phase noise: <-125 dBc/Hz typically, for 2GHz |
| Multi-standard support | Yes, supports GSM, EDGE, LTE, WCDMA, CDMA2000 |
| AWG (waveform resolution) | supports 14/15/16 bits for each I and Q |
| Modulation Bandwidth | Supports 160 MHz / 120 MHz |
Application Note of Anritsu MG3710A VSG
Figure 1 depicts a typical measurement setup used for a WCDMA ACLR (Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio) test. As shown, two sources are configured: one for the desired signal and the other for the interfering signal. An appropriate frequency spacing is chosen between the two, and power levels are set in both VSGs as per requirement. This test procedure is very useful for WCDMA ACLR testing of receivers. It can also be used to generate other standard-compliant signals.
Benefits of using Anritsu MG3710A VSG
Here are the key benefits of using the Anritsu MG3710A VSG:
- It’s useful for evaluating future complex wireless receivers.
- It can generate transmit test signals as per LTE-Advanced specifications for intra-bands and inter-bands.
- It supports multiple standards in a single unit, making it useful for inter-RAT handover and other interference testing scenarios.
Conclusion
A Vector Signal Generator (VSG) is an essential tool for generating complex modulated signals used in wireless communication, radar and testing applications. It offers high signal accuracy, enabling precise testing of modern communication systems. With wide frequency range and modulation capabilities, it supports standards like 5G, Wi-Fi and IoT. Its real time waveform generation helps in R&D and troubleshooting of RF and microwave devices. VSGs improve product development efficiency, ensure signal integrity, and aid in receiver performance testing. Their programmability and automation support make them indispensable for engineers in telecommunications, aerospace and defense industries.
