UNI-T USG3045M-P | Professional RF Signal Generator with Mechanical Attenuator (9 kHz to 4.5 GHz)

Overview

The UNI-T USG3045M-P RF signal generator delivers premium performance for demanding RF applications, featuring frequencies from 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz with exceptional signal purity. Distinguished by its mechanical attenuator technology, this professional-grade instrument provides enhanced output power up to +24 dBm and superior level stability crucial for wireless communications testing, power amplifier characterization, and production environments where signal integrity is paramount.

Engineered for challenging test scenarios, the USG3045M-P combines precision frequency control (0.001 Hz resolution) with comprehensive modulation capabilities and an intuitive 5-inch capacitive touchscreen interface. The mechanical attenuator variant ensures consistent performance even at high output levels, delivering the reliability and accuracy RF professionals demand when testing devices with high insertion loss or requiring strong drive signals.

USG3045M-P RF Signal Generator with mechanical attenuator for enhanced output power

Key Features

• Mechanical Attenuator Technology - Provides superior output level stability and enhanced maximum power compared to standard electronic attenuators
• Enhanced Output Power - Delivers up to +24 dBm (250 MHz to 1.2 GHz) for testing high-attenuation components and systems
• Broad Frequency Coverage - Generates signals from 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz with ultra-fine 0.001 Hz resolution for precise testing
• Superior Signal Quality - Low phase noise (<-122 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset) ensures accurate measurements
• Improved SWR Performance - Better standing wave ratio minimizes reflections and measurement uncertainties
• Versatile Modulation - AM, FM, and ΦM capabilities with internal, external, or combined modulation sources
• Intuitive Operation - 5-inch capacitive touch screen with clear visual feedback and logical menu organization
• Flexible Connectivity - Remote control via LAN and USB interfaces for automated testing environments
• Integrated Function Generator - Built-in 50 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator adds versatility
• Comprehensive Sweep Capabilities - Frequency, amplitude, and list sweep modes with customizable parameters
• Advanced Pulse Modulation - Optional pulse modulation with on-off ratios up to 80 dB (USG3000M-PM)
• Narrow Pulse Generator - Optional pulses as narrow as 20 ns with 10 ns resolution (USG3000M-PG)

Mechanical Attenuator Advantage

The USG3045M-P's mechanical attenuator technology represents a significant upgrade over standard electronic attenuators, providing both higher maximum output power and superior RF performance. This precision-engineered attenuator delivers up to 4-5 dB more output power across all frequency ranges, enabling testing of components with high insertion loss or receiver sensitivity measurements that require stronger signals. The mechanical design ensures excellent level accuracy and stability even at maximum power levels, critical for consistent results in production testing and research applications.

Beyond raw power advantages, the mechanical attenuator provides superior standing wave ratio (SWR) characteristics, minimizing signal reflections that can compromise measurement accuracy. This improved impedance matching is particularly valuable when testing sensitive RF components where reflection-induced artifacts could mask actual device performance. For applications requiring both high output power and precise level control, the USG3045M-P offers an optimal combination of performance characteristics that justify its position as the premium model in the USG3000M series.

Enhanced Output Power Performance

The USG3045M-P delivers industry-leading output power across its entire frequency range, providing the signal strength needed for challenging RF testing applications. With maximum output levels of +24 dBm (250 MHz to 1.2 GHz), +22 dBm (1.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz), and +20 dBm (3.6 GHz to 4.5 GHz), this model significantly outperforms the standard electronic attenuator version. This enhanced power capability is particularly valuable when compensating for cable losses, driving power amplifiers, or testing receiver sensitivity through complex signal paths.

The mechanical attenuator design maintains excellent level accuracy across the full power range, ensuring consistent test conditions even at maximum output. This combination of high output power and precise level control makes the USG3045M-P ideal for production testing environments where signal integrity across multiple test stations is critical. The robust attenuator design also provides excellent reliability under continuous high-power operation, making it suitable for applications requiring sustained maximum output levels.

Comprehensive Modulation Capabilities

The USG3045M-P provides versatile modulation capabilities essential for thorough communications system testing. Standard analog modulation includes AM with depths up to 99%, FM with deviation up to 10 MHz, and phase modulation up to 5 radians. The flexible modulation sources allow for internal, external, or combined operation, adapting to diverse testing scenarios. Each modulation type features precise control of parameters, enabling accurate simulation of real-world signal conditions.

For applications requiring pulsed RF signals, the optional USG3000M-PM pulse modulation capability delivers outstanding on-off ratios up to 80 dB with fast rise/fall times below 20 ns. The pulse modulation can operate in various modes including free-running, triggered, gated, and customized pulse train patterns. When combined with the optional USG3000M-PG narrow pulse generator, the system can generate pulses as narrow as 20 ns with 10 ns resolution, perfect for radar system testing and pulse characterization applications.

Comprehensive analog modulation capabilities include AM, FM, and ΦM with various modulation sources

High-precision Pulse Generator

USG3045M-P features a stable clock source and supports optional pulse modulation and narrow pulse generator capabilities. The USG3000M-PG option delivers a minimum pulse width of 20 ns with a resolution of 10 ns, meeting the requirements of automotive millimeter-wave radar systems and advanced timing applications. The pulse generator provides exceptional timing precision and stability across multiple operating modes.

With the optional pulse modulation package, you can generate customized pulse trains with precisely controlled timing parameters. Multiple pulse modes are supported, including Free-Run, Square, External Triggered, Adjustable Doublet, External Trigger Doublet, Gated, External Pulse, and Pulse Train. The outstanding on-off ratio of ≥ 80 dB ensures clear signal transitions with minimal bleed-through, while fast rise/fall times below 20 ns enable accurate simulation of high-speed pulsed systems. The mechanical attenuator in the USG3045M-P further enhances pulse performance by providing more powerful pulse signals with better on-off characteristics.

High-precision pulse generator with minimum pulse width of 20 ns and 10 ns resolution

Advanced Sweep Functions

The USG3045M-P features comprehensive sweep capabilities that simplify component characterization and system response testing. The instrument supports frequency, amplitude, and list sweep modes with customizable step sizes and dwell times. Engineers can perform frequency sweeps across the full 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz range with linear or logarithmic step patterns, enabling efficient measurement of frequency-dependent parameters like filter responses or amplifier gain flatness.

For more complex testing requirements, the list sweep mode allows creation of custom frequency-amplitude point sequences, ideal for focused testing at specific frequencies of interest. Sweep operation can be triggered via multiple methods including free-running, external trigger, manual key press, or computer command, providing flexibility for both manual testing and automated sequences. The mechanical attenuator in the USG3045M-P ensures excellent level accuracy throughout sweeps, even when operating near maximum output power, making it ideal for power amplifier characterization and high-dynamic-range measurements.

Comprehensive sweep modes including frequency, amplitude, and list sweep with customizable parameters

Intuitive User Interface

The USG3045M-P features a 5-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with an intuitive user interface that accelerates test setup and enhances productivity. The flat design with clear parameter organization allows for quick access to commonly used functions, while the logical menu structure ensures even complex operations can be performed with minimal keystrokes. The touch interface supports gestures for common operations, reducing setup time and allowing engineers to focus on test results rather than instrument configuration.

Visual feedback is provided through clear waveform displays for both output and modulating signals, enabling immediate verification of signal characteristics. The interface allows seamless switching between time-domain and frequency-domain views, providing comprehensive signal visualization. Numerical parameters are displayed with high visibility and logical grouping, ensuring settings are easily verifiable at a glance. This thoughtful interface design reduces learning curves and improves testing efficiency in both research and production environments.

5-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with intuitive, flat design interface for efficient operation

Integrated Function Generator

The USG3045M-P includes a built-in 50 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator that extends the instrument's versatility beyond RF applications. This integrated LF generator produces high-quality sine waves up to 50 MHz, square and pulse waveforms up to 15 MHz, and triangular waves up to 3 MHz. With output amplitude adjustable from 1 mVpp to 2 Vpp and DC offset control, it provides the signal flexibility needed for various testing applications without requiring additional equipment.

The function generator includes advanced capabilities such as linear and logarithmic sweep functions and comprehensive modulation options including AM, FM, and pulse modulation. For digital communications testing, it supports ASK, FSK, PSK, and QAM modulation with various digital patterns. This integration delivers significant value by combining two essential instruments in one compact unit, saving both bench space and equipment costs while maintaining signal generation quality.

Integrated 50 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator with comprehensive waveform and modulation capabilities

Optional Power Meter Option

The optional USG3000M-PK power meter option transforms the USG3045M-P into a comprehensive RF test solution by adding accurate power measurement capabilities. Connected through the front panel USB port, this accessory enables precise RF power measurements, particularly valuable for calibrating output power levels and verifying signal integrity at the device under test. The power measurement system allows direct verification of actual received power, eliminating uncertainty in test setups.

A key capability of the power meter option is the line loss calibration function, which automatically compensates for cable and fixture losses in the test path. This ensures that the power level reaching the device under test matches the specified value, improving measurement accuracy and test consistency. This feature is especially valuable when using the USG3045M-P's enhanced output power capabilities in complex test setups with multiple connection points or long cable runs. By combining signal generation and power measurement in a single coordinated system, the power meter option streamlines test procedures and reduces the need for additional test equipment.

Optional power meter option provides power measurement, output control, and line loss calibration capabilities

Professional Applications

High-Power RF Testing

The USG3045M-P's enhanced output power makes it ideally suited for applications requiring strong signal levels. It excels in testing receivers through high-loss test fixtures, characterizing components with significant insertion loss, and driving power amplifiers to their design limits. The mechanical attenuator ensures consistent high-power output with excellent level stability, critical for production environments where test consistency is paramount. The superior SWR characteristics minimize reflections that could otherwise compromise measurement accuracy at these higher power levels. For automated test systems or situations requiring signal distribution to multiple test points, the additional power headroom provides valuable margin to compensate for splitters, fixtures, and cable losses.

Power Amplifier Development and Testing

Power amplifier engineers will find the USG3045M-P particularly valuable during development and production testing. The high output power eliminates the need for pre-amplifiers in many test setups, simplifying configurations and reducing potential error sources. The mechanical attenuator provides the level stability required for accurate gain, efficiency, and linearity measurements across various operating conditions. When combined with the optional power meter, the instrument enables closed-loop verification of amplifier performance parameters. For modulated signal testing, the AM, FM, and optional pulse modulation capabilities allow thorough characterization of amplifier behavior under realistic operating conditions, while the enhanced output power ensures adequate drive levels even for high-power devices.

Specialized Communications Testing

The USG3045M-P is particularly well-suited for specialized communications applications requiring both high signal levels and precise modulation capabilities. It excels in testing military communications equipment, satellite communications systems, and public safety radios that often operate in challenging signal environments. The mechanical attenuator's enhanced output power allows simulation of strong signal conditions, while the comprehensive modulation functions enable creation of realistic test signals. When equipped with the optional pulse modulation packages, the instrument can generate the precise signal characteristics needed for radar system testing, transponder verification, and advanced communications protocols that use pulsed transmission techniques.

Production and Automated Testing

Manufacturing environments benefit from the USG3045M-P's combination of high output power, level stability, and automation capabilities. The mechanical attenuator's enhanced reliability under continuous high-power operation makes it ideal for 24/7 production testing, while its superior level accuracy ensures consistent test conditions across multiple stations. The comprehensive remote control options via LAN, USB, or optional GPIB support seamless integration into automated test systems, with the additional output power providing margin for test fixture and cable losses that accumulate in complex production setups. For high-volume manufacturing where test time directly impacts throughput, the instrument's fast frequency and amplitude switching speeds minimize delays between test steps.

Technical Specifications

USG3000M Series Model Comparison

The USG3000M series offers multiple models to address specific RF testing requirements. The series includes models with different frequency ranges and output power capabilities, allowing you to select the instrument that best meets your application needs and budget constraints.

Standard Features Across All Models

All USG3000M series models share a common set of core capabilities that ensure professional-grade performance regardless of which variant you select:

• 0.001 Hz frequency resolution
• Automatic Level Control (ALC) with multiple operating modes
• Standard AM, FM, and ΦM modulation
• 5-inch capacitive multi-touch display
• Built-in 50 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator
• LAN and USB connectivity
• Step, list, and sweep functionality
• Low phase noise and high signal purity

Selecting the Right Model

When choosing between USG3000M series models, consider these factors to determine which variant best meets your requirements:

Frequency Requirements

If your applications only require signals up to 4.5 GHz, the USG3045M models offer excellent value. For higher frequency applications including 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, 5G sub-6 GHz testing, or other systems operating between 4.5 and 6.5 GHz, select the USG3065M models.

Output Power Needs

The "-P" models with mechanical attenuators provide up to 4 dB more output power, making them ideal for:

• Testing high-attenuation systems
• Driving power amplifiers
• Compensating for lossy test setups
• Applications requiring stronger signals

The standard models with electronic attenuators offer excellent performance for most general-purpose applications at a more economical price point.

Common Options for All Models

All USG3000M series models support the same set of optional capabilities:

• USG3000M-PM: Pulse modulation with 80 dB on-off ratio
• USG3000M-PG: Narrow pulse generator (20 ns minimum width)
• USG3000M-PK: Power meter option
• USG3000M-GPIB: GPIB interface for legacy systems

Application-Specific Recommendations

Wireless Communications Testing

For 2.4 GHz applications (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee), the USG3045M provides complete coverage. For 5 GHz Wi-Fi and similar bands, choose the USG3065M. If you're testing receivers through lossy fixtures or conducting sensitivity measurements that require stronger signals, select a "-P" model.

Educational and Research

For university labs and educational settings, the USG3045M offers the best value for most RF teaching applications. The USG3065M should be considered when training involves 5 GHz wireless systems.

Radar and Pulse Applications

If your work involves radar systems or precise pulse generation, any model can be equipped with the USG3000M-PM and USG3000M-PG options. The "-P" models are recommended if higher power pulses are required, as they provide 4-5 dB more output power at higher frequencies.

Production Testing

For automated test systems, all models offer similar remote control capabilities. Select the model that matches your frequency and power requirements. Adding the USG3000M-PK power meter option is recommended for production environments to enable closed-loop verification of power levels.

Cost-Benefit Considerations

The USG3000M series is designed to provide optimal price-performance ratios across the range of models:

• USG3045M: Best value for applications below 4.5 GHz with standard power requirements
• USG3045M-P: Optimal for applications below 4.5 GHz requiring higher output power
• USG3