Fluke 9640A-LPN RF Reference Source Delivers Higher Performance for Demanding Calibration Lab Workloads

Streamlines Calibration Process and Boosts Productivity; Low Phase Noise Capability Verifies the Most Demanding Spectrum Analyzers

Fluke Corporation has announced the new Fluke 9640A-LPN (low phase noise) RF Reference Source, a higher-performance synthesizer designed to simplify RF calibration and improve calibration lab productivity for even more demanding workload coverage.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN Reference Source joins the Fluke 9640A in delivering level precision, dynamic range and frequency capability in a single instrument. They can be used to calibrate a broad range of RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, modulation meters and analyzers, RF power meters and sensors, measurement receivers, frequency counters and attenuators.

The phase noise specification of the Fluke 9640A-LPN is designed around maintaining adequate calibration margin capable of verifying the most demanding spectrum analyzers, including the Agilent PSA series and Rohde & Schwarz FSU Series. Previous systems typically used two or more signal generators to cover close-in and far-out measurements, or simply didn't have the necessary test accuracy ratio. Now calibration labs get the performance they need with a single Fluke 9640A-LPN.

The Fluke 9640A series instruments are designed to replace popular but now discontinued synthesizers. The Fluke 9640A matches or exceeds performance of the HP 3335A Synthesizer/Level Generator, while the Fluke 9640A-LPN matches or exceeds the phase noise performance of the HP 8662A or HP 8663A synthesizers. Typical phase noise at 1 GHz for the 9640A is 10 kHz offset -122 dBc/Hz, 1 MHz offset -130 dBc/Hz. For the 9640A-LPN it is 10 kHz offset -138 dBc/Hz, 1 MHz offset -153 dBc/Hz.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN features integrated signal leveling and attenuation within its precision leveling head, eliminating the need for characterization using a separate power meter and step attenuators, which is time consuming and difficult to automate. The leveling head delivers signals directly to the unit under test (UUT), maintaining signal precision and noise immunity throughout a +24 dBm to -130 dBm dynamic range to minimize losses, noise, mismatch errors and to maintain the calibrated integrity of the signal. The Fluke 9640A comes with a 50 ohm leveling head and has an option to add a 75 ohm head, which extends the instrument's capability to calibrate workload with 50 and 75 ohm inputs, a unique characteristic in modern signal sources.

Designed to simplify calibration lab applications, the Fluke 9640A-LPN features dedicated function keys, context-sensitive softkeys and a bright color display. Users can set a level or frequency step size and deviate the output to match specified target values while the Fluke 9640A-LPN displays the calculated UUT error for calibration certificate documentation.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN is supported by a range of common RF workload procedures within the Fluke MET/CAL® Plus Calibration Measurement Software, allowing quick automation of the calibration process while simplifying the documentation requirements for quality standards and tracking assets.

The Fluke 9640A-LPN RF Reference Source is available immediately at a US list price of $44,495. For more information on the Fluke 9640A-LPN, visit www.fluke.com, or contact Fluke Corporation, PO Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206, call (888) 308-5277, fax (425) 446-5116, or e-mail fluke-info@fluke.com.

Fluke Corporation

Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians and metrologists who install, troubleshoot, and manage industrial electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control.