The EIP Microwave 578 (subsequently Phase Matrix 578) is a specialized Source Locking Microwave Frequency Counter designed for precision frequency measurements and phase-locking external microwave sweepers and signal sources. Operating from 10 Hz to 18 GHz as standard, and expandable up to 90 GHz via options, the 578 utilizes a YIG-preselected input to deliver exceptional amplitude discrimination and high input burnout protection up to 1 Watt.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB (IEEE-488), Analog Source Lock DAC Output (BNC)
Display12-digit LED display

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC (±10%), 50 Hz to 400 Hz
Operating Temperature0 °C to 50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)432 mm × 89 mm × 457 mm
Weight12.7 kg

Frequency Measurement

ParameterValue
Minimum Frequency (Band 1)10 Hz
Maximum Frequency (Band 1)100 MHz
Minimum Frequency (Band 2)10 MHz
Maximum Frequency (Band 2)1 GHz
Minimum Frequency (Band 3)1 GHz
Maximum Frequency (Band 3)26.5 GHz
Extended Frequency CapabilityUp to 110 GHz (with Option 06)
Number of Input Channels3 (Band 1, Band 2, and Band 3)
Input Impedance (Band 1)1 MΩ nominal shunted by < 25 pF
Input Impedance (Band 2)50 Ω nominal
Input Impedance (Band 3)50 Ω nominal
Sensitivity (Band 1)25 mV RMS
Sensitivity (Band 2)-20 dBm
Sensitivity (Band 3, 1 GHz to 12.4 GHz)-25 dBm
Maximum Input Level (Band 1)120 V RMS (frequency dependent)
Maximum Input Level (Band 2)+10 dBm
Maximum Input Level (Band 3)+10 dBm
Damage Protection Level (Band 2)+30 dBm (1 W) continuous
Damage Protection Level (Band 3)+30 dBm (1 W) continuous
Input CouplingAC (all bands)
AM Tolerance (Band 3)Any modulation depth, provided minimum signal level remains above sensitivity threshold
FM Tolerance (Band 3)Up to 10 MHz peak-to-peak
Amplitude DiscriminationDistinguishes between signals separated by ≥ 200 MHz and measures the larger signal if ≥ 6 dB greater
Frequency ResolutionSelectable down to 1 Hz

Source Locking & Control

ParameterValue
Source Locking MethodAnalog closed-loop frequency/phase matrix lock control
Source Locking Resolution10 kHz
Lock Control Output Voltage±10 V analog sweep/tuning correction signal

Timebase & Reference Oscillator

ParameterValue
Standard Reference Oscillator TypeTCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator)
Internal Reference Frequency10 MHz
External Reference Input Frequency10 MHz
Reference Output10 MHz (isolated buffer output)

Reference Oscillator

ParameterValue
Standard TCXO Aging Rate< 1 × 10^-7 / month
Standard TCXO Temperature Stability< 1 × 10^-6 (0 °C to 50 °C)

Reference Oscillator Options

ParameterValue
Option 01 Oven Timebase Aging Rate< 5 × 10^-10 / day (after 72-hour warm-up)
Option 01 Oven Timebase Temperature Stability< 1 × 10^-8 (0 °C to 50 °C)

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Connector Type (Band 1)BNC female
Connector Type (Band 2)BNC female

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-55 °C to +75 °C
Operating HumidityUp to 95% relative humidity at 40 °C (non-condensing)
Operating AltitudeUp to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
Non-Operating AltitudeUp to 12,000 meters (40,000 feet)

Options & Accessories

ParameterValue
Option 02 Rear Panel InputsRelocates Band 1, Band 2, and Band 3 inputs to the rear panel
Extended Frequency Range (Option 06)26.5 GHz to 110 GHz (requires EIP 93X Series waveguide sensors)

Source Locking

ParameterValue
Source Locking Frequency Range10 MHz to 26.5 GHz

Technology

YIG-preselected Heterodyne Downconversion

Applications

Microwave Frequency Measurement and Source Phase-Locking