The Marconi / IFR 2024 is a lightweight, portable synthesized signal generator covering a carrier frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.4 GHz. Highly regarded for its spectral purity, low noise floor, and comprehensive modulation capabilities, it is designed for both laboratory and field test environments. Standard features include full GPIB remote control, extensive sweep options, and a robust internal LF modulation source.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 9 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 1 Hz |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm |
| Output Power Range | -140 dBm to +13 dBm |
| Phase Noise | <-115 dBc/Hz @ 20 kHz offset (1 GHz carrier) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase Modulation (ΦM), Pulse (optional) |
| Sweep Modes | Linear and logarithmic carrier frequency / RF level sweep |
| FM Distortion | < 0.5% at 1 kHz rate and 100 kHz deviation |
| AM Distortion | < 1.5% at 1 kHz rate and 30% depth |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz TCXO |
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2) |
| Display | LCD with LED backlighting |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 to 240 V AC (±10%), 50 to 400 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 389 mm × 108 mm × 463 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 9 kHz to 2.4 GHz |
| Internal Reference Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Reference Aging Rate | < ±1 ppm per year |
| Reference Temperature Stability | < ±1 ppm (0 °C to 50 °C) |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
Output Power and Level
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Range | -140 dBm to +13 dBm |
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.1 dB |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Output VSWR | < 1.25:1 (for levels < -7 dBm, up to 1.2 GHz) |
| Maximum Reverse Power Protection | 50 W (from 50 Ω source, DC to 2.4 GHz) |
| Reverse Voltage Protection | 50 V DC |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc (for levels < +6 dBm) |
| Non-Harmonics (Spurious) | <-70 dBc (at >10 kHz offset, up to 1 GHz) |
| Sub-Harmonics | None up to 1.2 GHz, <-40 dBc up to 2.4 GHz |
| SSB Phase Noise at 20 kHz offset | <-115 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz carrier) |
| Residual FM | < 4.5 Hz RMS (at 1 GHz, 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz bandwidth) |
| Residual AM | < 0.05% (50 Hz to 15 kHz bandwidth) |
Frequency Modulation (FM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum FM Deviation | Up to 3.2 MHz (carrier dependent) |
| FM Resolution | 1 Hz or 3 digits |
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum AM Depth | 0% to 99.9% |
| AM Depth Resolution | 0.1% |
| AM Accuracy | ±(4% of reading + 1%) at 1 kHz |
Phase Modulation (Phi-M)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Phase Deviation | Up to 320 rads (carrier dependent) |
Internal Modulation Source
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal LF Generator Frequency Range | 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz |
| Internal LF Generator Resolution | 0.1 Hz |
| Internal LF Waveforms | Sine, triangle, square |
| LF Output Voltage Range | 0.1 mV to 5 V RMS (into high impedance) |
Rear Panel and Control Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Interface | IEEE-488.2 standard |
| RF Output Connector | Type N female |
Physical and Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Power Supply Frequency Range | 45 Hz to 440 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 120 VA maximum |
RF Output & Level Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Level Accuracy | ±1.0 dB (for levels > -127 dBm) |
| RF Level Flatness | ±0.5 dB (across full frequency range) |
| Attenuator Hold Range | up to 20 dB (user-selectable) |
| Carrier Frequency Settling Time | < 10 ms |
Modulation Performance & Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse Modulation Option | Option 002 |
| Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB (with Option 002) |
| Dual Modulation Source Option | Option 001 (adds second internal LF generator) |
| Electronic Attenuator Option | Option 003 |
| Avionics Option | Option 006 (adds VOR/ILS capability) |
System & Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Memory Capacity | 100 non-volatile store locations, 20 intermediate store locations |
| GPIB Emulation Modes | Marconi 2018/2019, Marconi 2022 |
Environmental & Standards
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EMC Compliance | Conforms to EN 55011 Class B and EN 50082-1 |
| Safety Compliance | Conforms to EN 61010-1 |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Modulation Input | BNC female (front panel), 100 kOhm input impedance |
| LF Output Connector | BNC female (front panel) |
LF Generator
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LF Output Impedance | 50 ohms nominal |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to +71 °C |
Technology
Synthesized Signal Generation
Applications
RF / Microwave Testing & Calibration