2026

IFR/Instrument Flight Research Sources, Signal

The IFR 2026 is a multi-source synthesized signal generator designed for testing RF components and systems. Containing up to three independent RF signal sources in a single compact benchtop instrument, it provides high-quality carrier signals with extensive modulation capabilities, making it ideal for intermodulation and receiver selectivity testing.

RF and Microwave Receiver Testing Signal Generation

Specifications

General

Parameter	Value
Interfaces	GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232, Auxiliary I/O
Display	High-contrast monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD) with backlight
Setup Memory	100 non-volatile store locations

Physical

Parameter	Value
Power Supply	90 V to 265 V AC, 45 Hz to 440 Hz, up to 250 VA
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)	370 mm × 177 mm × 540 mm
Weight	16 kg (2-source version)

RF Configuration

Parameter	Value
Number of RF Sources	2 standard (expandable to 3 via Option 002)

RF Output & Frequency Characteristics

Parameter	Value
Frequency Resolution	1 Hz
Frequency Accuracy	Depends on internal reference (±1.5 x 10^-7 per year standard)
Output Impedance	50 Ω
RF Output Connector Type	Type N female
Individual Source Level Range	-137 dBm to +24 dBm
Combiner Output Level Range	-137 dBm to +10 dBm (+16 dBm overrange)
Output Level Resolution	0.1 dB
Output VSWR (Combiner Port)	< 1.22:1 (for frequencies < 1.2 GHz), < 1.35:1 (for frequencies < 2.4 GHz)

Phase Noise Measurement

Parameter	Value
System Phase Noise Sensitivity (20 kHz Offset)	<-115 dBc/Hz (typically -121 dBc/Hz) at 1 GHz carrier

Spectral Purity

Parameter	Value
Harmonics	<-30 dBc
Non-harmonic Spurious	<-70 dBc at offsets > 10 kHz (for carrier frequencies up to 1 GHz)
Residual FM	< 4.5 Hz RMS at 1 GHz in 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz bandwidth

Frequency Modulation (FM)

Parameter	Value
FM Resolution	1 Hz
FM Distortion	< 1% at 1 kHz rate and maximum deviation

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Parameter	Value
AM Depth Range	0% to 99%
AM Depth Resolution	0.1%
AM Distortion	< 2% at 1 kHz rate and 30% depth

Phase Modulation (ΦM)

Parameter	Value
Phase Modulation Resolution	0.01 rad

Internal Reference Oscillator

Parameter	Value
Internal Reference Oscillator Frequency	10 MHz
Reference Temperature Stability	±1 x 10^-7 (0 °C to 50 °C)
External Reference Input Frequency Range	1, 2, 5, 10, or 13 MHz

Internal Modulation Sources

Parameter	Value
Internal Modulation Waveforms	Sine, Triangular, Square
Modulation Source Frequency Range	0.1 Hz to 50 kHz

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Parameter	Value
Rack Unit Height	4U

RF Output

Parameter	Value
RF Output Level Accuracy	±1 dB (typically < ±0.5 dB) for levels down to -127 dBm
Carrier Leakage	< 0.5 μV PD at carrier frequency into a 50 Ω load
Individual Source Level Flatness	±0.5 dB
Attenuator Hold Range	Up to 20 dB

Modulation

Parameter	Value
LF Generator Frequency Range	0.1 Hz to 50 kHz
LF Generator Frequency Resolution	0.1 Hz
LF Generator Waveforms	Sine, triangle, square
External Modulation Input Impedance	100 kΩ nominal

Sweep

Parameter	Value
Sweep Type	Frequency or level

Compliance

Parameter	Value
Safety Compliance	Conforms with EN61010-1
EMC Compliance	Conforms with EN55011, EN50082-1

Phase Control

Parameter	Value
RF Channel Phase Adjustment Resolution	0.1°

Intermodulation

Parameter	Value
Intermodulation Distortion (IMD3)	<-80 dBc (for two tones at -10 dBm each)

Environmental

Parameter	Value
Storage Temperature Range	-40 °C to +71 °C
Operating Altitude	Up to 3,050 m (10,000 ft)

Power Requirements

Parameter	Value
Mains Voltage Range	90 V to 265 V AC
Mains Frequency Range	45 Hz to 440 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	180 VA

Frequency Reference

Parameter	Value
Reference Output Frequency	10 MHz

Modulation - Pulse (Option 001)

Parameter	Value
Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time	< 100 ns

Technology

Synthesized RF Signal Generator

Applications

Receiver Selectivity and Intermodulation Testing