What is the standard warm-up time required for the MG3690 series generators?

For C-generation models like the MG3694C and MG3697C, a typical warm-up time of 1 hour is recommended to meet full specifications.

Which models support sub-microsecond pulse widths?

The MG3694B supports a standard minimum pulse width of 100 ns, which can be decreased to 10 ns with Option 24. The MG3694C supports a pulse width range starting at 25 ns via its internal pulse generator.

What interfaces are available for remote control on MG3690 series generators?

Interface configurations vary. The MG3692B features a GPIB (IEEE-488) interface. The MG3694A includes GPIB and RS-232 ports. Modern C-series models, such as the MG3694C and MG3697C, provide GPIB (IEEE-488.2) and LAN (10/100 Base-T) interfaces, with the MG3697C additionally offering an RS-232 port.

Anritsu MG3690 Series Signal Generators

5 models with full specifications from Anritsu.

The Anritsu MG3690 series represents a family of high-performance, synthesized microwave signal generators spanning multiple generations, including the MG3690A, MG3690B, and MG3690C product lines. These instruments are designed for demanding RF and microwave applications, such as local oscillator (LO) substitution, radar simulation, and component testing. Standard models start coverage at 2 GHz, with upper limits ranging from 20 GHz on the MG3692B, up to 40 GHz on the MG3694A, MG3694B, and MG3694C, and reaching 67 GHz (operational to 70 GHz) on the broadband MG3697C. With low phase noise, selectable sweep modes, and versatile modulation options, the MG3690 series offers technical buyers scalable signal generation configurations designed to match precise testing requirements.

Frequency Range: 2 GHz to 67 GHz (operational up to 70 GHz)
Standard Frequency Resolution: 0.01 Hz
Standard Output Power: +13 dBm
Sweep Types: Analog, Step, Manual, List

Models in this series

Model	Type	Display	Frequency Resolution	Interfaces
MG3692B	Signal	LCD	0.01 Hz	GPIB (IEEE-488)
MG3694A	Signal	Backlit LCD	0.01 Hz	GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232
MG3694B	Signal	Front panel LCD	0.01 Hz	GPIB (IEEE-488)
MG3697C	Signal	Backlit graphic LCD front panel	0.01 Hz (standard) / 0.1 mHz (with Option 10)	GPIB (IEEE-488.2), LAN (10/100 Base-T), RS-232
MG3694C	Signal	Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with backlighting	0.01 Hz	GPIB (IEEE-488.2), LAN (10/100 Base-T)

Frequency Coverage and Scalability

Standard MG3690 series models operate from a starting frequency of 2 GHz. The high-frequency limit is determined by the specific model: the MG3692B reaches 20 GHz, the MG3694A, MG3694B, and MG3694C reach 40 GHz, and the MG3697C extends up to 67 GHz (remaining operational up to 70 GHz).

For applications requiring lower frequencies, several models support optional extensions. The MG3694A can be extended down to 0.1 Hz, and can also reach up to 110 GHz using external multipliers. The newer C-generation models, including the MG3694C and MG3697C, also support optional frequency coverage extensions down to 0.1 Hz.

Output Power and Phase Noise Performance

Standard configurations across the MG3694A, MG3694B, MG3694C, and MG3697C deliver +13 dBm of maximum output power. When higher power signals are required, Option 15 increases this capability up to +19 dBm on models like the MG3694C and MG3697C. For precise signal attenuation, Option 2 adds an 110 dB step attenuator, expanding the output power range down to -120 dBm on the MG3692B, MG3694A, MG3694B, and MG3694C.

Phase noise characteristics vary by generation and options. The MG3694A provides -94 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset (10 GHz carrier), while the standard MG3697C achieves -100 dBc/Hz under the same conditions. For critical phase-locked systems, the MG3694C offers significant phase noise improvements with Option 3 (-115 dBc/Hz typical) and Option 3X (-121 dBc/Hz typical).

Modulation Capabilities and Signal Sweeping

The MG3690 series supports multiple sweep modes, including step sweep, analog ramp sweep, and manual sweep. Some models, such as the MG3694A and MG3694C, also include list sweep capabilities. For modulation, standard MG3694A and MG3694B configurations support AM, FM, Phase, and Pulse modulation. The MG3697C supports AM, FM, Phase, and internal/external Pulse modulation. On the MG3694C, analog modulation options require Option 28, while external I/Q modulation via an IF input requires Option 7.

Internal signal generation is highly configurable via optional hardware. For instance, Option 10 on the MG3694B adds an internal LF generator that outputs sine, square, triangle, ramps, and noise waveforms from 0.1 Hz up to 1 MHz for sine waves. The MG3694B also supports Option 24, which introduces an internal pulse generator capable of free-run, triggered, gated, delayed, doublet, triplet, and quadruplet pulse modes with pulse widths spanning 10 ns to 160 ms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard warm-up time required for the MG3690 series generators?: For C-generation models like the MG3694C and MG3697C, a typical warm-up time of 1 hour is recommended to meet full specifications.
Which models support sub-microsecond pulse widths?: The MG3694B supports a standard minimum pulse width of 100 ns, which can be decreased to 10 ns with Option 24. The MG3694C supports a pulse width range starting at 25 ns via its internal pulse generator.
What interfaces are available for remote control on MG3690 series generators?: Interface configurations vary. The MG3692B features a GPIB (IEEE-488) interface. The MG3694A includes GPIB and RS-232 ports. Modern C-series models, such as the MG3694C and MG3697C, provide GPIB (IEEE-488.2) and LAN (10/100 Base-T) interfaces, with the MG3697C additionally offering an RS-232 port.