Anritsu MG36221A RF Signal Generator

The Anritsu MG36221A is a RF signal generator spanning 9 kHz to 20 GHz, engineered for precision frequency generation across research, development, manufacturing, and test environments. It delivers output power from -130 dBm to +20 dBm with exceptional phase noise performance of -136 dBc/Hz typical at 10 GHz (10 kHz offset), frequency resolution to 0.001 Hz, and multiple modulation modes including AM, FM, PM, and pulse generation. The instrument supports optional rubidium frequency references with aging stability to ±1 × 10⁻⁹ per year, external GNSS/GPS locking, and simultaneous modulation formats for complex signal simulation.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 20 GHz


• Frequency resolution: 0.001 Hz


• Internal reference aging (standard): < ±5 × 10⁻⁷ per year


• Internal reference aging (Option 0003): < ±2 × 10⁻⁸ per year


• Internal reference aging (Option 0056 rubidium): < ±1 × 10⁻⁹ per year


• Temperature stability (0–55 °C, OCXO): < ±3 × 10⁻⁷


• Temperature stability (0–55 °C, rubidium): < ±2 × 10⁻⁹


• Temperature stability (0–55 °C, Option 0056): < ±3 × 10⁻¹⁰


• External reference inputs: 10 MHz ± 2 ppm (0 to +10 dBm); 100 MHz ± 2 ppm with Option 0003 (+10 to +14 dBm)


• Reference frequency output: 10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 1.6 GHz Output & Power


• Output connector: 2.92 mm K(m)


• Output power range: -130 dBm to +20 dBm (with Option 0002 mechanical step attenuator, 110 dB)


• Level accuracy: ±1.4 dB


• Harmonics: < -58 dBc


• Sub-harmonics: < -83 dBc


• Non-harmonics (20 GHz): < -63 dBc Phase Noise


• SSB phase noise (standard): -136 dBc/Hz typical at 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset


• Measured phase noise: -140 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset


• Option 0003 and 0013 provide improved close-in and higher-offset phase noise


• Option 0023 (CW, 2–20 GHz): Additional 3 dB improvement on separate RF port Modulation


• Modulation types: AM, FM, PM, pulse


• Simultaneous modulation: AM/FM, AM/PM, FM/Pulse


• Minimum pulse width: < 50 ns (unleveled)


• Pulse rise/fall times: 5 ns typical


• Pulse Train Option 0025: Generates arbitrary pulse patterns

Key Features

• Frequency locking to external GNSS/GPS signal


• Optional low-phase-noise OCXO and rubidium atomic clock references


• Sub-50 ns pulse generation for radar and pulsed applications


• Simultaneous dual modulation modes for complex signal simulation


• Mechanical step attenuator option providing 110 dB dynamic range

Typical Applications

• Pulsed radar system simulation and component testing


• Phase noise characterization and filter validation


• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity measurements


• Modulation fidelity and dynamic range assessment

Compatibility & Integration

• 2.92 mm K(m) output connector for industry-standard test fixtures


• External 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference inputs support phase-locked operation with external standards


• Selectable 10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 1.6 GHz reference outputs enable synchronization of auxiliary instrumentation