Rohde & Schwarz SMBV100A 9kHz to 6GHz Vector Signal Generator

The Rohde & Schwarz SMBV100A is a vector signal generator spanning 9 kHz to 6 GHz, engineered for RF testing, digital modulation simulation, and wireless communications development. It combines high spectral purity, rapid settling times, and flexible signal generation across CW and I/Q modes to support standards from GSM and LTE through WLAN and GNSS. The instrument delivers up to +24 dBm output power with –120 dBm to +24 dBm level range, 120 MHz internal RF bandwidth, and phase noise below –141 dBc at 20 kHz offset.

An integrated arbitrary waveform generator with up to 256 Msamples memory, optional baseband generator, and pulse modulation capability enable complex signal creation for aerospace, defense, and general RF development.

Technical Specifications

• CW mode: 9 kHz to 3.2 GHz or 9 kHz to 6 GHz (option-dependent)


• I/Q mode: 1 MHz to 3.2 GHz or 1 MHz to 6 GHz (option-dependent)


• Frequency resolution: 0.001 Hz Output Power


• Maximum: Typically +24 dBm above 1 MHz; >+18 dBm (PEP) for 1 MHz < f ≤ 6 GHz


• Level range: –120 dBm to +24 dBm


• Electronic attenuator with integrated overvoltage protection RF Bandwidth


• Internal signal generation: Up to 120 MHz


• I/Q modulator: Exceeds 500 MHz; up to 160 MHz available with internal baseband generator Spectral Performance


• Harmonics: 1 MHz, CW, level ≤ 8 dBm)


• SSB phase noise: <–141 dBc (typ. –147 dBc) at 20 kHz offset, 1 Hz BW, 100 MHz CW


• Wideband noise: 5 dBm, >10 MHz offset, 1 Hz BW) Settling Performance


• CW mode (ALC ON): <3 ms


• I/Q mode (ALC ON): <5 ms


• ALC table switching: <2 ms


• Post-trigger pulse response: <1 ms

Key Features

• I/Q and pulse modulation supporting 3GPP LTE, HSPA+, GSM/EDGE, TD-SCDMA, WiMAX, WLAN 802.11ac, and GNSS


• Integrated 256 Msamples arbitrary waveform generator for extended test sequences


• Optional real-time baseband generator for custom digital modulations


• Multi-band waveform mode enabling fast test sequence switching


• External I/Q input for RF bandwidth exceeding 500 MHz

Typical Applications Wireless communications testing, aerospace and defense signal simulation, transceiver validation, GNSS receiver development, and general RF subsystem characterization.

Compatibility & Integration The SMBV100A accepts both internal baseband generation and external I/Q inputs, supporting integration into automated test systems and production environments.