The frequency generation technique used by the FS5000 is Direct
Analog Frequency Synthesis, implemented in a patented, iterative,
modular, architecture. Based on mixing, adding and dividing fixed
frequencies using wide-band mixers, ultra-fast switches and switched
filter banks, this technique is singular in providing, simultaneously,
the attributes of fast switching speed, high spectral purity and wide
frequency range. Direct Analog Frequency Synthesis is also inherent-
ly rugged and reliable - there are no loops to unlock and no vibration
sensitive oscillators.
The FS5000’s fundamental frequency generation range is 4.8 to
13.5 GHz, an order of magnitude higher than the FS2000.
Synthesis at X band microwave frequencies allows for wide
bandwidths, small size, and superior spectral purity. The output
frequency can be extended to 26.5 GHz using one doubler,
which increases spurious signals and phase noise by only 6 dB.
FS5000 technology consequently provides not only superb
frequency agility, but also spectral purity rivaling low noise fixed
frequency references. At X-band the FS5000 delivers 200 nS
frequency switching time, phase noise of -120 dBc at 10 kHz offset,
spurious signals better than -70 dBc, and harmonics suppressed to
better than -50 dBc. Modular FS5000 synthesizers with special-
ized low noise references are available with improved phase
noise of -130 dBc at 10 KHz offset and spurious signals better
than -80 dBc at X band. The programming and digital interface
for the FS5000 are fully compatible with Aeroflex’s FS2000 family
of synthesizers.
Aeroflex develops and manufactures the specialized components
used in implementation of the FS5000 architecture. Thick film
hybrid microcircuits, fabricated in the Company’s Boca Raton,
Florida facility, contribute to the unmatched performance and
reliability found in the FS5000. Wide-band switched filter banks
and ultra-fast switches are manufactured by Aeroflex tailored to
FS5000 specifications.
Standard kits to support frequently used frequency ranges are
available in compact packages.
The instrument realization is housed in a 3U rack mountable chas-
sis with display, keyboard, IEEE-488 interface, and parallel BCD
interface for fast switching control. These are designated ‘B’ series
and plug into standard power mains, both U.S. and International.
The ‘B’ series is supported by a number of standard options which
tailor the unit to specific system or laboratory requirements. OEM
versions are typically supplied with modules mounted on plates
and require external regulated power - exact configuration is
application dependent. Typical examples are given in this data
sheet. OEM versions can be supplied to meet a broad spectrum
of performance and physical requirements ranging from commer-
cial to full military airborne.
Actual oscilloscope photo showing 6.5 to 13.5 GHz step in
103 nanoseconds
Actual phase noise plot at 9 GHz of modular radar upgrade system
8.0 GHz output spectrum showing 2nd harmonic at 16 GHz, no
sub-harmonic at 4.0 GHz and spurious signals better than -80 dBc
2
Aeroflex Signal & Control Solutions
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Revision Date: 8/21/2013
FS5000 Series
Fast Switching Synthesizer
SIGNAL & CONTROL SOLUTIONS
(IFM) module, a control processor, and an FS5000 agile syn-
thesizer. The principle of the upgrade subsystem is to measure
the agile radar pulse frequency at transmission and accurately
set the receiver local oscillator (LO) before the return pulse has
arrived. The LO must be accurate with respect to frequency,
have low phase noise and low spurious content - attributes for
which the FS5000 is ideally suited. Aeroflex/Comstron produced
the complete upgrade subsystem including real-time control and
self-calibration capabilities.
The FS5000 P1 OEM plate illustrated shows a typical modular
configuration. Electrical connections for power and programming
as well as RF output are located to promote interface accessibility.
The placement of standard modules allows for proper channelling of
airflow for cooling. The location of module input and output
connections are in easily accessable locations. This feature aids in
service and trouble shooting. Future expansion or enhancement of
this basic synthesizer is possible with the capability to add or replace
modules or upgrade existing modules. Additional information on
standard modular sets of OEM plate (P) series configurations is
provided below.
FS5000 technology has been developed to support the most
stringent airborne requirements. The architecture as well as
its implementation has been specifically geared to furnish-
ing military qualified, high reliability units. The architecture
developed around direct analog frequency synthesis is inher-
ently insensitive to vibration - there are no VCOs or sensitive
phase locked loops. The components and modules supporting
the architecture have also been selected for their rugged and
temperature stable qualities. All elements of the architecture
have components which can be qualified to MIL-STD-883. The
architecture has been implemented using the most appropriate
technology presently available. In order to support the need for
miniaturization and low power drain, much of the implementation
is carried out as application specific hybrid microcircuits. These are
designed and produced by the Aeroflex Circuit Technology div-
ision, supported by a 25,0000 square foot, MILSTD- 1772 qualified,
microelectronics production facility.
FS5000 technology permits a truly modular approach to the design
of specialized frequency synthesizers. The architecture itself is
interative and modular, herefore implementations are naturally
so. Specific frequency ranges and step sizes are produced by
using standard and semi-custom modules configured to support
the precise requirement. This architectural approach is adapt-
able to a wide range of applications, and also accrues all of the
advantages of standardization. Reliability, service, logistics, and
development economy are all substantially enhanced by using
FS5000 architecture and technology. The FS5000 is the signal
source of choice for implementing advanced radar systems but
also for upgrading existing radars. The above paragraph shows
an upgrade to an agile fire control radar. The upgrade consists
of a down converter, an instantaneous frequency measurement
Aeroflex Signal & Control Solutions
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Revision Date: 8/21/2013
3
SIGNAL & CONTROL SOLUTIONS
FS5000 Series
Frequency Synthesizer
Specifications:
MODULAR CONFIGURATIONS*:
P1
Frequency Range
Resolution
Output Level
Flatness
Internal Reference
Stability (per 24 Hrs)
Switching Speed
Spurious
Harmonics
Phase Noise (dBc/Hz)
10 Hz
100 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz
100 kHz
1 MHz
10 MHz
40 MHz
Power Requirements
+15 V
+5.2 V
-6.0 V
Frequency Control
(Parallel BCD, TTL)
Dimensions
Height
Width
Length
Weight
Temperature Range
Operating
Storage
0° to 50°C
-20° to +85°C
0° to 50°C
-20° to +85°C
0° to 50°C
-20° to +85°C
0° to 50°C
-20° to +85°C
4.3” (10.923 cm)
11.75” (29.845 cm)
11” (27.94 cm)
20 lbs (9.07 kg)
4.3” (10.923 cm)
8.5” (21.59 cm)
11” (27.94 cm)
18 lbs (8.16 kg)
4.3” (10.923 cm)
8.5” (21.59 cm)
11” (27.94 cm)
18 lbs (8.16 kg)
4.3” (10.923 cm)
8.5” (21.59 cm)
11” (27.94 cm)
18 lbs (8.16 kg)
1.0 A
11.0 A
5.2 A
21 Bits
0.8 A
7.0 A
2.5 A
14 Bits
0.8 A
7.0 A
3.0 A
18 Bits
0.8 A
8.0 A
3.5 A
19 Bits
-55
-84
-102
-113
-115
-116
-130
-132
-60
-90
-110
-120
-122
-123
-136
-138
-56
-86
-103
-115
-117
-120
-132
-134
-56
-86
-103
-115
-117
-120
-132
-134
0.5 - 18 GHz
100 kHz
+13 dBm
±3 dB
100 MHz
5 X 10
-8
<200 nS
-64 dB
-50 dB
P2
4.8 - 8.0 GHz
500 kHz
+10 dBm
±1.5 dB
100 MHz
5 X 10
-8
<200 nS
-70 dB
-50 dB
P3
8.0 - 13.5 GHz
500 kHz
+10 dBm
±1.5 dB
100 MHz
5 X 10
-8
<200 nS
-70 dB
-50 dB
P4
4.8 - 13.5 GHz
500 kHz
+13 dBm
±3 dB
100 MHz
5 X 10
-8
<200 nS
-70 dB
-50 dB
* This table comprises a partial list of available Modular FS-5000 configurations. Contact the Factory for information on other available configurations and
specifications. Modular FS5000 synthesizers with specialized low noise references are available with improved phase noise of -130 dBc at 10 kHz offset at
X band as well as improved spurious and harmonics.
4
Aeroflex Signal & Control Solutions
www.aeroflex.com/ASCS • acc-sales@aeroflex.com
Revision Date: 8/21/2013
FS5000 Series
Frequency Synthesizer
STANDARD CHASSIS CONFIGURATION
Frequency Range and Resolution:
Model Number
FS5000B-F
FS5000B-X
FS5000B-13
FS5000B-18
FS5000B-20
FS5000B-26.5
Frequency
Range (GHz)
4.8 to 13.5
4.8 to 20
0.3 to 13.5
0.3 to 18.0
0.3 to 20.0
0.3 to 26.5
Frequency
Resolution
0.5 MHz
1 MHz
0.5 MHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
SIGNAL & CONTROL SOLUTIONS
Spectral Purity:
Phase Noise:
Absolute SSB Phase Noise in dBc/Hz (includes noise of internal
reference)
Frequency
Offset
10 Hz
100 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz
100 kHz
1 MHz
10 MHz
100 MHz
40 MHz
Carrier Frequency (GHz)
0.5
-86
-105
-110
-130
-140
-142
-143
-143
-147
1.0
-80
-85
-95
-120
-132
-139
-148
-150
-140
3.0
-71
-99
-110
-124
-128
-132
-140
-150
-134
8.0
-60
-90
-110
-120
-122
-123
-136
-138
-128
18.0
-55
-84
-102
-113
-115
-116
-130
-132
-122
Switching Speed:
<200 nanoseconds
Output Power:
Flatness:
+10 dBm (50 Ohms) nominal
±2 dB (±5°C of calibration temperature)
Spurious and Harmonic Signals
Frequency
Range (GHz)
0.3 - 2.4
2.4 - 4.8
4.8 - 13.5
13.5 - 20
20 - 26.5
Harmonics
(dBc)
-80
-76
-70
-64
-64
Spurious
(dBc)
None
None
None
-60
-50
0° to 50 °C
-20° to 85 °C
Sub-Harmonics
(dBc)
-50
-50
-50
-50
-50
Amplitude Setting:
Within 2 dB of final level <200 nanoseconds
Reference Oscillator:
Internal: 100 MHz Quartz Oscillator, 5 x10
-8
per day after
30 days in normal operating environment
External Tuning Input:
±2 VDC, Pull Range ±100 Hz per Volt Nominal at 1 GHz