UNI-T USG5000-PG Narrow Pulse Generator Option for USG5000 Series RF Signal Generators

Overview

The USG5000-PG narrow pulse generator option enhances the USG5000 series microwave signal generators with ultra-narrow pulse generation capabilities, compatible with both the USG5000M (Analog) and USG5000V (Digital Vector) series. This specialized option enables the creation of extremely short RF pulses with precise timing control, essential for automotive millimeter-wave radar development, high-speed digital communications testing, and industrial sensing applications at microwave frequencies.

Key Features

• Ultra-Narrow Pulse Generation: Create pulses as narrow as 20 ns with 10 ns resolution
• High-Precision Timing Control: Set pulse parameters with 10 ns timing resolution
• Extended Frequency Coverage: Generate narrow pulses across the full frequency range up to 22 GHz
• Flexible Pulse Period: Configure pulse periods from 40 ns to 42 seconds
• Advanced Triggering Options: Free-running or triggered operation for versatile test setups
• Seamless Integration: Fully integrated with the standard user interface for intuitive operation

Technical Specifications

Application Examples

Automotive Millimeter-Wave Radar Testing

Support advanced automotive radar development with precise pulse control:

• Generate narrow pulses for 77 GHz and 79 GHz automotive radar testing
• Simulate target returns with precise timing characteristics
• Test radar receiver sensitivity with controlled narrow pulses
• Validate collision avoidance and ADAS radar systems with precise pulse sequences
• Characterize automotive radar components across temperature ranges

High-Frequency Communications Testing

Evaluate cutting-edge communications systems:

• Test pulse recovery in high-speed microwave receivers
• Characterize timing margins in broadband and 5G FR2 communications systems
• Evaluate jitter performance with precisely controlled pulse timing
• Test recovery time of communication system components
• Simulate burst transmissions in time-division systems

Industrial Radar and Sensing Applications

Support the development and validation of commercial radar and sensing products at microwave frequencies:

• Test pulsed radar sensors used in tank level measurement and industrial process control
• Validate high-resolution proximity detection sensors for industrial automation and robotics
• Characterize motion detection and occupancy sensors for building management systems
• Develop and test pulse-based sensing technologies for commercial IoT applications
• Verify performance of weather and marine radar systems

Semiconductor and Component Testing

Characterize high-speed semiconductor devices and microwave components:

• Measure switching characteristics of microwave transistors with precise pulse timing
• Evaluate recovery time of high-frequency amplifiers and receivers
• Test high-speed digital circuits with controlled pulse widths at microwave frequencies
• Characterize on/off transients in GaN and GaAs power devices
• Generate stimulus signals for high-speed digital circuit testing

Application Example: 77 GHz Automotive Radar Receiver Validation

A common challenge in automotive radar development is verifying that a 77 GHz FMCW radar receiver can detect weak target returns in the presence of strong nearby reflections. Using the USG5000-PG together with the required USG5000-PM pulse modulation option, engineers can simulate this scenario with high fidelity across the USG5000's extended microwave frequency range:

1. Configure the USG5000 generator to the radar's operating frequency (e.g., 76–77 GHz using an external upconverter or at an IF frequency for direct injection testing).
2. Use the USG5000-PG to generate narrow pulses (e.g., 50 ns width) representing short-range target returns, with the USG5000-PM providing up to 80 dB on-off ratio to ensure clean pulse isolation.
3. Adjust the pulse delay in 10 ns steps to simulate targets at different ranges, verifying the receiver's ability to resolve closely spaced returns.
4. Vary the pulse amplitude to determine the receiver's minimum detectable signal level under pulsed conditions.

This test workflow validates radar range resolution, receiver sensitivity, and dynamic range — all critical performance parameters for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications.

Integration Requirements

The USG5000-PG option requires the USG5000-PM pulse modulation option to be installed first. Together, these options provide comprehensive pulse generation capabilities from standard to ultra-narrow pulse widths across the full frequency range of the USG5000 series.

Compatible USG5000 Series Models

The USG5000-PG option can be installed on any model in the USG5000 series, including both the Analog (M-series) and Digital Vector (V-series) generators:

USG5000M Analog Series

• USG5014M (9 kHz to 14 GHz)
• USG5014M-P (9 kHz to 14 GHz with mechanical attenuator)
• USG5022M-P (9 kHz to 22 GHz with mechanical attenuator)

USG5000V Digital Vector Series

• USG5014V (9 kHz to 14 GHz)
• USG5014V-P (9 kHz to 14 GHz with mechanical attenuator)
• USG5022V-P (9 kHz to 22 GHz with mechanical attenuator)

Key Advantages for Test and Measurement

• Enhanced Radar Testing: Simulate modern radar systems with shorter pulses and higher PRFs
• Improved Resolution: 10 ns resolution provides finer control than standard pulse generators
• Extended Frequency Coverage: Generate narrow pulses across microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies
• Automotive Radar Development: Support development of collision avoidance, ADAS, and adaptive cruise control systems
• Research Applications: Enable advanced time-domain measurements at microwave frequencies

Installation

The USG5000-PG option can be installed at the time of purchase or added later as an upgrade. For existing units, the option is enabled through a license file installation procedure that can be performed by the user after installing the USG5000-PM option.