Overview

The UNI-T USG3045M-P RF signal generator delivers premium performance for demanding RF applications, featuring frequencies from 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz with exceptional signal purity. Distinguished by its mechanical attenuator technology, this professional-grade instrument provides enhanced output power up to +24 dBm and superior level stability crucial for wireless communications testing, power amplifier characterization, and production environments where signal integrity is paramount.

Engineered for challenging test scenarios, the USG3045M-P combines precision frequency control (0.001 Hz resolution) with comprehensive modulation capabilities and an intuitive 5-inch capacitive touchscreen interface. The mechanical attenuator variant ensures consistent performance even at high output levels, delivering the reliability and accuracy RF professionals demand when testing devices with high insertion loss or requiring strong drive signals.

The USG3045M-P's mechanical attenuator technology represents a significant upgrade over standard electronic attenuators, providing both higher maximum output power and superior RF performance. This precision-engineered attenuator delivers up to 4-5 dB more output power across all frequency ranges, enabling testing of components with high insertion loss or receiver sensitivity measurements that require stronger signals. The mechanical design ensures excellent level accuracy and stability even at maximum power levels, critical for consistent results in production testing and research applications.

Beyond raw power advantages, the mechanical attenuator provides superior standing wave ratio (SWR) characteristics, minimizing signal reflections that can compromise measurement accuracy. This improved impedance matching is particularly valuable when testing sensitive RF components where reflection-induced artifacts could mask actual device performance. For applications requiring both high output power and precise level control, the USG3045M-P offers an optimal combination of performance characteristics that justify its position as the premium model in the USG3000M series.

The USG3045M-P delivers industry-leading output power across its entire frequency range, providing the signal strength needed for challenging RF testing applications. With maximum output levels of +24 dBm (250 MHz to 1.2 GHz), +22 dBm (1.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz), and +20 dBm (3.6 GHz to 4.5 GHz), this model significantly outperforms the standard electronic attenuator version. This enhanced power capability is particularly valuable when compensating for cable losses, driving power amplifiers, or testing receiver sensitivity through complex signal paths.

The mechanical attenuator design maintains excellent level accuracy across the full power range, ensuring consistent test conditions even at maximum output. This combination of high output power and precise level control makes the USG3045M-P ideal for production testing environments where signal integrity across multiple test stations is critical. The robust attenuator design also provides excellent reliability under continuous high-power operation, making it suitable for applications requiring sustained maximum output levels.

The USG3045M-P provides versatile modulation capabilities essential for thorough communications system testing. Standard analog modulation includes AM with depths up to 99%, FM with deviation up to 10 MHz, and phase modulation up to 5 radians. The flexible modulation sources allow for internal, external, or combined operation, adapting to diverse testing scenarios. Each modulation type features precise control of parameters, enabling accurate simulation of real-world signal conditions.

For applications requiring pulsed RF signals, the optional USG3000M-PM pulse modulation capability delivers outstanding on-off ratios up to 80 dB with fast rise/fall times below 20 ns. The pulse modulation can operate in various modes including free-running, triggered, gated, and customized pulse train patterns. When combined with the optional USG3000M-PG narrow pulse generator, the system can generate pulses as narrow as 20 ns with 10 ns resolution, perfect for radar system testing and pulse characterization applications.

USG3045M-P features a stable clock source and supports optional pulse modulation and narrow pulse generator capabilities. The USG3000M-PG option delivers a minimum pulse width of 20 ns with a resolution of 10 ns, meeting the requirements of automotive millimeter-wave radar systems and advanced timing applications. The pulse generator provides exceptional timing precision and stability across multiple operating modes.

With the optional pulse modulation package, you can generate customized pulse trains with precisely controlled timing parameters. Multiple pulse modes are supported, including Free-Run, Square, External Triggered, Adjustable Doublet, External Trigger Doublet, Gated, External Pulse, and Pulse Train. The outstanding on-off ratio of ≥ 80 dB ensures clear signal transitions with minimal bleed-through, while fast rise/fall times below 20 ns enable accurate simulation of high-speed pulsed systems. The mechanical attenuator in the USG3045M-P further enhances pulse performance by providing more powerful pulse signals with better on-off characteristics.

The USG3045M-P features comprehensive sweep capabilities that simplify component characterization and system response testing. The instrument supports frequency, amplitude, and list sweep modes with customizable step sizes and dwell times. Engineers can perform frequency sweeps across the full 9 kHz to 4.5 GHz range with linear or logarithmic step patterns, enabling efficient measurement of frequency-dependent parameters like filter responses or amplifier gain flatness.

For more complex testing requirements, the list sweep mode allows creation of custom frequency-amplitude point sequences, ideal for focused testing at specific frequencies of interest. Sweep operation can be triggered via multiple methods including free-running, external trigger, manual key press, or computer command, providing flexibility for both manual testing and automated sequences. The mechanical attenuator in the USG3045M-P ensures excellent level accuracy throughout sweeps, even when operating near maximum output power, making it ideal for power amplifier characterization and high-dynamic-range measurements.

The USG3045M-P features a 5-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with an intuitive user interface that accelerates test setup and enhances productivity. The flat design with clear parameter organization allows for quick access to commonly used functions, while the logical menu structure ensures even complex operations can be performed with minimal keystrokes. The touch interface supports gestures for common operations, reducing setup time and allowing engineers to focus on test results rather than instrument configuration.

Visual feedback is provided through clear waveform displays for both output and modulating signals, enabling immediate verification of signal characteristics. The interface allows seamless switching between time-domain and frequency-domain views, providing comprehensive signal visualization. Numerical parameters are displayed with high visibility and logical grouping, ensuring settings are easily verifiable at a glance. This thoughtful interface design reduces learning curves and improves testing efficiency in both research and production environments.

The USG3045M-P includes a built-in 50 MHz function/arbitrary waveform generator that extends the instrument's versatility beyond RF applications. This integrated LF generator produces high-quality sine waves up to 50 MHz, square and pulse waveforms up to 15 MHz, and triangular waves up to 3 MHz. With output amplitude adjustable from 1 mVpp to 2 Vpp and DC offset control, it provides the signal flexibility needed for various testing applications without requiring additional equipment.

The function generator includes advanced capabilities such as linear and logarithmic sweep functions and comprehensive modulation options including AM, FM, and pulse modulation. For digital communications testing, it supports ASK, FSK, PSK, and QAM modulation with various digital patterns. This integration delivers significant value by combining two essential instruments in one compact unit, saving both bench space and equipment costs while maintaining signal generation quality.

The optional USG3000M-PK power meter option transforms the USG3045M-P into a comprehensive RF test solution by adding accurate power measurement capabilities. Connected through the front panel USB port, this accessory enables precise RF power measurements, particularly valuable for calibrating output power levels and verifying signal integrity at the device under test. The power measurement system allows direct verification of actual received power, eliminating uncertainty in test setups.

A key capability of the power meter option is the line loss calibration function, which automatically compensates for cable and fixture losses in the test path. This ensures that the power level reaching the device under test matches the specified value, improving measurement accuracy and test consistency. This feature is especially valuable when using the USG3045M-P's enhanced output power capabilities in complex test setups with multiple connection points or long cable runs. By combining signal generation and power measurement in a single coordinated system, the power meter option streamlines test procedures and reduces the need for additional test equipment.

With the optional USG3000M-PM pulse modulation package, the USG3045M delivers sophisticated pulse modulation capabilities essential for radar system testing, pulse characterization, and advanced communications applications. The pulse modulation achieves outstanding on-off ratios of up to 80 dB with fast transition times below 20 ns, ensuring accurate representation of pulsed signals. The instrument supports multiple operating modes including free-running, triggered, gated, and pulse train configurations, accommodating diverse testing requirements.

For applications demanding precise pulse control, the optional USG3000M-PG narrow pulse generator extends capabilities further with pulse widths as narrow as 20 ns and 10 ns resolution. This high-precision timing control is particularly valuable for automotive millimeter-wave radar testing, aerospace applications, and advanced communications system verification. The pulse train mode allows creation of complex pulse patterns with customized timing relationships, enabling accurate simulation of real-world signal environments for thorough system testing.

Front Panel

The well-organized front panel features a 5-inch capacitive touch display at the center, surrounded by logically grouped control keys. The RF output connector uses an N-type female header for reliable connections, while the LF output provides a BNC connector for function generator signals. The USB host port enables easy connection of peripherals and the optional power meter. The numeric keypad, multi-function rotary knob, and arrow keys provide efficient parameter entry when precise value adjustments are needed.

Rear Panel

The rear panel houses comprehensive connectivity and signal routing options. Communication interfaces include LAN, USB device, and optional GPIB ports for remote control. Signal connections include inputs and outputs for reference signals (10MHz Ref In/Out), trigger signals (Trigger In/Out), modulation (Mod In), and pulse signals (Pulse In/Out). The main power switch and AC power supply connection are positioned for convenient access, while a ground terminal ensures proper system grounding for optimal performance.