Professional Applications
5G Sub-6 GHz Development and Testing
The USG3065M-P is engineered specifically for the challenges of 5G sub-6 GHz development and testing. With its extended frequency range up to 6.5 GHz, mechanical attenuator providing enhanced output power, and excellent signal purity, it addresses the requirements of next-generation wireless systems. The instrument covers all current 5G NR FR1 bands, including the critical C-band (3.3-4.2 GHz) deployments and n96 band extending to 6.425 GHz. The enhanced output power compensates for lossy test setups common in 5G testing, while the mechanical attenuator ensures level stability critical for consistent measurements. When characterizing 5G receivers and components, the low phase noise and high output power enable accurate sensitivity testing even with complex test fixtures. For automated test environments, the comprehensive remote control capabilities support efficient integration into 5G production systems.
WiFi 6/6E Testing
For WiFi testing applications, the USG3065M-P provides complete coverage of all current standards including WiFi 6E, which extends into the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz). This makes it perfect for testing next-generation access points, client devices, and RF components across all three WiFi bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz). The mechanical attenuator's enhanced output power is particularly valuable for these higher frequency applications where cable and fixture losses can significantly impact test signals. The superior SWR characteristics minimize reflections that could compromise measurement accuracy, especially important when testing WiFi components with steep filter responses. For production environments, the instrument's reliability and level stability ensure consistent test results across multiple devices and test stations.
Power Amplifier Development and Testing
RF and microwave power amplifier engineers will find the USG3065M-P particularly valuable during development and production testing. The high output power eliminates the need for pre-amplifiers in many test setups, simplifying configurations and reducing potential error sources. The mechanical attenuator provides the level stability required for accurate gain, efficiency, and linearity measurements across various operating conditions up to 6.5 GHz. When combined with the optional power meter, the instrument enables closed-loop verification of amplifier performance parameters. For modulated signal testing, the AM, FM, and optional pulse modulation capabilities allow thorough characterization of amplifier behavior under realistic operating conditions, while the enhanced output power ensures adequate drive levels even for high-power devices operating at the higher frequency ranges.
Production and Automated Testing
Manufacturing environments benefit from the USG3065M-P's combination of high output power, extended frequency range, level stability, and automation capabilities. The mechanical attenuator's enhanced reliability under continuous high-power operation makes it ideal for 24/7 production testing across the full 9 kHz to 6.5 GHz range, while its superior level accuracy ensures consistent test conditions across multiple stations. The comprehensive remote control options via LAN, USB, or optional GPIB support seamless integration into automated test systems, with the additional output power providing margin for test fixture and cable losses that accumulate in complex production setups. For high-volume manufacturing of 5G, WiFi 6E, or IoT devices where test time directly impacts throughput, the instrument's fast frequency and amplitude switching speeds minimize delays between test steps.
Selecting the Right Model
When choosing between USG3000M series models, consider these factors to determine which variant best meets your requirements:
Frequency Requirements
If your applications only require signals up to 4.5 GHz, the USG3045M models offer excellent value. For higher frequency applications including 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, 5G sub-6 GHz testing, or other systems operating between 4.5 and 6.5 GHz, select the USG3065M models. The "-P" variants with mechanical attenuators provide enhanced output power and improved SWR characteristics.
Output Power Needs
The "-P" models with mechanical attenuators provide up to 4-5 dB more output power, making them ideal for:
- Testing high-attenuation systems
- Driving power amplifiers
- Compensating for lossy test setups
- Applications requiring stronger signals at higher frequencies
- Production environments requiring consistent high-power output
The standard models with electronic attenuators offer excellent performance for most general-purpose applications at a more economical price point.
Common Options for All Models
All USG3000M series models support the same set of optional capabilities:
- USG3000M-PM: Pulse modulation with 80 dB on-off ratio
- USG3000M-PG: Narrow pulse generator (20 ns minimum width)
- USG3000M-PK: Power meter option
- USG3000M-GPIB: GPIB interface for legacy systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose the USG3065M-P over other models in the USG3000M series?
The USG3065M-P represents the premium option in the USG3000M series, offering two significant advantages over other models. First, it provides extended frequency coverage up to 6.5 GHz (compared to 4.5 GHz in the USG3045M models), making it essential for applications involving 5G NR sub-6 GHz bands, WiFi 6E (which uses the 6 GHz band), and other emerging wireless technologies operating at higher frequencies. Second, the mechanical attenuator technology delivers up to 4-5 dB more output power across all frequency ranges compared to standard electronic attenuator models, along with improved SWR characteristics. This combination of extended frequency range and enhanced output power makes the USG3065M-P the optimal choice for applications requiring both high-frequency coverage and maximum signal strength, such as testing receivers through complex fixtures, characterizing high-frequency power amplifiers, or production testing of devices with significant insertion loss. While the USG3065M-P commands a premium price, its capabilities justify the investment for laboratories and production environments working with cutting-edge wireless technologies.
What are the key benefits of the mechanical attenuator in the USG3065M-P, especially at higher frequencies?
The mechanical attenuator in the USG3065M-P provides several critical benefits that become increasingly important at higher frequencies up to 6.5 GHz. The most significant advantage is enhanced output power—up to 5 dB higher than electronic attenuator models at frequencies above 3.6 GHz. This additional power is particularly valuable at higher frequencies where cable and fixture losses are more pronounced. The mechanical design also delivers superior standing wave ratio (SWR) performance (<1.6:1 versus <1.8:1 in standard models), which minimizes signal reflections that can distort measurements, especially critical when working with sensitive devices at 5-6 GHz ranges. Additionally, the mechanical attenuator provides more consistent level accuracy and stability across temperature variations and over time, ensuring reliable and repeatable measurements during extended test sequences. While electronic attenuators offer faster switching speeds, the mechanical attenuator's superior RF performance at higher frequencies makes it the preferred choice for applications where signal quality and power are paramount, such as 5G NR testing, WiFi 6E development, and high-frequency component characterization.
How suitable is the USG3065M-P for 5G NR and WiFi 6E testing applications?
The USG3065M-P is exceptionally well-suited for both 5G NR and WiFi 6E testing applications, offering a combination of features specifically beneficial for these technologies. For 5G NR testing, it provides complete frequency coverage of all sub-6 GHz bands (FR1), including the critical C-band (3.3-4.2 GHz) and extending to the n96 band at 6.425 GHz. The enhanced output power from the mechanical attenuator ensures adequate signal levels even when testing through complex fixtures or long cable runs common in 5G test setups. For WiFi 6E, which operates in the newly allocated 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz), the USG3065M-P's extended frequency range up to 6.5 GHz covers most of this band, making it ideal for developing and testing next-generation WiFi devices. The exceptional signal purity with low phase noise (<-122 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz) is crucial for accurately characterizing receiver performance in both 5G and WiFi systems employing complex modulation schemes. When combined with the optional power meter, the USG3065M-P provides a complete solution for calibrated signal generation and power measurement across these advanced wireless technologies, streamlining development and production testing workflows.
How does the USG3065M-P integrate into automated test environments?
The USG3065M-P offers comprehensive automation capabilities that make it an excellent choice for integration into sophisticated test environments. For network-based control, the standard LAN port (10/100/1000 Base, RJ-45) supports both VXI-11 and Socket connections, enabling flexible integration across various platforms and operating systems. The USB device port provides direct computer control for simpler setups, while the optional GPIB interface (USG3000M-GPIB) accommodates legacy automated test equipment (ATE) systems. Software integration is straightforward using the industry-standard SCPI command set, which can be implemented in programming languages like Python, C++, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or test automation frameworks. The instrument's Web Control feature allows remote operation via any standard browser, while UNI-T's Device Manager software provides a user-friendly interface for manual remote control and command sequence development. Critically for production environments, the USG3065M-P's fast frequency and amplitude switching speeds (≤ 40 ms) minimize test time, while the mechanical attenuator ensures reliable high-power operation during continuous testing. These automation capabilities, combined with the extended frequency range and enhanced output power, make the USG3065M-P ideal for high-throughput manufacturing test of 5G, WiFi 6E, and other advanced RF devices.
When using the USG3065M-P with the optional power meter kit, what advantages does this combination provide for high-frequency measurements?
The combination of the USG3065M-P with the optional USG3000M-PK power meter kit creates a particularly powerful test solution for high-frequency measurements up to 6.5 GHz. At these higher frequencies, signal path losses and variations become more pronounced, making accurate power level control challenging. The power meter kit addresses this by enabling direct measurement at the device under test (DUT), providing immediate verification of actual received power levels. The line loss calibration function automatically compensates for frequency-dependent cable and fixture losses, which can be substantial above 4 GHz, ensuring that the power level reaching the DUT precisely matches the specified value. This capability is especially valuable when testing sensitive 5G and WiFi 6E receivers where exact signal levels are critical for accurate sensitivity measurements. When working with the USG3065M-P's mechanical attenuator, the power meter provides verification of output accuracy across the attenuator's full range, enhancing measurement confidence at maximum power settings. Additionally, the closed-loop verification enabled by this combination helps maintain test consistency across multiple units in production environments, streamlining compliance verification for high-frequency wireless devices. This integration eliminates the need for separate expensive power meters, providing a cost-effective solution for comprehensive RF testing up to 6.5 GHz.
Customer Testimonials
"As a 5G RF systems engineer, the USG3065M-P has transformed our testing capabilities. The extended frequency range covers all our sub-6 GHz bands, while the enhanced output power from the mechanical attenuator ensures strong signals even through our complex test fixtures. The signal purity is exceptional, giving us complete confidence in our receiver sensitivity measurements. This instrument has become the cornerstone of our 5G development lab."
- Dr. Elena S., 5G Systems Architect
"Our WiFi 6E development team needed a signal generator that could handle the new 6 GHz band with reliable output power. The USG3065M-P delivers exactly what we required, with excellent performance up to 6.5 GHz and the mechanical attenuator providing the consistent high power our test configurations demand. The intuitive interface made it easy to integrate into our workflows, while the comprehensive remote control capabilities support our automated test sequences perfectly."
- Jason M., WiFi Systems Engineering Manager
"In our production environment testing 5G customer premises equipment, we've deployed multiple USG3065M-P units for their reliability and performance at higher frequencies. The mechanical attenuator's enhanced output power has eliminated pre-amplifiers we previously needed, simplifying our test stations. After 18 months of continuous operation, they've maintained excellent calibration stability and consistent performance. The power meter option has been invaluable for maintaining accurate test levels across all our stations."
- Sophia L., Production Test Engineering Director
Warranty and Support
UNI-T guarantees that the instrument is free from defects in material and workmanship for three years from the purchase date. Accessories carry a one-year warranty. Comprehensive technical support is available through our experienced engineering team, with responsive service via phone, email, and our online knowledge base. Calibration services and extended warranty options are available to ensure your instrument maintains peak performance throughout its service life.
Why Choose the UNI-T USG3065M-P?
The USG3065M-P represents the premium offering in UNI-T's RF signal generator lineup, delivering enhanced performance through its mechanical attenuator technology and extended frequency coverage up to 6.5 GHz. This powerful combination addresses the demanding requirements of next-generation wireless technologies, including 5G NR sub-6 GHz, WiFi 6E, and advanced IoT applications. With significantly higher output power, improved SWR characteristics, and superior level stability across its entire frequency range, it provides the performance needed for cutting-edge development and production testing environments.
For applications requiring both high signal levels and precise control at frequencies up to 6.5 GHz, the USG3065M-P offers an optimal combination of performance characteristics that justify its position as the flagship model in the USG3000M series. When coupled with options like pulse modulation, narrow pulse generation, and power measurement capabilities, it creates a versatile RF test platform capable of addressing challenges across advanced wireless communications, defense electronics, and high-frequency component testing environments. UNI-T's commitment to quality assurance, comprehensive warranty, and responsive support ensures your investment will deliver consistent value throughout its service life.