Professional Applications
High-Power Microwave Testing
The USG5014M-P's enhanced output power makes it ideally suited for applications requiring strong signal levels across microwave frequencies. It excels in testing receivers through high-loss test fixtures, characterizing components with significant insertion loss, and driving power amplifiers to their design limits. The mechanical attenuator ensures consistent high-power output with excellent level stability, critical for production environments where test consistency is paramount. The superior SWR characteristics minimize reflections that could otherwise compromise measurement accuracy at these higher power levels. For automated test systems or situations requiring signal distribution to multiple test points, the additional power headroom provides valuable margin to compensate for splitters, fixtures, and cable losses.
X-band Radar Development and Testing
For radar applications, the USG5014M-P provides powerful and clean signals needed for testing modern radar systems operating at X-band (8-12 GHz). The enhanced output power and mechanical attenuator ensure adequate signal levels even when testing through complex fixtures or long cable runs. When equipped with the optional pulse modulation capabilities, the instrument can generate precisely-timed radar pulses with fast rise/fall times and excellent on-off ratios. The narrow pulse generator option enables pulses as narrow as 20 ns with 10 ns resolution, meeting the requirements of advanced radar systems. These capabilities, combined with the superior level stability of the mechanical attenuator, make the USG5014M-P particularly valuable for military, weather, and aviation radar development and production testing.
Power Amplifier Development and Testing
Power amplifier engineers will find the USG5014M-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. 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.
Production and Automated Testing
Manufacturing environments benefit from the USG5014M-P's combination of high output power, level stability, and automation capabilities. The mechanical attenuator's enhanced reliability under continuous high-power operation makes it ideal for 24/7 production testing, 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 where test time directly impacts throughput, the instrument's fast frequency and amplitude switching speeds minimize delays between test steps.
Model Comparison
The USG5014M-P is part of UNI-T's advanced RF signal generator series. Compared to the standard USG5014M model, it offers enhanced output power through its mechanical attenuator. For testing beyond 14 GHz, the USG5022M-P extends the frequency range to 22 GHz while maintaining the same mechanical attenuator advantages.
| Feature |
USG5014M |
USG5014M-P |
USG5022M-P |
| Frequency Range |
9 kHz to 14 GHz |
9 kHz to 14 GHz |
9 kHz to 22 GHz |
| Maximum Output Power (250 MHz to 3.6 GHz) |
+18 dBm |
+23 dBm |
+23 dBm |
| Maximum Output Power (7.5 GHz to 14 GHz) |
+12 dBm |
+18 dBm |
+18 dBm |
| Attenuator Type |
Electronic |
Mechanical |
Mechanical |
| SWR (1.0 GHz to Max. Freq.) |
< 1.8:1 |
< 1.6:1 |
< 1.6:1 |
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 USG5014M-P?
The USG5014M-P represents the premium offering in UNI-T's 14 GHz RF signal generator lineup, delivering enhanced performance through its mechanical attenuator technology. This powerful combination addresses the demanding requirements of high-power microwave applications, including satellite communications, radar systems, and advanced component testing. 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 14 GHz, the USG5014M-P offers an optimal combination of performance characteristics that justify its position as the premium model in its frequency range. 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 microwave 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a mechanical attenuator and how does it differ from an electronic attenuator?
A mechanical attenuator uses physical switching elements (usually relays or mechanical switches) to change signal paths through different resistor networks for attenuation. In contrast, electronic attenuators use semiconductor components like PIN diodes to vary signal attenuation. The mechanical approach in the USG5014M-P offers several key advantages: higher maximum output power (up to 5-6 dB more), better impedance matching across the frequency range, superior reliability when continuously operating at high power levels, and improved level stability. These benefits come from the mechanical attenuator's ability to maintain more consistent impedance and lower insertion loss at maximum power settings. While electronic attenuators offer faster switching speeds, the mechanical design prioritizes output power and signal quality, making it ideal for applications where signal strength and accuracy are paramount.
Is the USG5014M-P's enhanced output power beneficial for all applications, or only in specific testing scenarios?
The USG5014M-P's enhanced output power provides significant benefits in several specific testing scenarios, though not all applications require this capability. It's particularly valuable when: (1) Testing through complex fixtures or signal paths with high insertion loss, where the additional output power ensures adequate signal levels reach the device under test; (2) Characterizing power amplifiers that require stronger drive signals to reach their operating points; (3) Performing receiver sensitivity testing in production environments where signal distribution networks cause level losses; (4) Testing at higher frequencies (especially above 7.5 GHz) where cable and connector losses are more significant; and (5) Conducting EMC/EMI immunity testing that requires stronger fields. For applications that typically operate at lower power levels (below +15 dBm) or where maximum power isn't a concern, the standard USG5014M model likely provides sufficient capability at a lower cost point.
How does the mechanical attenuator in the USG5014M-P improve SWR performance, and why does this matter?
The mechanical attenuator in the USG5014M-P improves Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) performance through its design architecture, which maintains more consistent impedance matching across power levels and frequencies. This results in SWR values of <1.6:1 versus <1.8:1 in the standard model across the frequency range. Better SWR performance matters significantly because: (1) It reduces measurement uncertainties caused by signal reflections between the generator and device under test; (2) It minimizes power transfer variations that could affect characterization accuracy; (3) It prevents reflected power from potentially damaging sensitive components; (4) It ensures more reliable measurements of parameters like gain, loss, and return loss; and (5) It produces more consistent results when testing highly impedance-sensitive devices like filters and antennas. In precision microwave measurements, even small improvements in SWR can substantially enhance overall measurement accuracy, particularly when working with narrowband or high-Q components.
When using the USG5014M-P with the optional Power Meter Option, what advantages does this combination provide for high-frequency measurements?
The combination of the USG5014M-P with the optional USG5000M-PK Power Meter Option creates a particularly powerful test solution for high-frequency measurements up to 14 GHz. At these higher frequencies, signal path losses and variations become more pronounced, making accurate power level control challenging. The Power Meter Option 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 microwave receivers where exact signal levels are critical for accurate sensitivity measurements. When working with the USG5014M-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.
Customer Testimonials
"As an X-band radar systems engineer, the USG5014M-P has transformed our testing capabilities. The enhanced output power from the mechanical attenuator ensures strong signals even through our complex test fixtures, while the signal purity is exceptional for receiver sensitivity measurements. The optional pulse modulation package has been indispensable for our radar testing needs, providing precise pulses with excellent on-off ratios."
- Dr. Michael R., Senior RF Systems Engineer
"Our microwave component testing lab upgraded from the standard model to the USG5014M-P, and the difference in higher frequency performance is remarkable. The improved SWR characteristics and enhanced output power have eliminated pre-amplifiers we previously needed in several test setups. The mechanical attenuator's level stability is critical for our automated test sequences that run continuously for days at maximum power levels."
- Jennifer K., Microwave Test Engineering Manager
"In our satellite communications equipment manufacturing facility, we've deployed multiple USG5014M-P units for their reliability and high-power performance. The mechanical attenuator has proven its worth by providing consistent output levels even during our marathon production test cycles. When paired with the Power Meter Option, we've seen significant improvements in test accuracy and repeatability across our production line."
- Thomas L., Production Engineering Director
Microwave Testing Applications
The USG5014M-P RF signal generator with mechanical attenuator is ideal for a wide range of high-power microwave testing applications including:
- X-band radar system development and verification
- Satellite communications transponder testing
- Power amplifier characterization and production testing
- Electronic warfare systems evaluation
- Military communications equipment certification
- High-insertion-loss microwave component testing
- Antenna and feed network measurements
- High-reliability aerospace systems validation
- EMC/EMI immunity testing
- Production line RF testing with multiple test stations
- Advanced research requiring high-power microwave signals
- Receiver sensitivity measurements through complex test fixtures
With its enhanced output power up to 14 GHz, exceptional signal quality, and comprehensive modulation capabilities, the USG5014M-P provides the performance needed for demanding high-power microwave measurement applications across research, development, and production environments.
