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USG5014V-P 14 GHz Vector RF Signal Generator with Mechanical Attenuator

USG5014V-P 14 GHz Vector RF Signal Generator with Mechanical Attenuator

$23,999.00
$23,999.00
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14 GHz vector RF signal generator with mechanical attenuator for enhanced level accuracy. Suited for satellite downlink, X-band radar, and microwave communications testing.

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UNI-T USG5014V-P | RF Vector Signal Generator with Mechanical Attenuator (9 kHz to 14 GHz)

Overview

The UNI-T USG5014V-P RF vector signal generator combines 9 kHz to 14 GHz microwave frequency coverage with mechanical attenuator performance delivering up to +23 dBm output power for engineers testing Ku-band satellite uplink equipment, X-band radar transmitters, and microwave power amplifiers. Featuring 150 MHz I/Q modulation bandwidth to 6 GHz carrier, exceptional phase noise performance (<-122 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz, <-102 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz), and superior level accuracy at high power levels across microwave frequencies, this instrument provides the enhanced signal generation capabilities essential for commercial satellite BUC characterization, microwave power amplifier production testing, and high-power component validation at X-band and Ku-band.

Engineered for microwave production testing and power amplifier development, the USG5014V-P combines mechanical attenuator reliability with vector signal generation and intuitive operation. The mechanical attenuator ensures excellent level accuracy and repeatability at high output powers (+23 dBm at 250 MHz-3.6 GHz, +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz), providing 8-10 dB power advantage at microwave frequencies compared to standard electronic attenuator models. Whether you're testing commercial Ku-band satellite uplink equipment requiring high LO drive power, developing X-band radar transmitters for automotive applications, characterizing microwave power amplifiers at 7-14 GHz, or conducting production validation of high-power microwave components, the USG5014V-P delivers the combination of microwave frequency coverage, vector modulation capability, and enhanced power delivery needed for comprehensive testing.

USG5014V-P RF Vector Signal Generator
USG5014V-P with mechanical attenuator and 14 GHz coverage
× USG5014V-P RF Vector Signal Generator USG5014V-P with mechanical attenuator and 14 GHz coverage

Key Features

  • Mechanical Attenuator for Microwave - Enhanced power and accuracy at X-band and Ku-band
  • Enhanced Microwave Output Power - Up to +23 dBm (250 MHz-3.6 GHz), +20 dBm (3.6-7.5 GHz), +18 dBm (7.5-14 GHz)
  • Power Advantage - 8-10 dB enhanced power at microwave frequencies vs standard model
  • Microwave Frequency Coverage - 9 kHz to 14 GHz (CW mode), >5 MHz to 6 GHz (I/Q mode)
  • Vector Signal Generation - 150 MHz I/Q bandwidth to 6 GHz carrier with 0.4% EVM
  • Microwave Phase Noise - <-122 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz, <-102 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz (typical)
  • Superior Level Accuracy - ≤0.7 dB typical, excellent at high power microwave frequencies
  • Production-Proven - Thermal stability for continuous high-power operation
  • Multi-Tone Capability - Up to 32 simultaneous tones
  • Built-in Function Generator - 50 MHz arbitrary waveform capability
  • 5-Inch Touchscreen - Capacitive interface (800×480)
  • Full Automation - LAN, USB, optional GPIB with SCPI control
  • Exclusive 3+2 Year Warranty - Industry-leading coverage

Mechanical Attenuator Performance at Microwave Frequencies

The USG5014V-P's mechanical attenuator provides critical performance advantages at microwave frequencies essential for testing Ku-band satellite equipment and X-band radar systems. Enhanced output power reaching +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz (compared to +8-12 dBm in the standard electronic attenuator model) eliminates external amplifiers when testing Ku-band uplink components and X-band radar transmitters. This 8-10 dB power advantage at microwave frequencies proves essential for characterizing BUCs operating in the Ku-band uplink range (12.75-14 GHz) where mixers require substantial LO drive power, and for testing X-band radar power amplifiers where appropriate drive levels are needed for realistic performance characterization.

The mechanical attenuator's superior thermal stability during sustained high-power operation at microwave frequencies ensures consistent test conditions throughout production shifts testing satellite equipment or radar components. Unlike electronic attenuators that experience thermal drift when operating continuously at high power and elevated frequencies, the mechanical attenuator maintains specified level accuracy across temperature variations and continuous operation. For manufacturers testing Ku-band BUCs, X-band power amplifiers, or microwave transmit chains at high volumes, this consistency ensures every device receives identical test conditions, reducing measurement uncertainty and improving production yield by eliminating false failures caused by test equipment thermal variations at microwave frequencies.

Microwave Phase Noise
Excellent phase noise performance across microwave range
× Microwave Phase Noise Excellent phase noise performance across microwave range

Real-World Applications

Commercial Ku-Band Satellite Uplink Equipment

Manufacturers of commercial Ku-band satellite equipment including BUCs, upconverters, and transmit chains use the USG5014V-P for testing equipment requiring both 14 GHz coverage and high drive power. BUCs operating in Ku-band uplink (12.75-14 GHz) require LO drive at 11.3-12.8 GHz with power levels typically +15 to +18 dBm for proper mixer operation—the USG5014V-P delivers +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz eliminating external amplifiers. Engineers test upconverter frequency response, spurious emissions, and phase noise at realistic power levels, while production systems validate complete Ku-band uplink chains ensuring VSAT terminals and ground station transmit equipment meet specifications for commercial satellite internet, broadcast, and data services. The vector modulation capability enables testing with actual satellite uplink waveforms including DVB-S2/S2X and commercial data protocols.

X-Band Radar Transmitter Testing

Companies developing X-band radar transmitters for automotive applications, commercial marine systems, and industrial sensors use the USG5014V-P to test power amplifiers and transmit chains requiring high drive power. Automotive radar suppliers characterizing transmit components at IF stages benefit from the +20 dBm output at 3.6-7.5 GHz, while marine radar manufacturers testing complete X-band transmitters (8-12 GHz) use the +18 dBm capability at these frequencies. The optional pulse modulation enables testing with pulsed signals appropriate for radar applications, while the mechanical attenuator's excellent repeatability ensures consistent drive power across production runs. Production test systems validate X-band power amplifier linearity, efficiency, and output power using high-power drive signals without external amplification.

Microwave Power Amplifier Production

Contract manufacturers producing microwave power amplifiers for satellite, wireless backhaul, and telecommunications infrastructure use the USG5014V-P in automated production test systems. The enhanced output power enables direct testing of amplifier gain, compression, and efficiency at 7-14 GHz without pre-amplifiers that add cost and complexity to production setups. The mechanical attenuator's thermal stability during sustained high-power operation proves essential in 24/7 manufacturing environments, while the excellent level accuracy ensures consistent test conditions across multiple stations. Production engineers test thousands of power amplifier modules daily with confidence that the signal generator delivers specified drive power regardless of ambient temperature variations or continuous operation duration.

Microwave Component Characterization

RF component manufacturers producing mixers, frequency converters, and high-power switches for microwave applications use the USG5014V-P for characterization at rated power levels. Ku-band mixers and converters designed for satellite applications must be tested with appropriate LO drive power across their operating range—the USG5014V-P enables this without external amplifiers. Engineers characterize conversion gain, isolation, and intermodulation performance at power levels matching actual operating conditions, while production systems validate component specifications at microwave frequencies. The vector modulation capability supports testing with realistic signal conditions, while the wide dynamic range accommodates both small-signal and large-signal characterization in single test configurations.

Satellite Ground Station Transmit Systems

Companies manufacturing commercial satellite ground station transmit equipment use the USG5014V-P to test complete uplink chains from baseband modem through upconverter and high-power amplifier at Ku-band. Engineers validate transmitter performance with actual satellite communication waveforms at power levels matching operational conditions, ensuring ground stations meet stringent specifications required by commercial satellite operators. The combination of 14 GHz coverage, +18 dBm output power at microwave frequencies, and vector modulation capability enables comprehensive single-instrument testing of complete Ku-band uplink systems without multiple generators or external amplifiers. Production validation systems test ground station transmit modules ensuring equipment meets performance specifications for commercial satellite broadcast, internet, and telecommunications services.

University Microwave Power Amplifier Research

University research laboratories studying microwave power amplifier design, efficiency enhancement techniques, and linearization methods equip facilities with USG5014V-P generators. Graduate students characterizing power amplifier designs at X-band and Ku-band frequencies benefit from the high output power enabling realistic testing without external drive amplifiers, while the vector modulation capability allows investigation of amplifier nonlinearity effects on complex modulated signals. Research into Doherty amplifiers, envelope tracking, and digital predistortion techniques for microwave frequencies benefits from the instrument's combination of enhanced power, microwave coverage, and vector modulation. Undergraduate courses in microwave circuit design use the instrument teaching power amplifier fundamentals with professional test equipment used in satellite and telecommunications industries.

Advanced Modulation and Sweep Capabilities

Analog Modulation
Comprehensive analog modulation to 14 GHz
Sweep Functions
Flexible sweep modes for amplifier testing
× Analog Modulation Comprehensive analog modulation to 14 GHz × Sweep Functions Flexible sweep modes for amplifier testing

Optional Accessories

Type Description Part Number
Pulse Modulation 40 ns minimum pulse width, 10 ns resolution USG5000-PM
Narrow Pulse Generator Advanced pulse generation capability USG5000-PG
Power Meter Kit Closed-loop power control USG5000-PK
GPIB Interface IEEE-488.2 port USG5000-GPIB
RF Cable UT-W03-40GHz-2.92J RF cable UT-W03-40GHz
RF Connector 2.92-KKG connector UT-C04-40GHz
RF Adapter SMA-N adapter UT-C03-18GHz
Accessories Kit Complete accessory package UT-CK02

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the mechanical attenuator model for Ku-band satellite uplink testing?

The USG5014V-P's mechanical attenuator provides three critical advantages for Ku-band satellite uplink equipment testing. First, enhanced output power reaching +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz (compared to +8-12 dBm in standard models) eliminates external amplifiers when testing BUCs and upconverters requiring high LO drive power in the 11-14 GHz range. Second, superior thermal stability during sustained high-power operation at microwave frequencies ensures consistent test conditions across production shifts testing satellite equipment—critical when validating thousands of BUCs in manufacturing environments. Third, excellent level accuracy at high power ensures reliable measurements of upconverter gain, mixer conversion loss, and spurious emissions without uncertainty from test equipment variations. For manufacturers of commercial Ku-band satellite uplink equipment, these advantages translate to simplified test setups, reduced equipment costs, and improved measurement reliability in both development laboratories and high-volume production facilities.

How does enhanced power benefit X-band radar power amplifier testing?

X-band radar power amplifiers require appropriate drive power for realistic characterization of gain, compression, efficiency, and linearity. The USG5014V-P delivers +20 dBm at 3.6-7.5 GHz and +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz—sufficient to drive power amplifiers designed for radar transmitters without external pre-amplification. Test fixtures, cables, and splitters commonly introduce 3-6 dB loss, requiring signal generators to provide +15 to +20 dBm output for effective testing. The mechanical attenuator's 8-10 dB power advantage at microwave frequencies eliminates pre-amplifiers that add cost, introduce gain uncertainty, and complicate calibration procedures. For automotive radar suppliers, marine radar manufacturers, and industrial sensor companies testing X-band power amplifiers, this enhanced power capability simplifies test setups while the mechanical attenuator's excellent repeatability ensures consistent results across production runs validating amplifier performance specifications.

Can the USG5014V-P replace external microwave amplifiers in production test systems?

Yes, the USG5014V-P's enhanced output power eliminates external microwave amplifiers in most commercial production applications testing equipment at X-band and Ku-band frequencies. The +23 dBm at lower microwave frequencies and +18 dBm at 7.5-14 GHz provides sufficient drive power for testing satellite BUCs, radar transmitters, and microwave power amplifiers directly without external amplification. This eliminates expensive microwave amplifiers that can cost thousands of dollars per unit, simplifies production test station configurations, reduces calibration requirements, and improves measurement accuracy by removing amplifier gain uncertainty. The mechanical attenuator's superior thermal stability during continuous operation proves especially valuable in 24/7 manufacturing environments where external amplifiers would require additional cooling and maintenance. For contract manufacturers testing microwave equipment at high volumes, this capability reduces per-station equipment costs while improving measurement reliability and production throughput.

Why Choose the UNI-T USG5014V-P?

The USG5014V-P combines 14 GHz microwave frequency coverage with mechanical attenuator enhanced power delivery, providing the unique combination of Ku-band coverage and high output power essential for commercial satellite uplink equipment, X-band radar transmitter testing, and microwave power amplifier characterization. The 8-10 dB power advantage at microwave frequencies eliminates external amplifiers in most applications, while the mechanical attenuator's superior thermal stability and repeatability ensure consistent test conditions in demanding production environments. With +18 dBm output at 7.5-14 GHz, 150 MHz vector modulation bandwidth, and exceptional phase noise performance across microwave frequencies, the USG5014V-P delivers comprehensive capability for testing the most demanding commercial microwave applications.

For applications requiring extended K-band coverage to 22 GHz, consider the USG5022V-P flagship model. For testing not requiring enhanced power at microwave frequencies, the standard USG5014V provides excellent performance at lower cost. UNI-T's exclusive 3+2 year warranty and responsive technical support ensure your investment delivers consistent value for commercial satellite, radar, and microwave component applications throughout its service life.

Warranty

This instrument is backed by UNI-T's 3+2 Year Warranty — 3 years of standard coverage, plus 2 additional years free when you register your product. That's 5 years of total protection at no extra cost.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures under normal use conditions. UNI-T instruments are built for professional daily use, and our warranty reflects that commitment to long-term reliability.