Ceyear 6935DE PXIe Microwave Signal Generator

Overview

The Ceyear 6935DE is a high-performance, modular microwave signal generator engineered for precision RF and microwave test applications in automated test equipment (ATE), R&D laboratories, and production environments. Built on the PXI Express (PXIe) platform, it delivers a continuous frequency range from 250 kHz to 20 GHz with exceptional spectral purity and ultra-low phase noise—achieving better than –112 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from a 10 GHz carrier (typical). Its architecture leverages advanced direct digital synthesis (DDS) and fractional-N PLL techniques to ensure high frequency resolution (0.001 Hz), rapid frequency switching (< 1 ms), and outstanding amplitude stability. Designed as a 3U, 3-slot PXIe module, the 6935DE integrates seamlessly into scalable, rack-mounted PXI systems—enabling compact, synchronized multi-instrument configurations essential for modern radar, satellite communications, quantum hardware validation, and aerospace subsystem testing.

Key Features

• Frequency range: 250 kHz to 20 GHz, covering L-, S-, C-, X-, Ku-, and K-bands
• Frequency resolution: 0.001 Hz (1 mHz), supporting fine-grained stimulus tuning
• Fast frequency switching: ≤ 1 ms typical settling time across full band
• Phase noise performance: < –112 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset (10 GHz carrier, typical)
• Harmonic suppression: ≤ –35 dBc at 0 dBm output power (typical)
• Output power range: –10 dBm to +10 dBm, with high amplitude linearity and long-term stability
• Integrated pulse modulation: supports external TTL-compatible pulse triggering for carrier gating
• Sweep functionality: linear, logarithmic, and list-based frequency/amplitude sweeps with user-defined step sequences
• Compact form factor: 3U height, 3-slot PXIe module compliant with PICMG 2.0 and PXIe 3.0 specifications

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 6935DE is designed for integration into PXIe-based ATE platforms used in defense, aerospace, and telecommunications manufacturing. It complies with key industry standards including IEEE 1671 (ATML), PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) specifications, and EMC requirements per CISPR 11 Class A. While not certified for safety-critical flight hardware, its performance aligns with measurement traceability frameworks used in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration labs. The instrument supports GLP/GMP-aligned operation when deployed with audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., LabVIEW NXG or TestStand with proper configuration), enabling data integrity for regulated environments such as defense contractor QA/QC workflows.

Software & Data Management

The 6935DE is fully programmable via standard IVI-COM and IVI-C drivers, ensuring interoperability with NI LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (PyVISA), and Keysight PathWave. Configuration and real-time control are supported through Ceyear’s proprietary PXIe Instrument Control Suite—a Windows-based application offering intuitive GUI-driven setup, sweep sequencing, pulse parameter definition, and waveform logging. All settings and measurement metadata can be exported in CSV or XML formats. For enterprise-scale deployment, the device supports remote SCPI command execution over TCP/IP or PCIe bus, facilitating centralized test orchestration in distributed PXI chassis. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages with version-controlled release notes, maintaining firmware integrity across lifecycle management.

Applications

• Radar front-end component validation: providing low-phase-noise LO stimuli for LNA, mixer, and up/down-converter characterization in production ATE lines
• Multi-channel coherent signal generation: synchronizing multiple 6935DE modules via PXIe star trigger and reference clock distribution for phased-array antenna testing and MIMO channel emulation
• Satellite payload testing: generating stable, low-jitter tones for transponder gain/phase linearity verification and intermodulation distortion analysis
• Quantum computing control layer: delivering precise, low-noise microwave pulses for superconducting qubit manipulation (e.g., DRAG pulse shaping support via external modulation)
• Automated receiver sensitivity and dynamic range testing: leveraging fast sweep and amplitude stepping for accelerated BER and ACPR measurements

FAQ

What is the maximum output power accuracy across the full frequency range?
Output level accuracy is ±0.8 dB from –10 dBm to +10 dBm, calibrated per internal reference and verified at factory; system-level accuracy depends on cable loss compensation and external calibration.

Does the 6935DE support internal modulation (AM/FM/PM)?
No—the 6935DE is optimized as a high-purity CW and swept-tone source. External analog or digital modulation is supported via its dedicated I/Q input and pulse gating interface.

Can multiple 6935DE modules be phase-synchronized in a single PXIe chassis?
Yes—using the PXIe backplane’s 10 MHz reference clock and trigger lines, modules achieve sub-nanosecond timing alignment; optional external 100 MHz OCXO upgrade enhances long-term phase coherence.

Is the instrument compatible with non-Ceyear PXIe chassis?
Yes—it adheres strictly to PICMG PXIe 3.0 mechanical, electrical, and software specifications and has been validated with National Instruments, Keysight, and Marvin Test Solutions chassis.

What documentation is provided for regulatory compliance reporting?
Ceyear supplies a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), factory calibration certificate (traceable to CNAS-accredited standards), and technical manual with uncertainty budgets—sufficient for internal quality audits and customer-facing compliance submissions.