RF Explorer 3G Combo User manual

RF Explorer®
Signal Generator
User Manual
Updated to Firmware Version 1.17 –1.19

RF Explorer®
RF Explorer is an affordable Handheld Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator family of
products with a growing list of features.
This little powerful unit is the tool you need
to reduce the implementation time and cost
of your next wireless project.
Updates of the RF Explorer User Manual are available online.
Please consider the environment before printing this document.

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Description of main features............................................................................................................................... 6
Feature ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Specification ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Connecting RF Explorer Signal Generator ........................................................................................................... 8
Signal Generator CW mode - Main Screen.......................................................................................................... 9
Using menus ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Operational Mode menu................................................................................................................................... 14
Frequency Menu................................................................................................................................................ 16
Power Menu ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Understanding RF Power Modes................................................................................................................... 18
Configuration Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Frequency Sweep mode .................................................................................................................................... 20
FM modulation .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Amplitude Sweep Mode.................................................................................................................................... 22
RF Explorer internal battery .............................................................................................................................. 23
Charging the internal battery ........................................................................................................................ 23
Using the Battery dedicated screen .............................................................................................................. 24
Charging a fully depleted battery.................................................................................................................. 26
Automatic idle mode with battery charge .................................................................................................... 26
Expansion Modules ........................................................................................................................................... 27
Protecting your instrument from damage ........................................................................................................ 28
RF Explorer Holder............................................................................................................................................. 29
RF Explorer accessories ..................................................................................................................................... 30
SMA-BNC adapter SMA Plug to BNC Jack straight ........................................................................................ 30
SMA-N adapter SMA Plug to N Jack straight................................................................................................. 30
RF Adapter RP-SMA Jack to SMA Plug straight-long version......................................................................... 31
SMA adapter SMA Plug to SMA Jack right angle........................................................................................... 31
SMA connection cables ................................................................................................................................. 32
10cm length - SMA male to SMA female 6GHz coaxial cable.................................................................... 32
10cm length - SMA male to SMA male 6GHz coaxial cable....................................................................... 32
50cm length - SMA male to SMA female RF pigtail Coaxial Cable RG316................................................. 33

50cm length - SMA male to SMA male plug pigtail cable RG316.............................................................. 33
Attenuators.................................................................................................................................................... 34
6GHz SMA Attenuator –60dB ................................................................................................................... 34
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 10dB.................................................................................................................... 35
6GHz SMA Attenuator - 30dB.................................................................................................................... 35
SMA Male/Female Adaptor........................................................................................................................... 36
SMA Termination –50 ohm dummy load ..................................................................................................... 36
Connecting RF Explorer to a computer ............................................................................................................. 37
API programming specification for RF Explorer ................................................................................................ 37
RF Explorer for Windows open source code ..................................................................................................... 37
Specifications..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Acknowledgments ............................................................................................................................................. 38
FCC and CE regulations...................................................................................................................................... 38
License ............................................................................................................................................................... 38

RF Explorer User Manual page 5
Introduction
RF Explorer Signal Generator has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use. There is no need to read
large user manuals to get advantage of its advanced functionality.
For simple actions, only a keyboard click is needed to start transmitting signals. For most advanced features
like Tracking SNA, the RF Explorer for Windows software will easily guide through steps required so analyzing
RF devices becomes a few minutes task for even the most novice users.
We welcome your feedback and look for ideas to make this manual more useful. Please contribute with
ideas, suggestions, typo corrections and comments on the official discussion list
www.rf-explorer.com/forum

RF Explorer User Manual page 6
Description of main features
The RF Explorer Signal Generator is a powerful, wideband fully programmable RF signal generator. It is the
perfect companion for Spectrum Analyzer RF Explorer product line.
As a standalone unit, RFE6Gen can generate CW and Sweep signals by selecting embedded menu options.
When connected to a PC, it can be fully programmed with the RF Explorer for Windows software tool.
Furthermore, the unit can work as a powerful Tracking Generator when used with RF Explorer Spectrum
Analyzer connected to the same PC, offering full Scalar Network Analyzer (SNA) capabilities. The SNA feature
allows full characterization of filters, amplifiers and any 2-port RF device.
Feature
Pocket size and light weight
Solid aluminum metal case
Lifetime free firmware upgrades available, open to community requested features
High capacity Lipo for 10hs+ of continuous run, rechargeable by USB
RF Explorer for Windows PC client Open Source
Can be extended with internal Expansion Modules for additional future band support and
functionality
Wide band support
Specification
Frequency range supported: 23.4 to 6000 MHz
Frequency step/resolution: 1KHz
Frequency stability: 0.5ppm
Temperature compensated (0-45C)
Backlight for great indoor visibility
Standard SMA 50 ohms connector
Programmable Amplitude with included internal programmable attenuator:
o-40dBm to -30dBm in 3dB steps
o-10dBm to 0dBm in 3dB steps
Amplitude accuracy: +-0.5dB (normalized) or +-3dB (absolute)
Sweep measurement point speed < 10ms

RF Explorer User Manual page 7
Graphics LCD 128x64 pixels, great visibility outdoors
PC Windows client supports Windows XP/Vista/Win7 both 32 and 64bits
Functional modes:
oCW signal generator at any frequency in the range
oTracking generator functionality working together with RF Explorer when connected to the
same PC.
oSweep generator between any to frequencies in the range, with selectable step size and
speed
Expansion:
oExpansion port for future enhancements (higher RF power modes, additional frequency
bands)
Weight: 185g
Size: 113x70x25 mm
www.rf-explorer.com/models

RF Explorer User Manual page 8
Connecting RF Explorer Signal Generator
The unit includes 50 ohm impedance RF connector standard SMA format.
All models have a SMA left connector installed and, optionally, some future models may have a second SMA
connector at the right position for extended range and functionality.
The unit will automatically start running on USB power when a compatible mini-USB cable is connected.
Important: The internal battery power switch must be in the ON position for the battery to charge when the
USB cable is connected. The internal battery will not charge when the power switch is in the OFF position.
Note: There are a number of SMA adapters to easily interface RF Explorer SMA connector to any other
standard RF connector format, including BNC, N, RP-SMA, etc. For more information of adapters available
see section RF Explorer accessories in page 30.

RF Explorer User Manual page 9
Signal Generator CW mode - Main Screen
Upon start, RF Explorer Signal Generator goes to this mode automatically.
The RF output power is disabled by default and it is important to connect a LOAD in all cases before enabling
the RF port.
The below screen is an example of a RF signal generator mode configured at 3.767020GHz. This is organized
visually in GHz, MHz and KHz for easy reading.
The internal High Power switch to ON, and the power level in mode 2 (levels are 1-4). This result in (-3.1dBm)
output at this frequency.
All elements on screen are important parameters to understand how the Signal Generator is working at any
given time.
The available indicators are:
Selected CW frequency: This is the currently selected carrier (or CW) frequency, expressed in GHz,
MHz and KHz. It can be modified in the FREQUENCY MENU.

RF Explorer User Manual page 10
High Power Switch: The Signal Generator includes an internal 30dB nominal attenuator. This allows
the unit to generate low level signals for multiple purposes. The attenuator is disabled when the
High Power Switch is ON.
Power Level Switch: The Signal Generator includes an internal power switch, with a nominal 3dB
increment on each step. There are a total of 4 steps. When combined with the internal attenuator, a
total of 8 possible power values can be selected.
Power mode: The Signal Generator describe the step required to enable the RF output signal, at the
selected frequency and selected power level. By clicking on ENTER key the power signal will be
delivered to the RF output port, and the screen will clearly indicate that with RF POWER ON
message.
Please note standard precaution of RF power delivered without a connected load.
Using the keyboard: In the RF SIGNAL GENERATOR mode screen, the keyboard can be used for easy
and convenient tasks as described below:
oUsing buttons LEFT and RIGHT on this screen will increase or decrease the selected
frequency by the amount expressed on the Freq Step value configured in the FREQUENCY
MENU.
IMPORTANT
You must have connected a 50 ohm antenna or RF load before you switch your
transmitter ON.
If you switch the transmitter ON without a proper load, you may damage the RF
module of your RF Explorer Signal Generator, as the power amplifier will not have a
load to feed. Think of the equivalent to an audio amplifier running at full power
with no speakers connected: you are likely damaging the power transistors.
You can use any kind of RF 50 ohm load, including a dummy load, a coaxial with a
50 ohm termination, an antenna, etc. If you use a load different than 50 ohm, the
reflected wave may also damage the power amplifier.