EVAL-CN0511-RPIZ
DC to 5.5 GHz Signal Generator with +/-0.5 dB Calibrated Output Power
Overview
Instruments that operate at RF range with features like low distortion, ultra low phase noise, and portable signal generator are difficult to provide at reasonable cost.
The system shown is an entirely self-contained DC to 5.5 GHz signal generator. It only requires the Raspberry Pi (RPi) to operate. The RF digital-to-analog converter (DAC), controlled using a 100 MHz Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) from the RPi, allows for single tone, phase coherent, and fast frequency hopping across the spectrum. All the clocking requirements are generated using an on-board crystal, so no external clock source is needed. All the necessary power rails are also converted from the RPi into various supply voltage requirements of the RF signal generator.
The system is designed to simplify the input requirements, optimize signal paths, and reduce external cables and components. This circuit can act as a standalone laboratory equipment or can be incorporated as a module into automatic test equipment. Its small size makes it particularly attractive when multiple channels are required. This Raspberry Pi compatible solution makes high speed signal generation more accessible and economical.
Features
DC to 5.5 GHz Single Tone Generator
+/- 0.5 dB Wideband Amplitude Calibration from 0 dBm to -40 dBm
48-Bit Frequency Tuning Resolution (~43 µHz)
Onboard VCXO for Quick Bring Up
Compatible with Raspberry Pi 3B+, 4, Zero W, Zero 2W
Applications
Signal generator applications
Getting Started
The CN0511 can be used for a wide range of applications, and the following demos are meant to show examples of the flexibility of the board. To get started with setup, configuration, and example use cases, please proceed to the Quick Start Guide and follow the provided demo pages.
Recommendations
People who follow the flow that is outlined, have a much better experience with things. However, like many things, documentation is never as complete as it should be. If you have any questions, feel free to ask on our EngineerZone forums, but before that, please make sure you read our documentation thoroughly.
Warning
All the products described on this page include ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive devices. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000V readily accumulate on the human body or test equipment and can discharge without detection. Although the boards feature ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on devices subjected to high-energy electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are recommended to avoid performance degradation or loss of functionality. This includes removing static charge on external equipment, cables, or antennas before connecting to the device.
Help and Support
Please go to Help and Support page.