LMS-183CX Lab Brick Signal Generator®

6 GHz – 18 GHz Frequency | Chirp Rates to 50 MHz/s | 100 Hz Step Size

Features/Benefits▪ Extremely Fast Switching▪ Includes GUI, Windows and Linux SDK,LabVIEW driver▪ Chirp modulation and frequency sweep
rates up to 50 MHz/µs▪ Operate multiple devices directly from a PC
or self powered hub▪ Excellent harmonic rejection▪ Internal/external pulse modulation▪ Easily portable USB powered device▪ Sized to fit into a single rack unit for ATE
applications

Applications▪ Low Cost Test Equipment for RADARReceiver Systems▪ Portable LO Source▪ Engineering/Production Test Labs
▪ Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

The Lab Brick LMS series of Signal Generators bring affordability, functionality, reliability andsimplicity to the microwave test bench. The LMS products range from 0.5 MHz to 20 GHz with
100 Hz step size, 0.5 dB power control steps and linear frequency sweep capability.
Lab Bricks use a native USB HID interface to avoid the difficulties inherent in using older serial
or IEEE-488 interfaces implemented over USB. As a result, Lab Brick users can get to work
faster without having to install kernel level drivers, and Lab Brick devices can be easily used on
any system that supports USB HID devices, including low cost embedded computers using
Linux or similar operating systems.
The LMS-183CX is an affordable Signal Generator with fast internally or externally triggered
chirp modulation. The LMS-183CX provides calibrated power control from 6 to 18 GHz with a
100 Hz frequency setting resolution. The signal generator is easily programmable for fixed
frequency operation, unidirectional or bidirectional frequency sweep, pulse and chirp modulation
directly from the included Graphical User Interface (GUI). Alternatively, for users wishing todevelop their own interface, Vaunix supplies LabVIEW drivers, Windows API DLL files, Linuxdrivers, Python examples and much more.

7 New Pasture Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-662-7839
www.Vaunix.com
Revision A2 12/9/19

LMS-183CX Specifications
Parameter

Frequency

Test Conditions

Min

Range (GHz)6

Step Size (Hz)

100

Typ18

Accuracy (ppm)

Phase Noise (dBc/Hz)
10, 100, 1000, 10000 kHz+/-2

Switching (µs)

20

@6 GHz-83/-83/-103/-130@8 GHz-82/-82/-97/-130@12 GHz-79/-79/-95/-130@18 GHz
Maximum (dBm)

Output Power

Spurious-75/-75/-92/-130
9.25

10Resolution (dB)

0.5

Range (dB) from 6-13 GHz

80

Range (dB) from 13-18 GHz

65

Accuracy (dB)+/-1.0Inband (dBc)-55

Harmonics (dBc)

10

Input Level (Vpp)0.51

Output Level (Vpp)

0.5

1Band 1 (GHz)611

Band 2 (GHz)1118

Chirp Rate (MHz/us)
Chirp Duration (s)0.8

Chirp Repetition Interval (s)

10.8

Edge Trigger input (Vpp)13

Band 1 (GHz)

Pulse Modulation (Int/Ext)

13350

5
1.1

Trigger Delay (s)Phase Continuous Linear Frequency
Sweep+/-2.5

1.5:1
Frequency (MHz)

Chirp Modulation

10.75

-35

VSWR

Reference (Int/Ext)

Max

611Band 2 (GHz)1118

Sweep Time (sec)

0.001

1000

Edge Trigger input (Vpp)

3Pulse Depth (dB)60

Pulse Width (ns)100

Pulse Repetition Interval (ns)200

Resolution (ns)100

Trigger in/out (Vpp)

3570

5Chirp Trigger Output is available on the Pulse Trigger port

7 New Pasture Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-662-7839
www.Vaunix.com
Revision A2 12/9/19

LMS-183CX Specifications

Parameter

Power Requirements

Test Conditions/Notes

From the USB connection+5 VDC
650 mA typical

Operating Temperature

0 °C to +50 °C

Relative Humidity (noncondensing)<95%

Power and Control

USB Type B – female

RF Connector

SMA – female

10 MHz Reference

BNC - female

Pulse Modulation

BNC - female

Frequency Sweep Trigger

BNC - female

Environmental

Physical Connections

Optional Features

NoneSize

4.9 x 3.14 x 1.59 inches
124 x 80 x 40 millimeters

Weight1.0 pounds
0.45 kilograms

Mechanical

7 New Pasture Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-662-7839
www.Vaunix.com
Revision A2 12/9/19

LMS-183CX Performance Plots

7 New Pasture Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-662-7839
www.Vaunix.com
Revision A2 12/9/19

LMS-183 Mechanical Outline
Standard Unit

LDA-183CX Software Interface

7 New Pasture Road
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-662-7839
www.Vaunix.com
Revision A2 12/9/19