Signal Generator what one to choose between? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 10:49:24 pm
content: Ok guys and ladies if you have a choice between a Marconi 2024 or a HP 8662A what one would you prefer and why?Andrew

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:06:08 pm
content: Quote from: Crambone on February 05, 2023, 10:49:24 pmNeither can be described as a sig gen when in fact they are RF gens.Just saying.Maybe change the topic title.

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:11:04 pm
content: Really? Really?On my planet RF is still a signal for some strange reasonhttps://avalontest.com/marconi-2024-9-khz-to-24-ghz-signal-generatorhttps://www.atecorp.com/products/marconi/2024https://www.curiousmarc.com/instruments/hp-8662a-signal-generatorTo circle back to the original question, it depends on what you are going to be doing with it and which one you can have for free

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:32:15 pm
content: Potato potatoTomato tomatoCome on

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:33:32 pm
content: Uhhhhh always that guy, just saying! lol joking call it what you want we all get the idea

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:38:26 pm
content: For me, the RF Gen is an 'under the bench, haul out as needed' item. That 8662A is quite a beast to haul out on occasion, one of the reasons I've never been tempted to keep one. Also, you might want to consider the modulation capabilities of each if you anticipate needing that capability. Extensive manual reading is indicated. I haven't seen the Marconi 2024 myself, but the 8662A is a well-made monster with a very clean, precise signal output.

author: switchabl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:40:29 pm
content: The 8862A has significantly better phase-noise (by 10-20 dB) which may or may not be very important to you. The 2024 might be considered a more practical choice: it is more recent,muchsmaller and lighter, has more modulation options and goes to 2.4 GHz.Quote from: tautech on February 05, 2023, 11:06:08 pmIt generates signals, so in my book that makes it a signal generator. Marconi and HP agree. If you want to be more specific, you can call it an RF signal generator. Depending on the field you work in, that is usually implied.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 11:51:22 pm
content: Quote from: Crambone on February 05, 2023, 11:32:15 pmYup but in my world:FGSGAWGRF genAre all very different things with some little cross over for sure of which none can do all what the other can do.The one exception is AWG's that sometimes except for max amplitude old FG's have an edge.

author: switchabl
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2023, 12:43:48 am
content: I mean, it says "signal generator" on the front panel. People have been calling them that for at least 60 years (https://www.hpmemoryproject.org/wb_pages/wall_b_page_10b.htm). If you seriously want to discuss the merit of this, maybe consider starting a new topic?OP, to me, it comes down to this: the HP is an impressive bit of engineering and in some ways can still hold its own against a modern MXG. But it's a huge, complex beast and it weighs 30 kg. Don't get one unless you are into this sort of thing and have a permanent space for it.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2023, 06:57:07 am
content: All RF generators are signal generator but not all signal generators are RF generators.

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2023, 03:04:32 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on February 05, 2023, 11:51:22 pmYou forgot PG.Pulse generators are very specialized devices and while some of the above have overlapping functionality with a purpose designed PG (Pulse Generator) they are clumsier to use in the applications that a proper PG excell at.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2023, 06:59:53 pm
content: Quote from: BillyO on February 06, 2023, 03:04:32 pmI have a friend with a 100 MHz Phillips PG that at one time I would regularly borrow for its Mark/Space capabilities to check CRO calibration.TBH the modern AWG Pulse capability kicks arse for this requirement......even the now discontinued SDG1010 I had was quite capable in this regard for the CRO repairs I once did.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2023, 06:01:09 am
content: Quote from: Crambone on February 05, 2023, 10:49:24 pmI have a Marconi branded 2024 signal generator. It's old and came with a dead power supply and display. After my repairs it was calibrated and I've not had any problems with it. Phase noise is decent (see manual) and its easy to control remotely. The output level is accurate enough for my use. Attached plots compare signal generator with my spectrum analyzer.If you have any questions about it that are not covered in the manual, feel free to ask.

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2023, 04:39:52 pm
content: Neither because I have little need for a simple RF signal generator. Modern RF requires a vector signal generator, one that can generate arbitrary IQ modulation. One can typically find an Agilent E4433B vector signal generator for a similar price.But you have not told us what the intended purpose is, so it's hard to make an informed recommendation.