WB-SG1 wide band generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2020, 06:19:04 pm
content: This unit just arrived so needs more testing. As a preliminary report, all seems to work as expected. Amplitude accuracy is nothing to rave about but is acceptable; the frequency accuracy is very good. The operation range of frequencies is as advertised.Channel 2 can be modulated by Channel 1, as shown below.

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2020, 02:23:11 pm
content: Hello,Ok.The CH1 frequency of 100 kHz will modulate the CH2 frequency (1080 MHz) by this value (100 kHz) if the "MOD" function of CH2 is ON.The WB-SGI generator is sold +/- 145 $ / 135 € on Aliexpress, or Ebay.Serious seller and fast shipping.-https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000468601984.html?spm=a2g0w.12010615.8148356.22.11f0d5c7pfHHq1------The name WB-SG1 would suggest that a version # 2 "WB-SG2" could appear with all the options that are absent on the WB-SG1, but it would be more expensive to buy.The FA-1 frequency counter was followed by the FA-2 frequency counter.Diabolo

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2020, 08:42:33 pm
content: Hello,It would be interesting to see the level of harmonics with a spectrum analyzer that I do not have available. If anyone could make these measurements they would be welcome.----What about an FM modulated signal on CH2 ?For example, a fundamental signal modulated in FM with a deviation of 25 kHz is not likely to resemble an FM signal with a deviation of 100 kHz.RegardsDiabolo

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2020, 09:23:38 pm
content: Here is the spectrum of channel 2 from 35 MHz to 1.5 GHz. How does one obtain FM?

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2020, 09:38:54 pm
content: Thank you for the answer.-----The manual says that CH2 modulated by frequency CH1 is a CH2 signal modulated in FM.Diabolo

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2020, 10:15:18 pm
content: My document states: CH2 modulation: ON/OFF modulation, modulation frequency 1Hz-1MHz, step 1Hz

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2020, 05:22:12 am
content: ADF4351 produces a 2.2 GHz sinusoidal signal at 4.4 GHz, and produces a square signal from 35 MHz to 2.2 GHz by division of the frequency.------How is the spectral purity of a 750 MHz signal on CH2 which will therefore be a square signal loaded with harmonics?Diabolo

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2020, 08:19:52 pm
content: The spectrum of an unmodulated 750 MHz signal is shown below.Does anyone know of any software in the works for this generator?

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2020, 08:16:33 am
content: Hello,Thank you for the test.With the WB-SG1 I only got summary documentation without the access codes via USB to obtain certain information or to be able to change some internal data. The FA-2 frequency counter had a few command lines provided to change certain parameters. The web is not very talkative about WB-SG1, alas.Wait for reviews from other buyers.Regards

author: mankan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2020, 04:08:26 pm
content: There is a WB-SG-OPT15G available now, seehttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000724122338.html. No modulation feature though. I guess it's based on LMX2594. I wonder if there will be a LMX2595 version later?

author: Diabolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2020, 12:45:54 am
content: Hello,New frequency generator 1hZ at 15 GHz from BG7TBL called WB-SG1-OPT15G 1hZ at 15 GHz! The output level setting is adjustable compared to the 8 GHz model with the output level fixed.https://www.ebay.com/itm/WB-SG1-OPT15G-1Hz-15GHz-Signal-Source-Signal-generator-Power-ADJ-OCXO-BG7TBL/233507852253-----Characteristics:overview:1Hz-15GHz wide band output,10M-15GHz with amplifiler adjust,OCXO inside，support extern connectfrequency stanardCH1 frequency range：1Hz-200MHzCH1 step:1Hz-19.999999MHz/1Hz,20MHz-200MHz/10HzCH1 output amplifiler:3.3VppCH1 plug type:BNCCH2 frequency range：10MHz-15GHzCH2 step:10HzCH2 reference output power：+5DBM- -7dBm@1GCH2 output impedance:50 OHMCH2 plug type:SMAinside frequency stadnard:10MHzinside frequency stadnard type:OCXOinside frequency stadnard ageing:0.5Hz/year10M frequency output power:5dBmextern frequency input range:0dBm to +20dBmrun mode:CH1 frequency mode,CH2 frequency mode,CH1 sweep mode,CH2 sweep modefront panel:MODE,change modeENT:input data<>^V:left/right/up/down keyCH1:channel 1 outputCH2:channel 2 outputrear panel:10M REF INPUT:extern 10M input10M REF OUTPU:10M outputUSB:USB portSTD ADJ:inside OCXO frequency adjustpower switchdc plugpower :DC11.7-12.5V,star:less than 0.5A,stabilize:less than 0.25Asize:L*H*D=106*55*105mmweight:350gaccessory: DC12V adapter 1pcsRegardsDiabolo

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2020, 05:57:24 pm
content: Quote from: Diabolo on April 07, 2020, 12:45:54 amDoes anyone have the 15Ghz device?It would be really nice to verify if indeed there is ability to control the 'output level' in dBmLooking at the 'specifications' - as provided on the eBay listing (very limited) - it specifies anoutput level RANGE(in my humble opinion) and not that it can be 'user defined'Remember - output energy is likely to be much higher at lower frequencies - than at 15GHz - so the CH2 reference output power：+5DBM- -7dBm@1G does make sense.Note- it only specifies -7dBm @1GHzI wonder what it is likely to be at 15GHz?If it is indeed a decent figure - I am sure that the published specifications would be boasting about it!The fact that output levels @ 15GHz are not specified - is an indication itself - that there is nothing to shout aboutPerhaps someone with an actual device could chime-in

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2020, 06:21:20 pm
content: Quote from: mankan on April 06, 2020, 04:08:26 pmSeen a device on eBay already (its not a BG7TBL design) ...https://www.ebay.com/itm/LMX2595-10MHz-19GHz-RF-Signal-Generator-Frequency-Source-Sweep-OLED-Software-/183730920473- with these specifications1, LMX2595 chip features• 10MHz to 19GHz output frequency• With 100KHz offset and 15GHz carrier-110dBc/Hz phase noise• 45fs RMS jitter at 7.5GHz (100Hz to100MHz)• Programmable output power• PLL main specifications– Quality factor: –236dBc/Hz– Nominal 1/f noise: –129dBc/Hz– highest phase detector frequency– 400MHz integer mode– 300MHz fractional mode– 32-bit score N divider• Eliminate integer boundary spurs with programmable input multipliers• Output phase synchronization across multiple devices• Support for SYSREF with programmable resolution of 9ps resolution• FMCW's frequency ramp and chirp capability• Less than 20μs VCO calibration speed• 3.3V single supply operation2, LMX2595 chip application• 5G and millimeter wave wireless infrastructure• Test and measurement equipment• Radar• MIMO• Phased array antenna and beamforming• High speed data converter clock (supports JESD204B)Looks like from their SA plot @19GHz - the output level is -26dBm and there seem to be 'lots' of harmonics in the 'same' regionCan you really have a reliable 19GHz source without special design considerations and PCB / microstrip factors implemented for a $385 price tag?Does anyone have this device or made any tests with a LMX2995 design?Any feedback much appreciated

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2020, 07:04:46 pm
content: Just went down the rabbit hole on the LMX2595 ...https://www.ti.com/product/LMX2595That a full development PCB with access to design software (so you can drive this beast) is only $399Interesting thing is that the LMX2595 device itself is $55 (in 1000 lot)Looking at the evaluation design - the PCB / connectors / associated electronics / your fabrication and testing time and application software - its not bad value - if you want to build your own stuff - or adapt the EVAL board to your needs.In the UK - here is link from distributor ...https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/LMX2595EVM?qs=EU6FO9ffTweu4F9rUl5PJQ%3D%3DHere is the user guide ...https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/snau219b/snau219b.pdfAt the moment - I simply don't have the time or mindset to go further down this fascinating 'rabbit hole' - however your individual mileage might varyGood Luck & Hope above information was useful.

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2020, 01:26:18 am
content: Looking further into the modulation capability of this device ...It appears that the frequency set in CH1 will modulate the fundamental frequency set in CH2 - Provided that CH2 out=on and MOD out=onI had the impression you could modulate the fundamental of CH2 by connecting source to BNC on CH1I guess this is not how its intended to operate - too bad - it would be a much more flexible device if this was possible and you could use the settings of CH1 as the FM frequency deviation (BW)Anyone 'opened-up' one of these devices - to see what makes it 'tick'(I still have not had a chance to do this - just got it today and there is lots of other things which need my attention before I get to the screwdrivers)- more importantly if there is any way to inject anyexternalmodulation?Great device - I checked the frequency - its clean - harmonics well below fundamental - will do some measurements soon.Real useful check is to do some phase noise measurements - if no-one has done this already

author: mankan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2020, 08:17:29 pm
content: Stumled across this oneeBay auction: #114332851333. Looks like there are 18 and 20GHz options available now.Output power is now specified further:1G/8DBM;2G/7.3DBM;3G/8DBM;4G/8.7DBM;5G/9.9DBM;6G/8.5DBM;7G/4.5DBM;8G/5.2DBM;9G/4.4DBM;10G/3.4DBM11G/4.3DBM;12G/4.6DBM;13G/3.0DBM;14G/3.0DBM;15G/1.7DBM16G/-1.4DBM;17G/-4.9DBM;18G/-6.4DBM;19G/-6.5DBM;20G/-8.3DBM

author: g4dbn
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 04:17:04 pm
content: Has anyone found if there are commands which the WB-SG1 will interpret? At boot time it shows:WB-SG11Hz-8GHzSIGNAL GENERATORCH1:1Hz-200M CH2:35M-8GBG7TBL V20191203but despite trying to fuzz it and lots of keyboard mashing, I couldn't get it to respond at all via the serial/USB.I can set the frequency via the front panel at up to about 8.7 GHz as you'd expect, but it seems to go a bit flaky at certain frequencies above 8.5 GHz.This little box could be quite useful with a levelling amplifier and programmable attenuator and filters and a proper decent interface and a proper modulator, but I'm not scrapping my HP E4421B yet.Neil

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2020, 04:49:26 pm
content: @g4dbnHi Neil,Welcome to the forumI have the WB-SG1 and am attaching a user manual for you to look through - if you don't have one already.I found this device useful - but only for general experimentation.If you are relying on it to make meaningful measurements - where power levels are important - forget it - its simply not up to the job, despite your idea of leveling amplifier and programmable attenuator.I looked into this myself and to get an 'accurate'programmableattenuator is a challenge in itself - let alone to 8GHz- same applies for the leveling amplifier- now you know why a decent RF signal generator costs big $'sI also draw you attention to the spectral quality of the signal from the WB-SG1 - its not so pure if you had a closer look with a SABut despite all of the above - its still a very handy tool for simple testing - where 'empirical measurements' are not important.

author: texaspyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 06:17:21 am
content: Quote from: noreply on August 27, 2020, 04:49:26 pmI don't see an attachment...

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2020, 02:29:36 pm
content: Quote from: texaspyro on August 28, 2020, 06:17:21 amSo SorryIt should be there now

author: g4dbn
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 09, 2020, 05:10:38 pm
content: My google-fu was not up to standard, thanks v much for the copy of the manual. I want to try it for checking the return loss and tuning of some 3.4 and 5.7 GHz feedhorns, using directional couplers, so the absolute level isn't critical. I'll be using a specan as the detector, so I'm not worried about harmonics and far-out spurs confusing matters. It'a a whole lot easier than using a set of YTOs. Might even be enough signal to use the second harmonic to check the SMA-WR90 transitions I'm machining today.TVM Neil

author: noreply
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2020, 10:48:28 pm
content: Quote from: g4dbn on September 09, 2020, 05:10:38 pmSounds good.The WB-SG1 does produce a signal on frequency, but since it has an external 10MHz input, if you use a 10MHz GPSDO - then you will be 'spot-on' frequency if that's important to you when aligning feedhorns or any associated filters.

author: Kibabalu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2020, 01:15:43 pm
content: Quote from: g4dbn on August 27, 2020, 04:17:04 pmI also failed to establish any kind of communication with the WB-SG1 via USB/serial. What's the trick?

author: hpw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2021, 06:08:05 pm
content: how this signal generator performs in terms of PN.... low freq. range and on 10MHz?

author: videobruce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 01:20:08 pm
content: Is there a actual manual of the original device in the 1st few posts, NOT the TI device which only has a engineering/builders manual?