Signal Hound VSG60A: Key Performance Features

Signal Hound VSG60A: Key Performance Features

The Signal Hound VSG60A is a high-performance vector signal generator engineered to meet the demanding requirements of advanced RF and microwave testing, research, and development. Covering an extended frequency range of 9 kHz to 60 GHz, it fills a critical niche for applications involving millimeter-wave (mmWave) technologies such as 5G FR2, satellite communications, automotive radar, and aerospace/defense systems. By combining exceptional signal fidelity, wide bandwidth, and seamless software integration with the intuitive Spike platform, the VSG60A delivers professional-grade performance in a compact, cost-effective form factor. Below are the core performance features that define its capabilities and suitability for cutting-edge RF/microwave applications.

1. Extended Frequency Coverage Up to 60 GHz for Millimeter-Wave Applications

A standout feature of the VSG60A is its broad frequency range spanning 9 kHz to 60 GHz, enabling comprehensive testing across both conventional RF bands and critical mmWave spectrums. This wide coverage eliminates the need for multiple specialized signal generators, simplifying test setups for applications including 5G FR2 (24.25–52.6 GHz), 77/81 GHz automotive radar, satellite communication links (e.g., Ka-band, Q-band), and aerospace/defense mmWave systems. The VSG60A maintains stable performance across its entire frequency range, with consistent output power and modulation accuracy even at the 60 GHz upper limit, making it a versatile tool for both lab-based R&D and field testing of mmWave components and systems.

2. High Real-Time Bandwidth for Wideband Signal Generation

The VSG60A boasts a 2 GHz real-time bandwidth (RTBW), a critical specification for generating high-fidelity wideband signals required by modern wireless standards and complex radar systems. This wide bandwidth enables the generation of 5G FR2 signals with 400 MHz channel bandwidth (per 3GPP specifications) and supports the simulation of wideband radar waveforms (e.g., FMCW with large chirp bandwidths) and high-data-rate satellite communication signals. The 2 GHz RTBW ensures that even the most complex modulated signals—such as 256QAM-OFDM for 5G or multi-channel composite signals for multi-target radar testing—are generated with minimal distortion, providing accurate representation of real-world operating conditions for reliable device and system validation.

3. Exceptional Signal Fidelity & Low Phase Noise

Signal quality is paramount for accurate RF/microwave testing, and the VSG60A delivers industry-leading performance in this regard. It features ultra-low phase noise, with typical values of -140 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz (10 kHz offset) and -125 dBc/Hz at 28 GHz (10 kHz offset). Low phase noise is critical for testing sensitive receivers, as it minimizes unwanted signal degradation and ensures precise measurement of receiver noise floor, sensitivity, and demodulation performance. Additionally, the VSG60A offers high output power accuracy (±0.5 dB) and low harmonic distortion (typically <-50 dBc), ensuring that generated signals closely match theoretical specifications and enabling reliable characterization of RF components such as amplifiers, filters, and mixers.

4. Comprehensive Modulation Capabilities for Diverse Testing Needs

The VSG60A supports a full suite of analog and digital modulation formats, catering to a wide range of testing scenarios. Analog modulation options include AM, FM, PM, and pulse modulation, while digital modulation covers all key modern standards: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM, and OFDM. It also offers custom IQ waveform playback with a 16-bit resolution and up to 16 GSamples of waveform memory, allowing engineers to import pre-recorded real-world signals (e.g., captured 5G mmWave traffic or radar echoes) for realistic scenario testing. This versatility makes the VSG60A suitable for applications ranging from basic component testing (e.g., amplifier linearity) to advanced system-level validation (e.g., 5G end-to-end performance, radar multi-target simulation).

5. Compact, USB-Powered Design for Portable & Flexible Deployment

Unlike bulky, rack-mounted benchtop signal generators, the VSG60A features a compact, lightweight form factor (7.2 x 5.0 x 1.8 inches) and is powered via USB 3.2 or an optional external 12V DC power supply. This portability is a game-changer for field testing of mmWave systems—such as 5G FR2 base station deployment verification or outdoor radar propagation studies—where traditional equipment is impractical. The USB-powered design also enables flexible lab setups, including dense test station configurations to maximize workspace utilization. Despite its small size, the VSG60A maintains rugged construction, with an enclosure designed to withstand the rigors of transportation and harsh testing environments, ensuring reliability in both lab and field settings.

6. Seamless Integration with Spike Software & Signal Hound Ecosystem

The VSG60A is fully integrated with Signal Hound’s intuitive Spike RF analysis software, providing a unified user interface for both signal generation and spectrum analysis when paired with Signal Hound spectrum analyzers (e.g., SM435C, SA503). This integration streamlines testing workflows by allowing engineers to control both instruments from a single platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple software applications. Spike software offers easy-to-use tools for signal configuration, waveform editing, and real-time signal monitoring, with pre-defined templates for common standards (e.g., 5G NR, Wi-Fi 7, automotive radar). For automated testing, the VSG60A supports Signal Hound’s SDK (Software Development Kit), enabling custom script development in Python, C/C++, or .NET for integration with automated test systems (ATE) and long-term unattended research experiments.

7. High Output Power & Flexible Attenuation Control

The VSG60A delivers a maximum output power of +10 dBm (typical) at 28 GHz, with a built-in programmable attenuator offering 0–60 dB attenuation in 0.1 dB steps. This high output power eliminates the need for external amplifiers in many testing scenarios, simplifying test setups and reducing signal loss. The precise attenuation control allows engineers to adjust the output power to match the specific requirements of the device under test (DUT)—from low-power signals for testing receiver sensitivity to higher-power signals for validating amplifier linearity. Even at mmWave frequencies (e.g., 60 GHz), the VSG60A maintains a minimum output power of -60 dBm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of DUTs, including sensitive mmWave receivers and high-power amplifiers.

Conclusion: A Versatile Powerhouse for Advanced RF/Millimeter-Wave Testing

The Signal Hound VSG60A combines extended frequency coverage, high real-time bandwidth, exceptional signal fidelity, and seamless software integration to deliver a versatile, high-performance solution for modern RF and mmWave testing. Its ability to cover up to 60 GHz makes it uniquely suited for emerging technologies such as 5G FR2 and 77/81 GHz automotive radar, while its compact design and cost-effectiveness make professional-grade mmWave signal generation accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises, academic research labs, and budget-constrained teams. For engineers and researchers working at the cutting edge of RF and microwave technology, the VSG60A stands out as a reliable, flexible tool that accelerates product development and ensures accurate, comprehensive testing.