OverviewThe Lucid-X is a small-footprint modular microwave signal generator available in multiple form factors (Desktop, PXIe module, benchtop, rackmount, portable). Designed for low phase noise and high spectral purity, the Lucid-X family supports modulation, fast coherent frequency switching and flexible interfaces for system integration.
Key features- Fast switching speed <10 μs (ultra-fast switching option)
- Coherent frequency switching
- AM, FM, PM, Sweep & Pulse Modulation
- Phase noise example: -148 dBc/Hz @100 MHz (10 kHz offset), -133 dBc/Hz @1 GHz, -114 dBc/Hz @10 GHz
- LAN, USB, and SPI integrated interfaces
Signal integrity and purityThe Lucid-X family provides exceptionally low phase noise across microwave frequencies and is suited for applications requiring high signal purity such as local oscillators, intermodulation distortion measurements and high-performance DAC/ADC clocking. Typical spectral performance includes harmonics ~ -50 dBc and non-harmonics ~ -90 dBc.
Analog and pulse modulationThe instrument supports built-in analog modulation including AM, FM, PM and Sweep. Typical modulation capabilities: FM maximum deviation up to 10 MHz and rates up to 1 MHz; AM linear depth up to 90% and rates up to 100 kHz; PM peak deviation up to 360°; Pulse modulation with high on/off ratio (typ. ~70 dB) and rise/fall times <15 ns. Pattern and pulse modulation modes enable realistic radar, EW and communication signal simulation.
Fast frequency switchingUltra-fast switching (10 μs option) reduces dead time in automated test and allows simulation of frequency-hopping and pulse-to-pulse scenarios (e.g., frequency-hopping radars, secure radios). Fast coherent switching improves throughput in manufacturing and enables advanced test sequences without sacrificing accuracy.
Control and programmingSupports industry-standard SCPI/VISA commands and remote control via LAN or USB. Integration is straightforward using Python, MATLAB, C#/C++ or NI tools (LabVIEW). A virtual front panel is provided for local or networked GUI control.
Applications- Radar STALO / LO sources
- Electronic Warfare threat simulation
- Quantum control (synchronized phase-coherent multi-channel setups)
- RF & microwave test benches, production test with fast switching
Technical specifications- Model: LSX2091D (20 GHz single-channel microwave signal generator module)
- Frequency: model-specific 20 GHz (Lucid-X family supports up to 40 GHz in select models)
- Switching time: <10 μs (ultra-fast switching option available)
- Phase noise examples: -148 dBc/Hz @100 MHz (10 kHz offset), -133 dBc/Hz @1 GHz (10 kHz offset), -114 dBc/Hz @10 GHz
- Harmonics: ~ -50 dBc; Non-harmonics: ~ -90 dBc
- FM: max deviation up to 10 MHz; rates up to 1 MHz
- AM: linear depth up to 90%; rates up to 100 kHz
- PM: peak deviation up to 360°
- Pulse modulation: on/off ratio typically ~70 dB; rise/fall times <15 ns
- Modulations supported: AM, FM, PM, Sweep, Pulse, Pattern
- Interfaces: LAN, USB, SPI
- Control: SCPI/VISA; supported with Python, MATLAB, C#/C++, LabVIEW; virtual front panel included
- Form factors available: Desktop, PXIe module, Benchtop, Rack mount, Portable