Signal generator LSX1491X

microwaveRFsingle-channel

Overview
The Lucid‑X is a compact, modular microwave signal generator offered in multiple form factors (Desktop, PXIe module, Benchtop, Rackmount, Portable). With low phase noise and family frequency capability up to 40 GHz, the LSX series is intended for demanding RF/microwave test and measurement tasks that require spectral purity and fast coherent switching.

Key Product Highlights

• Small footprint, modular architecture (Desktop / PXIe / Benchtop / Rackmount / Portable)
• Family frequency coverage up to 40 GHz; this model: 14 GHz single‑channel PXIe
• Low phase noise performance for stable LO and clocking
• Fast switching: standard 100 μs; ultra‑fast 10 μs option available
• Coherent frequency switching across channels
• AM, FM, PM, Sweep and Pulse modulation
• Integrated LAN, USB and SPI interfaces

Features — Signal Integrity and Purity
The Lucid‑X family delivers stringent spectral purity. Example phase noise at 10 kHz offset: -148 dBc/Hz @ 100 MHz, -133 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz, -114 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz. Typical spurious/harmonic levels: harmonics ≈ -50 dBc; non‑harmonics ≈ -90 dBc. These figures make the LSX suitable as a stable LO, for intermodulation testing, and for high‑performance DAC/ADC clocking.

Features — Analog and Pulse Modulation
Analog and pulse modulation capabilities include:

• FM: up to ±10 MHz deviation; modulation rates up to 1 MHz
• AM: linear depth up to 90%; rates up to 100 kHz
• PM: peak deviation up to 360°
• Pulse modulation: high on/off ratio (typ. ~70 dB); rise/fall times <15 ns

Features — Fast Frequency Switching
Ultra‑fast switching option (10 μs) supports applications such as frequency‑hopping radar, electronic warfare, and rapid automated test sequences where minimizing dead time is critical.

Control and Programming
The Lucid‑X series supports SCPI and VISA remote control and integrates over LAN and USB. Programmable from Python, MATLAB, C#/C++, and LabVIEW. A virtual front panel is available for local or networked GUI control.

Ordering Information (excerpt)
Model LSX1491X — 14 GHz Single Channel PXIe Microwave Signal Generator. Available options: modulation package (MOD), low power options (LP, ELP1/ELP2), extended power ranges (EPR1/EPR2), pulse and pattern modulation (PLS, PAT), fast switching (FS 100 μs, UFS 10 μs), battery/charging for portable units, LAN/USB adapters and rack‑mount kits. Options/accessories must be specified at purchase.

Additional Notes
Form factors in the Lucid‑X family include PXIe, Rackmount, Benchtop, Desktop and Portable variants. Typical applications: LO sources, radar STALO, coherent multi‑channel systems, intermodulation and IM3 testing, DAC/ADC clocking, phased arrays and other RF research and test environments requiring phase‑coherent signals.

Technical specifications

• Model family: Lucid‑X (LSX)
• Denomination (this page): LSX1491X
• Form factors: PXIe module, Desktop, Benchtop, Rackmount, Portable
• Frequency range (family capability): up to 40 GHz
• Single‑channel configuration (this model): 14 GHz single channel (PXIe)
• Phase noise examples: -148 dBc/Hz @ 100 MHz (10 kHz offset); -133 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz (10 kHz offset); -114 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz (10 kHz offset)
• Harmonics: typ. -50 dBc; Non‑harmonics: typ. -90 dBc
• Frequency switching: standard FS 100 μs; UFS 10 μs option
• Analog modulation: FM ±10 MHz (rates up to 1 MHz); AM linear depth up to 90% (rates up to 100 kHz); PM up to 360°
• Pulse modulation: on/off ratio ~70 dB; rise/fall times <15 ns
• Control interfaces: LAN, USB, SPI; SCPI / VISA support; compatible with Python, MATLAB, C#/C++ and LabVIEW; virtual front panel provided
• Typical applications: LO sources, radar STALO, intermodulation/IM3 testing, DAC/ADC clocking, phased arrays, coherent multi‑channel systems
• Related software: Lucid Control Panel (download)