Receiver Testing: Why Test Signal Quality Matters

Educational Note

RF and microwave signal generators are a primary tool for testing receiver systems and subsystems. Many signal generators on the market may appear to offer performance that seem satisfactory to evaluate your receiver. However, it is important to know when you are accurately measuring your receiver-under-test and not signal contributions from your signal generator.

This educational note provides performance parameters to consider when evaluating signal generators for your receiver testing. This will ensure that the signal generator provides a level of performance that has minimal effect on your receiver measurements.