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Dave Race
CEO
Signal Forge, LLC
T 512.275.3733 ext 55
F 512.275.3735
New Software Expands Test Applications for
Signal Forge Signal Generators Portable Signal Generator Ideal for Field
Engineering Applicat
Radar, Signal Generator is First to Offer High-Performance
in a Small, Affordable Package
SRFID, Wireless LAN and Zigbee Developers
Benefit from New Test Capabilitiesmall, Lightweight Device Combines Features of a Signal Generator, Function Generator and Arbitrary Waveform Generator
October 10Device Combines 1 GHz Range with AC Coupled, Differential, and Digital Outputs Making it Ideal for Testing Both Digital and RF Systems
Austin, Texas, March 8September 6, 20056 (Austin, Texas).,Signal Forge, LLC ( developer of portable, high-performance signal generators, released a new version of its Wave Manager software for the Signal Forge 1000 and Signal Forge 800 Signal Generators. Wave Manager is the embedded software application included with the Signal Forge signal generators which provides setup and control for all of the signal generator functions. The new release provides enhanced waveform functions including chirp, pulsed chirp (pulsed FM) and BPSK. The new waveforms add test capabilities needed by developers of wireless devices such as GSM, RFID, Wireless LAN, and Zigbee. Test methodologies supported by the new software include receiver blocking tests and interfering frequency tests.
The BPSK waveform operates with a carrier frequency between 1 Hz and 100 MHz. It can be modulated internally using a Wave Manager menu selection or via an external controller. BPSK is a form of PSK which uses two phases separated by 180° and is sometimes called 2-PSK. It modulates at 1bit/symbol and is used for testing low data-rate applications such as IEEE 802.11g wireless LAN standard.
BPSK is also suitable for testing low-cost passive transmitters such as those used in the RFID standards which have been adopted for biometric passports, credit cards and other applications. ZigBee devices which operate in the 868–915 MHz frequency band also employ BPSK.
The chirp waveform, which is used to test a variety of communications and radar systems, repeatedly ramps the output between two user-selected frequencies over a specified time. The user simply specifies the chirp duration and the Signal Forge generator automatically calculates the delta frequency and ramp rate for the chirp. When using chirp at a frequency of 100 MHz or less, the SF1000 provides an option to idle at 0 Hz instead of the starting frequency.
The pulsed chirp waveform ramps the output from a user-selected frequency 1 to frequency 2, jumps back to the starting frequency, and then idles there until the next chirp (the non-pulsed chirp waveform immediately begins the next chirp).
Both the chirp and pulsed chirp waveforms operate from 1 Hz to 1 GHz with a frequency step rate of up to 50 KHz. Both waveforms may be used with the Signal Forge generator’s AC-coupled, digital and differential outputs.
Wave Manager release 5 is now shipping with all SF1000 signal generators. Previously shipped SF1000 or SF800 signal generators may be updated with the new release by downloading the Wave Manager release 5 from the Signal Forge website at
Company Signal Forge today released a new the first high-performance, digitally synthesized signal generator. The Signal Forge 1000 features with an a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 GHz 800 MHz range, usable to 1 GHz, for under and includes multiple output types and waveform modulation options providing the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product. The Signal Forge 1000 (SF1000) is small enough—8.5in x 5.4in x 1.5in—to fit in a briefcase, making it ideal for field engineers and service personnel.
Unlike other small-sized signal generators, the SF1000 is a high performance device with a stable, accurate 1 GHz frequency range. Also unique are the multiple outputs types which include: an AC-coupled output for RF and wireless device testing; a digital (TTL) output for testing clock-driven systems and ICs up to 110 MHz; and a differential output for testing communication equipment as well as differential clock-driven systems up to 1 GHz.
A wide variety of waveform modulation functions are supported, including square and sinusoidal AM, ASK, FKS (ramped, unramped, triangle), OOK and Shaped OOK, Arbitrary/CHIRP modulation as well as fully programmable frequency sweep control. These features expand the capabilities of the SF1000 beyond a typical signal source and provide the functionality needed for a wide range of digital IC and RF test applications.
$1000. The Signal Forge 800 (SF800) features a dedicated digital output with programmable voltage levels for testing digital systems and integrated circuits. It also provides an AC coupled and a differential output for testing a wide range of wireless and radio frequency devices. The SF800 produces both sine waves and square waves across a frequency range of 1 KHz to 1 GHz, in 1 Hz increments. The small size and low price point, compared with other signal generators of comparable performance, makes the SF800 attractive to design and test engineers as well as field service engineers.
Figure 1. Signal Forge 8Figure 1. Signal Forge 100000 Front Panel
Applications include: using the digital and differential outputs in sweep mode to test the setup and hold of digital devices, as well as the design margins of digital, clock-driven circuit boards (determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit); testing and calibrating IF and RF sections of receivers and wireless devices; testing amplifiers for gain and for the 1 dB compression point. It is also used as a Local Oscillator (L.O.) source and an RF exciter with modulation to test receiver response (the FSK and frequency sweep functions may be used to test FM receivers). The SF1000 may also be used for testing the third-order intercept point (IP3) of radio systems and alignment of receivers. It may also be used for automotive electronics testing (simulate input sensors); examining the spectral response of circuits; and low cost manufacturing test of high-speed cables and connectors.
Setup and control is accomplished using standard serial communication software, such as HyperTerminal, and the Wave Manager software, a menu-driven application installed onboard the SF1000. There is no need to install special software on the client PC, enhancing the portability of the SF1000 and reducing compatibility and support issues.
Figure 2 Wave Manager Software Main Menu
The numerous waveform modulation capabilities provided by the SF800 expand the applications for which it may be used. Waveform modulation capabilities include: frequency swept, with user-defined sweep rates, frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, and frequency shift keying (FSK), on/off keying (OOK), Shaped OOK, Asynchronous Shift Keying (ASK) and arbitrary modulation.
Unlike other low cost signal generators, the SF800 incorporates a low-noise, temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) which ensures a high level of precision and accuracy over a wide time span and temperature range. It also utilizes digitally synthesized signals and an embedded microprocessor which enable it to provide high quality signals, a rich feature set and the easy to use Wave Manager software for setup and operation.
The SF800 helps engineering managers address problems they have been struggling with for years: shorter product Until now, high-performance test equipment came in large, expensive packages making it difficult to take it into the field. design cycles, the increasing cost of test and development tools, and budget limitations. The test and debug of circuit boards and integrated circuits (ICs) can account for as much as one-third to one-half of the entire design time. And it is the most unpredictable part of the schedule. One way to reduce test time is to run several tests systems simultaneously. Unfortunately, most high-performance signal generators are large and expensive making it difficult form most companies to do this. The SF1000, with its $985 price and small size, soThe small size—8.5in x 5.5in x 1.5in—and low price of the SF800 solves this problem.
“I decided to develop the SF800 after an early version proved itself in my own IC design lab,” said Steve Robalino, chief technical officer at Signal Forge. “To debug a 2 Gigabit/s Fiber Channel controller chip, I setup four test systems with two signal generators each and was able to find a design defect in a matter of days instead of weeks. I saved almost three months compared to previous debug efforts. In addition, I discovered a previously undetected bug in the physical layer (PHY) of the IC.”
A wide frequency range with a 1 Hz resolution and the waveform modulation features make the SF800 suitable for applications such as: characterizing narrow band communication systems, the IF and RF section of receivers and subsystems, and selected mobile and telemetry bands. For example, the SF800 may be used to test amplifiers for gain as well as for the 1dB compression point, and for testing the third-order intercept point (IP3) of WLAN, ISM, and Bluetooth radio systems. Other applications include: design margin testing of digital ICs and circuit boards; data acquisition system testing and oscilloscope clocking where a customized timebase is required for specific measurements; automotive electronics testing; determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit; examining the spectral response of circuits; FM CHIRP testing; and low cost manufacturing test
. “Customers have really responded well to the portable ‘feature’ of our signal generators. For example, we have a field service engineer using our signal generator to calibrate communications receivers in Iraq and field engineers at a semiconductor manufacturer who take the SF1000 with them to customer sites to help them debug the customer’s designs,” said David Race, chief executive officer. “There are also research labs that take advantage of the small size and rack mount bracket to setup multiple test systems while using only a 1U space in their rack,” he added.
The Signal Forge 10800 is priced at $985 and is available now. ICompany Background
Signal Forge was founded in 2004 by industry veterans, Steve Robalino and Dave Race with the goal to market high performance test equipment in small, affordable packages. The company takes an innovative approach to solving a problem that Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race faced at every company at which they worked—the need to accelerate product development schedules on a limited budget.
From experience, the founders determined that one of the most effective ways to reduce the development schedule is to reduce the test and debug cycle time. And the best way to accomplish that is to run multiple test beds simultaneously. The problem is that the high performance test equipment currently available is large and expensive, making it unaffordable for most labs to buy enough units to build multiple test environment setups.
Signal Forge uses an innovative ‘design for cost and portability’ approach to its product designs. It’s first product, the Signal Forge 800 Signal Generator, achieves the company’s goal of a high performance product in a small, affordable package.
Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race were previously co-founders of Silicon Design Resources (SDR), a developer of semiconductors for the server and storage markets. Its customers included Dell, HP, IBM, Intel and Sun. They joined QLogic Corporation (Nasdaq:QLGC) in August 1998, Mr. Race as corporate vice president and general manager and Mr. Robalino as vice president of engineering for the Management Products Group, which Qlogic formed when it acquired SDR. Revenue from the SDR product line grew to nearly $50 million during their tenure and achieved a 74% market share in the server and storage markets.
Prior to SDR, Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race collaborated as founding members of the Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) team. Mr. Robalino as vice president of hardware engineering and Mr. Race in various positions, including vice president, sales and marketing, and vice president, strategic planning. DPT developed the industries first disk array controller board and was widely recognized as the market leader until its acquisition by Adaptec.t may be purchased directly from the Signal Forge web site at: or by calling the company at 512-275-3733.
Company Background
Signal Forge develops a line of low-cost, high-performance electronic test equipment including the Signal Forge 1000 Digitally Synthesized Signal Generator. The Signal Forge 1000, which provides a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 GHz, multiple output types and a variety of waveform modulations such as FSK, frequency sweep, FM, AM, OOK, and ASK, provides the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product. The small size—8.5in x 5.4in x 1.5in—and light weight—1.75 pounds—make the SF1000 ideal for field engineers and service personnel.
Signal Forge, LLC was founded in 2004 by veterans of the semiconductor industry veterans to develop and market high performance test equipment in small, affordable packages. The company takes an innovative approach to solving problems that the founders faced repeatedly in circuit board and IC design labs over the past 20 years—the need to accelerate a product development schedules on a limited budget.
Signal Forge employs uses a ‘design for cost and portability’ approach to its product designs. It’s first product, the Signal Forge 800 Signal Generator, was released in September 2005.achieves the company’s goal of a high-performance product in a small, affordable package.
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