Summary of ERASYNTH MICRO – AN OPEN SOURCE RF SIGNAL GENERATOR
ERASynth Micro is an affordable, open-source RF signal generator by ERA Instruments designed for makers, students, and SDR users. It offers a frequency range of 12.5 MHz to 6.4 GHz with low phase noise and features a standalone LCD interface powered via USB. The device utilizes a dual PLL architecture and includes extensive modulation capabilities alongside various input/output connectors for external integration.
Parts used in the ERASynth Micro:
- Dual loop Fractional-N PLL
- Ultra-low noise 50 MHz VCXO locked to a ±500 ppb TCXO
- ATMEGA32U4 MCU
- Touch Display Module (3.2" Nextion NX4024T032)
- Micro-USB port
- SMA connectors (REF In, REF Out, RF Out)
- Expansion connector for trigger, modulation, microphone, GPIO, and SPI
- Injection molded plastic case
ERASynth Micro is a USB-Powered, Low Priced, Open Source RF Signal Generator, by ERA Instruments.
ERASynth Micro is an open source signal generator with impressive features. Everyone can afford it, including makers, hackers, students, ham radio and SDR users. ERASynth Micro can be powered from a USB port and features an LCD interface for standalone use without a computer or phone. It can generate low phase noise RF signals from 12.5 MHz to 6.4 GHz with a dual PLL architecture.
Features & Specifications
- Architecture: Dual loop Fractional-N PLL
- Frequency Range: 12.5 MHz to 6.4 GHz
- Amplitude Range: -50 to +15 dBm
- Phase Noise: -115 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz output and 10 kHz offset
- Frequency Switching Time: 1 ms (typical)
- Reference: Ultra-low noise 50 MHz VCXO locked to a ±500 ppb TCXO
- MCU: ATMEGA32U4 (same as in the Arduino Micro)
- Interfaces:
- Touch Display Module (3.2” Nextion NX4024T032)
- Micro-USB for power input and serial access
- REF In (SMA) for external reference input
- REF Out (SMA) for 10 MHz reference output
- RF Out (SMA)
- Expansion connector: External trigger input, external modulation input, microphone input, GPIO (I2C), and SPI
- Modulation: AM, FM, Pulse (Internal and external)
- Size: 57 mm x 118 mm x 23 mm
- Weight: <120 g (including the LCD screen)
- Power Input: 5 V
- Power Consumption: <2 W
- Enclosure: Injection molded plastic case
- Open Source: Schematics, embedded Arduino code, LCD screen source code, and RS-232 command set
Makers/Hackers:
RF signal generators are expensive pieces of test equipment mainly used by pro engineers. ERASynth Micro aims remove the cost barrier and make quality RF signal synthesis accessible to everyone, especially the makers.
Students:
ERASynth Micro is for everyone who wants to learn how signal generators work. Since it is open-source and open-schematics, students or anyone who is curious about the inner details of signal synthesis can benefit from ERASynth Micro. You can learn a lot more by reverse engineering and hacking than you can learn in an entire year of a $50k/year engineering school. Learning about the design of test equipment turned Jim Williams into one of the best analog engineers in the world. ERASynth Micro’s advanced design will certainly teach you several RF tricks.
Read more: ERASYNTH MICRO – AN OPEN SOURCE RF SIGNAL GENERATOR
- How can I power the ERASynth Micro?
The device is powered from a USB port requiring 5 V. - Does the unit operate without a computer?
Yes, it features an LCD interface for standalone use. - What is the frequency range of this signal generator?
It generates signals from 12.5 MHz to 6.4 GHz. - Can I modulate the signal output?
Yes, it supports AM, FM, and Pulse modulation internally or externally. - What microcontroller is used in the design?
The project uses an ATMEGA32U4, which is the same as in the Arduino Micro. - Is the hardware design available for study?
Yes, schematics, embedded code, and command sets are fully open source. - How large is the physical enclosure?
The size is 57 mm x 118 mm x 23 mm. - Does it have an external reference input?
Yes, it includes an SMA connector for external reference input.
