RFQ/Demo
Product Data Sheet

RFS-4220 RF Signal Generator

Benchtop RF and microwave signal generator reaching 21.5 GHz

High-performance signal generation from 0.1 GHz to 21.5 GHz with integrated touchscreen control, front-panel operation, LAN remote control, and internal sweep storage. The RFS-4220 pairs the RF performance of the RFS-1220 platform with a self-contained benchtop chassis for direct operation without an external computer.

RFS-4220 · 0.1 GHz to 21.5 GHz · RF Signal Generator
Berkeley Nucleonics RFS-4220 RF signal generator

1Overview

The RFS-4220 is a high-performance 21.5 GHz RF and microwave signal generator with integrated touchscreen control, front-panel controls, LAN control, internal sweep storage, and full remote software access. It combines the RF performance of the RFS-1220 platform with a self-contained benchtop chassis designed for direct instrument operation without requiring an external computer.

The RFS-4220 is housed in a benchtop chassis with an integrated touchscreen interface, physical buttons, and a rotary knob. Users can operate the full instrument directly from the touchscreen, from the front-panel controls, or remotely from an included computer application over LAN. All control methods stay synchronized, so a change made from one interface is reflected across the others.

2Key features

  • Wide frequency coverage: 0.1 GHz to 20 GHz calibrated, settable to 21.5 GHz
  • High output power up to +15 dBm with fine power control
  • Low phase noise and excellent spectral purity for demanding RF applications
  • Precision frequency control with < 2 Hz frequency step size
  • Integrated touchscreen GUI for complete standalone control
  • Physical front-panel buttons and rotary knob for full non-touch operation
  • Seamless control compatibility between touchscreen, buttons, knob, and remote software
  • LAN-based computer control with a matching graphical user interface
  • Automatic network device discovery from the computer application
  • Toggleable multi-session LAN control for multiple computers on the same instrument
  • Internal device storage for saved sweep-list configurations
  • Save and recall list sweep CSV files directly on the instrument
  • Upload sweep-list CSV files from an external computer
  • External 10 MHz reference input for synchronization with lab frequency standards
  • External trigger input for synchronized sweep and test operation
  • SCPI-based control over LAN
  • DC-powered benchtop chassis design

3Specifications

SpecificationRFS-4220
Frequency range20 MHz–20 GHz calibrated, settable up to 21.5 GHz
Output power range-45 to +15 dBm (0–13.5 GHz); -26 to +15 dBm (13.5–21.5 GHz)
Power accuracy±2.0 dB typical
Frequency step size1 Hz
Harmonic content< -25 dBc typical
Reference sourceInternal 10.0 MHz OCXO or external 10.0 MHz reference
Internal reference stability±10.0 ppb
Control interfaceTouchscreen, front-panel buttons, or computer application
Power supply90–264 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 100 VA max
Size & enclosure8.6 × 4 × 12.25 in (21.84 × 10.16 × 31.12 cm)
Weight5.6 lbs (2.55 kg)

Phase Noise

RFS-4220 single-sideband phase noise vs. offset frequency at 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 GHz
SSB phase noise across the band, measured at 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 GHz carrier frequencies.

Power Accuracy

RFS-4220 output power level error vs. frequency across the full 0.1 to 21.5 GHz range
Output power level error across the full frequency range, at commanded power levels from -45 to +15 dBm. Shaded band shows ±2 dB.

4Local touchscreen and front-panel control

The RFS-4220 includes an integrated touchscreen interface that provides full access to instrument operation without requiring a separate PC. Users can configure CW frequency, output power, phase, sweep settings, reference settings, trigger behavior, and saved list sweeps directly from the instrument. The front panel also includes physical buttons and a rotary knob for complete tactile operation, kept synchronized with the touchscreen.

5Remote computer control

The RFS-4220 can also be controlled from an external computer over LAN using a matching graphical software interface, providing the same core control experience as the integrated touchscreen GUI. A device discovery page automatically detects compatible devices on the local network, and toggleable multi-session operation lets multiple computers coordinate control of the same instrument.

6Sweep operation and internal storage

The RFS-4220 supports sweep-list configuration and storage directly on the instrument. Users can create, save, recall, and run list sweep configurations from the touchscreen, stored as CSV files on internal storage, with upload of compatible CSV sweep files from an external computer.

7Reference and triggering

The RFS-4220 includes external 10 MHz reference input capability for synchronization to a shared lab frequency standard, plus external triggering for synchronized test operation coordinated with other equipment in a measurement system.

8Applications

General RF and microwave laboratory testing, automated test environments, production verification, RF component characterization, local oscillator sourcing, antenna development, EMC and pre-compliance testing, wireless infrastructure development, educational labs, aerospace and defense research, radar and receiver testing, and networked RF test systems.

9Ordering information

ModelProductDescription
RFS-4220RFS-4220RF signal generator, 0.1 GHz to 21.5 GHz
RFS-4220SA-8000-3Three-year service agreement (optional)