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Product Data Sheet

VSG-Mini-6 USB Vector Signal Generator (9 kHz to 6 GHz)

Pocket-sized, USB-powered vector source from 9 kHz to 6 GHz. It delivers 100 MHz of modulation bandwidth, a 16-bit DAC, deep IQ playback, and optional built-in GNSS, all from a single Type-C connection.

Specifications transcribed verbatim from the source product manual (V1.2). Values apply after a 10-minute warm-up at 25 °C ambient unless otherwise stated. Software name to be confirmed (verify).
Berkeley Nucleonics VSG-Mini-6 USB vector signal generator

1Overview

The Berkeley Nucleonics VSG-Mini-6 is the second vector signal generator in the BNC RF and microwave line, sized to sit beside a laptop rather than fill a rack. It generates continuous-wave, swept, and fully vector-modulated signals from 9 kHz to 6 GHz, and it draws power and data over a single USB Type-C cable.

Inside the compact housing, a 16-bit DAC and an FPGA-based interpolator build clean waveforms with 100 MHz of modulation bandwidth and 125 MB of playback memory. That combination supports single-tone work, frequency and power sweeps, stored IQ playback, and real-time IQ streaming from a host. An optional built-in GNSS receiver disciplines the reference for timing, positioning, and frequency calibration in the field.

The VSG-Mini-6 suits benchtop R&D, production test, and portable field work where a full-size generator is more instrument than the task needs. It runs on both Windows and Linux, on x86 and ARM hosts, so it fits embedded and automated setups as readily as a desk.

Definitions

  • Guaranteed: warranted performance, verified by design and production test under the stated specification conditions.
  • Typical: expected mean performance, not a warranted limit.

2Key Features

  • Frequency: 9 kHz to 6 GHz continuous coverage.
  • Modulation bandwidth: 100 MHz RAM playback, 50 MHz continuous streaming.
  • Memory depth: 125 MB (32 M samples) of built-in IQ memory.
  • SSB phase noise: -124 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier.
  • Output power: up to 14 dBm maximum; minimum down to -100 dBm or below across the range.
  • Converter: 16-bit DAC with an FPGA-based high-performance interpolator.
  • Interface: USB 3.0 / 2.0 over Type-C, with PD power on the same connector.
  • Timing: optional built-in GNSS for timing, positioning, and frequency calibration.
  • Hosts: Windows and Linux, on x86 and ARM processors.

3Software and Control

A Vector Signal Studio application drives the VSG-Mini-6 from the host. It organizes the work into clear panels for frequency and power, single-tone output, sweep control, IQ playback, and live analysis, so an operator moves from setup to result without scripting. A documented API supports C/C++, C#, Python, and MATLAB, plus Qt, LabVIEW, and GNU Radio, for automated and cross-platform use.

Digital modulation constellation and eye diagram
Digital modulation and analysis: constellation, eye diagram, and modulation metrics for QAM and PSK formats.
RF frequency sweep across a span
RF frequency sweep across a span, with start, stop, step, and amplitude under direct control.
Analog AM and FM demodulation analysis
Analog AM and FM analysis: modulation depth, rate, and distortion measured from the generated signal.

4Frequency

ParameterSpecification
Frequency range9 kHz to 6 GHz
Frequency resolution0.1 Hz analog tuning, ≤1 uHz digital tuning
LO switching time≤100 us pre-programmed; ≤50 ms software controlled
Reference clockInternal or external, manual correction or GNSS calibration is available
Frequency accuracy
TCXO (std.)<0.5 ppm, manual correction is available
OCXO (opt.01)<0.2 ppm, manual correction is available
OCXO frequency correction via GNSS≤0.05 ppm, when GNSS is locked
Aging and temperature stability
TCXO (std.)≤1 ppm/year, ≤1 ppm
OCXO (opt.01)≤1 ppm/year, ≤0.15 ppm
Built-in GNSS 1PPS accuracy±100 ns

5Spectrum Purity

SSB phase noise (dBc/Hz)

Carrier frequency1 GHz3 GHz6 GHz
1 kHz-115-105-98
10 kHz-124-114-108
100 kHz-126-116-110
1 MHz-138-128-122

Harmonics, spurious and EVM

ParameterConditionSpecification
Harmonics (CW, 0 dBm)
100 MHz≤-45 dBc
1 GHz≤-50 dBc
3 GHz≤-60 dBc
6 GHz≤-75 dBc
Non-harmonic spurious1 MHz steps size and 20 MHz observation bandwidth
Spurious levels are ≤-80 dBc for approximately 98% of frequency points
Worst-case spurious ≤-55 dBc
EVM (Typical)
1 GHz≤0.3% 1MSPS QAM 16, Alpha = 0.35; ≤0.5% 10MSPS QAM 64, Alpha = 0.35
6 GHz≤0.5% 1MSPS QAM 16, Alpha = 0.35; ≤1.0% 10MSPS QAM 64, Alpha = 0.35

6Amplitude

Parameter9 kHz100 MHz1 GHz3 GHz6 GHz
Max. output power (dBm)≥0≥7≥14≥14≥7
Min. output power (dBm)≤-100≤-100≤-100≤-100≤-100
ParameterConditionGuaranteed / Typical
Power accuracy
Output power ≥-45 dBm±1.2 dB / 0.7 dB
Output power -80 dBm to -45 dBm±1.5 dB / 1.2 dB
Output power -100 dBm to -80 dBm±2.0 dB / 1.8 dB
Power setting step size0.1 dB

7Signal Processing

ParameterSpecification
Standard functionSingle-tone, Frequency sweep, Power sweep, IQ playback, Real-Time IQ playback
Modulation bandwidth100 MHz RAM playback, 50 MHz continuous streaming
Built-in memory depth125 MB (32 M samples)
IQ sampling rate195.3125 kHz to 125 MHz, step size ≤10 Hz
Basic modulation signal generation
APSK16APSK
ASK2ASK, 4ASK, 8ASK
FSK2FSK, 4FSK, 8FSK, 16FSK
QAM16 QAM, 64 QAM, 256 QAM, 1024 QAM
PSKBPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, DBPSK, DQPSK, D8PSK, Pi/4 DQPSK

8General Characteristics

Input and output

ParameterSpecification
PowerType-C, PD protocol (12 V/3 A std.). Voltage range 9 to 12 V, Ripple <200 mVpp
DataType-C, USB3.0 (USB2.0 bandwidth limited). Requires 5 V/1 A power supply
RF outputN(F), Output impedance 50 Ω
External reference clock inputMMCX(F), Amplitude ≥1.5 Vpp, Input impedance 330 Ω
Reference clock outputMMCX(F), Output impedance 50 Ω, 100 MHz
External trigger input3.3 V CMOS, Input high impedance
External trigger output3.3 V CMOS
GNSS antenna inputSMA (F)
Power consumption≤16 W
Overall / core weight≤360 g / ≤120 g

Physical and environmental

ParameterSpecification
Overall / core dimensions (L × W × H)≤163 x 66 x 37 mm / ≤63 x 60 x 15 mm
System requirements
Linuxaarch64, x64
Windowsx64
Operating / storage temperature (Ambient)
T0 class (std.)0 to 50 °C / -20 to 70 °C
T1 class (opt.40)-20 to 65 °C / -40 to 85 °C
T2 class (opt.41), only core-40 to 65 °C / -40 to 85 °C
Packaging accessoriesFlash disk × 1, USB 3.0 data cable × 1, USB power cable × 1, Power adapter × 1

Specification conditions. Specifications apply under the following conditions: (1) 10 min warm-up after power-on. (2) Ambient temperature 25 °C (instrument temperature 50 °C). (3) With adequate cooling ensuring both ambient and core temperatures remain within the rated range.

9Options

CodeDescriptionType
01Built-in OCXO reference clockbuilt-in hardware
05Built-in high precise GNSSbuilt-in hardware
40T1 temperature classbuilt-in hardware
41T2 temperature class, only available for corebuilt-in hardware