Time Synchronous Signals with Multiple R&S®SMBV100A Vector Signal Generators

This application note explains how to synchronize the signals from multiple R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generators in time.

The synchronization of the instruments is based on a master-slave principle where one R&S®SMBV100A acts as master and supplies all necessary synchronization signals to the other instruments (slaves). The setup is simple and provides highly synchronized test signals.

Time synchronous signals are needed in several applications. The master-slave setup is ideal for basic MIMO tests, certain GNSS test scenarios and WLAN IEEE 802.11ac non-contiguous channel generation. Furthermore, synchronous baseband signals are the basis for generating phase coherent RF signals with the R&S®SMBV100A.