Racal Instruments RFMU

The Racal Instruments RFMU is an RF measurement unit designed for precision testing and calibration of radio communication equipment. It delivers accurate measurements of critical RF parameters—power, frequency, and modulation characteristics—essential for validating system performance and specification compliance across engineering, integration, and quality assurance workflows.

– Technical Specifications

The RFMU integrates with Racal’s modular RF test infrastructure. Associated signal generation capability includes frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 2.4 GHz with 1 Hz resolution and output levels up to +19 dBm (extending to +25 dBm below 1.2 GHz). Output level adjustment provides 0.1 dB resolution. Modulation support encompasses mixed-mode and swept carrier operation, square wave AM for TDMA simulation, amplitude modulation with depths to 99.9% and 30 kHz 1dB bandwidth, phase modulation with 0 to 10 radians deviation and 3 dB bandwidth to 9 kHz, and 2/4-level FSK.

Waveform synthesis spans sine and square outputs from 10 Hz to 100 MHz, with triangle waveforms to 16 MHz. Internal sampling clock rates reach 250 MS/s. Frequency distribution systems support outputs at 100 kHz, 1 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 13 MHz, and 2.048 MHz with capacity for up to 40 simultaneous outputs from a single mainframe.

– Key Features

• Reverse power protection rated to 50 W
• Onboard memory storing 100 carrier frequencies and 100 complete instrument configurations
• Internal 10 MHz reference (±50 ppm tolerance) with external reference input option
• Burst mode operation for repetitive waveform segments up to 1 million cycles
• VXIbus interface for system integration
• Modular architecture supporting OCXO or rubidium frequency standards

– Typical Applications

Radio communication equipment validation, transceiver calibration, signal integrity assessment, and multi-parameter RF characterization in laboratory and field deployment environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

VXIbus architecture enables integration with Racal modular test platforms. Compatible with ArbConnection™ software for waveform design and instrument configuration management.