QuickSyn Synthesizers
QuickSyn microwave synthesizers deliver instrument-grade performance, increased functionality, and efficient power consumption at a reduced size and low cost. The synthesizers employ a patented, revolutionary phase-refining technology that provides a unique combination of fast-switching speed and low phase-noise characteristics.
Model FSW-0010 and FSW-0020 cover the frequency ranges of 0.5 to 10 GHz and 0.5 to 20 GHz respectively (extendable down to 0.1 GHz and 0.2 GHz). QuickSyn synthesizers utilize a fundamental VCO to achieve the desired output frequency. In contrast to frequency multiplication schemes, this approach eliminates possible spectrum contamination from subharmonic products. The use of the advanced direct digital synthesis approach, enables a very fine frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz. The VCO noise is suppressed by utilizing an ultra low noise reference oscillator in conjunction with a low-noise locking mechanism. Microphonic effects are also greatly reduced due to the use of a low-mass VCO and very wide PLL filter bandwidth.
• 0.1 to 10 GHz and 0.2 to 20 GHz Coverage
• 0.001 Hz Resolution
• Power Calibration and Control
• Microsecond Frequency Switching
• Instrument-Grade Spectral Purity
• Frequency and Power Sweep
• List Mode
• AM, FM, Phase and Pulse Modulation
Other QuickSyn Products
QuickSyn Lite Microwave Synthesizer Modules
QuickSyn Lite mmW Synthesizer Modules
Model No. | Range | Resolution | Switching Speed |
Max. Leveled PWR |
10 kHz Phase Noise | Spurious |
FSW-0010 | 0.1 to 10 GHZ | 0.001 Hz | 100 μs | +15 dBm | -122 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz | -70 dBc |
FSW-0020 | 0.2 to 20 GHz | 0.001 Hz | 100 μs | +13 dBm | -116 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz | -60 dBc |
1. In 2011, National Instruments (NI) acquired Phase Matrix, a well-established manufacturer of RF/microwave instruments, sub-systems, and components. Phase Matrix had previously developed the popular QuickSyn frequency synthesizers, many of which are used in a variety of applications within the RF/microwave industry.
2. In 2014, NI changed the branding of the QuickSyn product line by replacing the Phase Matrix logo with the NI logo. In some cases, as we deplete our stock, you may observe that the Phase Matrix logo still remains on packaging, software, manuals, and the unit itself. Other than the mere change of the logo, QuickSyn products employ the same revolutionary phase-refining technology that enables blazing-fast switching speeds and very low-noise and spurious performance in a compact package.
3. All QuickSyn products are RoHS compliant
Accessories
Order Number | Description | Documentation | Image |
MFSW-ACC01 | Cable, BNC-M to MCX-M | None | ![]() |
MFSW-ACC02 | Cable, USB | None | ![]() |
MFSW-ACC03 | Cable, DC bias | None | ![]() |
MFSW-ACC04 | Test report | None | None |
MFSW-ACC05 | Kit, SPI-mating connector | None | ![]() |
MFSW-ACC06 | Kit, QuickSyn quick-start | QuickStart Guide![]() |
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MFSW-ACC07 | Kit, RS232 interface-adapter cable | Guide ![]() |
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MFSW-ACC08 | Kit, Ethernet interface-adapter | Guide ![]() |
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MFSW-ACC09 | Kit, GPIB interface-adapter | Guide ![]() |
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MFSW-ACC10 | Kit,QuickSyn heatsink | Instructions![]() |
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Documentation
Software
USB Front Panel GUI Installation File
For Windows
To use the QuickSyn USB interface on Windows-based computers, you will need to install QuickSyn USB driver software. This driver software allows you to communicate with the synthesizer through a regular com port and facilitates easy communication from programs that you write. The driver supports both 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista,
and Windows 7.
Downloadable Zip File (both 32- and 64-bit files included)
Zipped QuickSyn USB Driver File
Note: Driver installation instructions are available in the QuickSyn user's manual
For Linux
Linux users do not need to download files to communicate with the QuickSyn synthesizer. However, the following setup is necessary.
1. Plug the QuickSyn synthesizer into a USB port and open a terminal window.
2. At the command prompt, enter cat /proc/bus/usb/devices
Example of data returned with no driver loaded:
T: Bus=05 Lev=01 Prnt=01 Port=00 Cnt=01 Dev#= 2 Spd=12 MxCh= 0
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=213e ProdID=000a Rev= 1.00
S: Product=FSW_USBSerial
C:* #Ifs= 2 Cfg#= 1 Atr=c0 MxPwr=100mA
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=02 Prot=00 Driver=(none)
E: Ad=83(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 64 Ivl=10ms
I:* If#= 1 Alt= 0 #EPs= 2 Cls=0a(data ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=(none)
E: Ad=01(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 64 Ivl=0ms
E: Ad=82(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 64 Ivl=0ms
To load the generic USBSerial driver, enter the following string: modprobe usbserial vendor=0x213e product=0x000a
Note: you must have the correct permissions to use modeprobe.
4. To view the loaded driver, enter cat /proc/bus/usb/devices
Example of returned data with driver loaded:
T: Bus=05 Lev=01 Prnt=01 Port=00 Cnt=01 Dev#= 2 Spd=12 MxCh= 0
D: Ver= 2.00 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=00 Prot=00 MxPS=64 #Cfgs= 1
P: Vendor=213e ProdID=000a Rev= 1.00
S: Product=FSW_USBSerial
C:* #Ifs= 2 Cfg#= 1 Atr=c0 MxPwr=100mA
I:* If#= 0 Alt= 0 #EPs= 1 Cls=02(comm.) Sub=02 Prot=00 Driver=(none)
E: Ad=83(I) Atr=03(Int.) MxPS= 64 Ivl=10ms
I:* If#= 1 Alt= 0 #EPs= 2 Cls=0a(data ) Sub=00 Prot=00 Driver=usbserial_generic
E: Ad=01(O) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 64 Ivl=0ms
E: Ad=82(I) Atr=02(Bulk) MxPS= 64 Ivl=0ms
5. You can now communicate with the QuickSyn® synthesizer from the command prompt in the terminal window by redirecting the output to the USB device.
For example, to turn on the RF output, enter echo 0F01 > /dev/ttyUSB0
6. You can query settings by redirecting the USB input to standard input like this:
echo 04 > /dev/ttyUSB0 | head < /dev/ttyUSB0 which will read back the frequency.
Ordering Information
As of January 2021, all purchase orders for Phase Matrix products must reference NI part numbers and must be submitted to NI Corp or its distribution partners. Please contact your local NI office for purchasing instructions and options. The QuickSyn Synthesizer models listed below are now only available with preconfigured options. Please refer to the Ordering Information table to view a list of the available configurations.
Models | FSW-0010 | 10 GHz synthesizer |
FSW-0020 | 20 GHz synthesizer | |
Options | 01 | Frequency extension, 0.1 GHz output (FSW-0010 only)* |
01 | Frequency extension, 0.2 GHz output (FSW-0020 only)* | |
02 | Power control, -25 to +15 dBm (FSW-0010 only) | |
02 | Power control, -10 to +13 dBm (FSW-0020 only) | |
03 |
Fast switching (any frequency to any frequency) |
|
04 | USB interface | |
05 | Pulse modulation | |
06 | Amplitude modulation† | |
07 | Frequency and phase modulation | |
*Output power between 0.1 and 0.5 GHz is limited at +1- dBM. Harmonics may increase below 0.5 GHz. |
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Accessories | MFSW-ACC01 | Cable, AM/FM (BNC-M to MCX-M) |
MFSW-ACC02 | Cable, USB | |
MFSW-ACC03 | Cable, DC bias | |
MFSW-ACC04 | Test report | |
MFSW-ACC05 | SPI mating connector with contacts | |
MFSW-ACC06 | QuickStart Kit (includes cables, power supply, and helpful guide for a quick start to operating the QuickSyn synthesizer) | |
MFSW-ACC07 | Kit, RS232 interface adapter cable | |
MFSW-ACC08 | Kit, Ethernet interface adapter | |
MFSW-ACC09 | Kit, GPIB interface adapter | |
MFSW-ACC10 | Kit, Heatsink |
The PMI Equivalent column can be used, along with the table above, to determine the model, options and accessories included in the new preconfigured QuickSyn Synthesizer variants. Please use the NI part number to place orders with NI or its distribution partners.
NI Part Number | PMI Equivalent | Description |
782249-09 | MFSW-0010-OPT14-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FSW-0010 OPT14 |
782249-01 | MFSW-0010-OPT124-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR |
782249-02 | MFSW-0010-OPT1245-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, PULSE MODULATION |
782249-03 | MFSW-0010-OPT12467-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, AM/FM MODULATION |
782249-04 | MFSW-0010-OPT124567-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, AM/FM/PULSE MODULATION |
782249-05 | MFSW-0010-OPT1234-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING |
782249-06 | MFSW-0010-OPT12345-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, PULSE MODULATION |
782249-07 | MFSW-0010-OPT123467-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, AM/FM MODULATION |
782249-08 | MFSW-0010-OPT1234567-ACC6 | PMI 10 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, AM/FM/PULSE MODULATION |
782393-09 | MFSW-0020-OPT14-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FSW-0020 OPT14 |
782393-01 | MFSW-0020-OPT124-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR |
782393-02 | MFSW-0020-OPT1245-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, PULSE MODULATION |
782393-03 | MFSW-0020-OPT12467-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, AM/FM MODULATION |
782393-04 | MFSW-0020-OPT124567-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, AM/FM/PULSE MODULATION |
782393-05 | MFSW-0020-OPT1234-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING |
782393-06 | MFSW-0020-OPT12345-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, PULSE MODULATION |
782393-07 | MFSW-0020-OPT123467-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, AM/FM MODULATION |
782393-08 | MFSW-0020-OPT1234567-ACC6 | PMI 20 GHZ USB SIGNAL GENERATOR, FAST SWITCHING, AM/FM/PULSE MODULATION |
784103-01 | MFSW-ACC01 | CABLE, AM/FM (BNC-M TO MCX-M) |
784104-01 | MFSW-ACC02 | CABLE, USB |
784105-01 | MFSW-ACC03 | CABLE, DC BIAS |
784106-01 | MFSW-ACC04 | TEST REPORT |
784107-01 | MFSW-ACC05 | SPI MATING CONNECTOR WITH CONTACTS |
784108-01 | MFSW-ACC06 | QUICKSTART KIT (INCLUDES CABLES, POWER SUPPLY, AND A QUICK START GUIDE) |
784109-01 | MFSW-ACC07 | KIT, RS232 INTERFACE ADAPTER CABLE |
784110-01 | MFSW-ACC08 | KIT, ETHERNET INTERFACE ADAPTER |
784111-01 | MFSW-ACC09 | KIT, GPIB INTERFACE ADAPTER |
784112-01 | MFSW-ACC10 | KIT, HEATSINK |
Please contact your local NI office for product information, and your purchasing options. NI Contact Us will provide you with the contact information of the local office, along with online quoting and ordering options.