Purchase Description for Signal Generators.docx

9 kHz to 3 GHz Signal Generator, 1 Aug 2024

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION FOR

9 kHz to 3 GHz Signal Generator

1. SCOPE:

1.1. OVERVIEW: CALSETS is seeking to purchase 9 kHz to 3 GHz Signal Generators for its Army Calibration Laboratories. The Army shall use the Signal Generators for the calibration of Radio Test Sets, Frequency Counters, Navigation Test Sets, RADAR Test Sets. RF Power Test Sets and other applications.

1.2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: This procurement seeks to replace and improve upon the Aeroflex 2023B Signal Generator which was procured in 2005.

2. MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS All specifications must be verified/warranted, not typical (unless otherwise stated). The total Absolute Uncertainty (performance specifications) for all parameters shall include, where applicable: stability, ambient temperature range (typically 23°C ±5°C) with temperature coefficients, Coverage Factor of two (k=2, ~95%), at a stated calibration interval (typically ≥ 1 year):

2.1. CARRIER FREQUENCY

2.1.1. Frequency Range: ≤9 kHz to ≥3 GHz

2.1.2. Frequency Resolution: ≤1 Hz

2.1.3. Frequence Accuracy: ±(time base error + 1 Hz) (see time base requirements in 2.5)

2.2. RF LEVELED OUTPUT POWER

2.2.1. RF Output Connector: Type N, 50Ω

2.2.2. Range: ≤-90 dBm to ≥+17 dBm (50Ω)

2.2.3. Output Display Resolution: ≤0.1 dB

2.2.4. Output Adjustability: Variable ≤0.1dB increments across entire range.

2.2.5. Calibrated RF Leveled Power Accuracy:

2.3. SPECTRAL PURITY: ≤9 kHz to ≥3 GHz, ≤-90 dBm to ≥+17 dBm

2.3.1. Harmonics: ≤-30 dBc to +7 dBm, ≤-25 dBc to +17 dBm

2.3.2. Sub- and Non-Harmonics: -55 dBc (for offsets >10 kHz)

2.3.3. Phase Noise (Typical): 1 GHz CW, -121 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset

2.4. MODULATION (INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SOURCE)

2.4.1. Analog Modulation:

2.4.1.1. Frequency Modulation

2.4.1.1.1. FM Carrier Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz

2.4.1.1.2. FM Display Resolution: 1 Hz or less

2.4.1.1.3. FM Deviation Accuracy at 1 kHz Modulation Rate: ±4%

2.4.1.1.4. FM Distortion:

2.4.1.1.4.1. <1% at 1 kHz for deviations up to 20% of max available deviation

2.4.1.1.4.2. <3% at max available deviation

2.4.1.2. Phase Modulation

2.4.1.2.1. PM Carrier Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz

2.4.1.2.2. PM Deviation: 0 to 10 radians

2.4.1.2.3. PM Deviation Resolution: 0.01 radians or less

2.4.1.2.4. PM Deviation Accuracy at 1 kHz rate: ±4%

2.4.1.2.5. PM Distortion: <3% at 10 radians at 1 kHz modulation rate

2.4.1.3. Amplitude Modulation

2.4.1.3.1. AM Carrier Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz

2.4.1.3.2. AM Depth: 5% to 90%

2.4.1.3.3. AM Resolution: 0.1%

2.4.1.3.4. AM Rate Range: 10 Hz to 50 kHz

2.4.1.3.5. AM Depth Accuracy: ±6% of set depth at 1 kHz

2.4.1.3.6. AM Distortion:

2.4.1.3.6.1. <1.5% for carrier frequencies <500 MHz at 1 kHz rate for modulation depths up to 30%

2.4.1.3.6.2. <2.5% for carrier frequencies <500 MHz at 1 kHz rate for modulation depths up to 80%

2.4.1.3.6.3. <3.5% for carrier frequencies >500 MHz

2.4.1.4. Pulse Modulation

2.4.1.4.1. Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio: better than 45 dB below 1.2 GHz and better than 40 dB above 1.2 GHz

2.4.1.4.2. Pulse Modulation Rise and Fall Times: less than 10us

2.5. 10 MHz Timebase Reference Output/Input

2.5.1. Internal Reference Oscillator Frequency: 10 MHz

2.5.2. Internal Reference Oscillator Aging/Year: ≤ ±1 x 10-6 (Aging rate must be specified on an annual basis)

2.5.3. External Timebase Frequency Input: 10 MHz

2.5.4. External Timebase Input Impedance: 50Ω (Female BNC)

3. FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

3.1. AUTOMATED AND MANUAL CONTROL: The Signal Generator shall be able to be operated from a front panel and remotely. This includes both hard keys and/or touch screen display.

3.1.1. Communications Interface: The Signal Generator shall be able to be controlled through a GPIB IEEE-488 interface. Additional interfaces acceptable but must have GPIB IEEE-488 interface.

3.2. INPUT POWER: The Signal Generator shall use, as a primary power source, a standard 120/220 Volts Alternating Current (VAC), 50-60 Hertz (Hz) utilizing Continental United States (CONUS), European, and Korean commercial power sources. An assembled power cord of at least 6 feet in length for 110 to 120 volt operation shall be provided with each AC powered instrument. Each AC powered instrument shall have an AC power switch and a front panel indication when AC power is applied.

3.3. RACK MOUNTING: The Signal Generator shall be capable of being rack mountable into a standard 19-inch (483 mm) rack. Hardware to rack mount the system shall be quoted separately.

4. COMMERCIAL MANUALS: The vendor shall provide manual(s) that include: Extended Specifications, Operating, Programming, Verification/Calibration, Maintenance/Service/Repair (individual manuals not required, may be included in one or multiple manuals). Format shall be PDF on CD(s) or DVD(s). Manual(s) shall be over-packed, with each Signal Generator.

4.1. Extended Specifications:

4.1.1. Complete specification suite (not brochure “top level” specifications)

4.1.2. K=2 (~95%) confidence level

4.1.3. Secondary specifications examples may include (but are not limited to):

4.1.3.1. Temperature coefficients

4.1.3.2. Settling times

4.1.3.3. Short term transfer accuracy

4.1.3.4. Input impedance

4.1.3.5. Linearity

4.1.3.6. Sample rates with degradation

4.1.3.7. Etc.

4.1.4. Dimensions (L x W x H) + weight

4.1.5. Environmental requirements

4.1.6. Input power requirements and consumption

4.1.7. Safety

4.2. Operating Manual

4.2.1. Description of each function and usage

4.2.2. Connection diagrams when appropriate

4.2.3. Navigation of user interface (GUI)

4.3. Programming Manual

4.3.1. Complete remote code command list and description

4.3.2. Include different code (if applicable) for each type of communication (e.g. IEEE, USB, Ethernet, etc.)

4.3.3. Examples and sample code

4.3.4. Emulation (if equipped)

4.4. Verification/Calibration Manual

4.4.1. Recommended test equipment, special tools, cables or accessories required to verify/adjust

4.4.2. Recommended verification test points with tolerances/limits

4.4.3. Manufacturer’s data report from service center

4.4.4. Connection diagrams

4.4.5. Instructions

4.4.6. Adjustment Table including test points with required stimulus or measurement

4.5. Maintenance/Service/Repair Manual

4.5.1. Error codes

4.5.2. Block diagrams

4.5.3. Basic board/module level theory of operation

4.5.4. Board/module level troubleshooting trees, fault isolation help, etc.

4.5.5. Extended “off board” test point recommendations with short explanation of purpose. Extended “off board” testing is a short list of critical tests used to confirm that the instrument is fully functional and ready for calibration. These tests are typically done to augment on-board self diagnostics.

4.5.6. Board/module level location with removal/install instructions.

4.5.7. Component level troubleshooting only when appropriate. Examples may include fan, current shunt resistor, line-selector/filter, etc.

4.5.8. Provisioner’s list. This list includes replacement parts with associated part number that the manufacturer recommends to repair the instrument. Typically this consists of major assemblies (e.g. A1 through A6), known high failure items, keypads, displays, fuses, terminals, fans, rack handles etc., and consumable such as fuses and batteries.

4.5.9. Preventive maintenance checks or procedures if required (e.g. fan filters, connector cleaning).

5. COMMERCIAL WARRANTY: The contractor shall provide a three (3) year commercial warranty on the Signal Generator. The contractor’s standard commercial warranty will warrant the unit(s) to be free from defects in workmanship, manufacturing, and design and will perform to or exceed specifications.

6. OEM CALIBRATION/VERIFICATION: The contractor shall also quote an optional one (1) year and two (2) year return to OEM for calibration/verification support for each Signal Generator.

7. SELF MAINTAINABILITY: The Army will maintain the Signal Generator organically without requiring OEM calibration/verification or repair support.

7.1. Verification/Alignment Hardware

7.1.1. The Signal Generator Verification/Alignment Hardware is defined as the necessary calibration standards/equipment, special purpose adapters, cables, fixtures, etc. needed to perform verification/alignment on the Signal Generator. For reference, the Army currently utilizes the following calibration standards/equipment for verification/alignment of the Aeroflex 2023B:

7.1.1.1. Spectracom CNT-90\OCXO\RA Frequency Counter

7.1.1.2. Keysight 33250A Function Generator

7.1.1.3. Keysight N9030B-526-P26-EP0-FBP-MPB-LNP-C35-B40-107 Signal Analyzer

7.1.1.4. Keysight 3458A Multimeter

7.1.1.5. Keysight DSOX3104 Oscilloscope

7.1.1.6. GPSDO Time/Frequency Workstation (10 MHz house frequency standard)

7.1.1.7. Keysight 423A Radio Frequency Detector

7.1.2. It is preferred, but not required, for vendors to utilize any of the equipment listed above for the verification/alignment of the Signal Generator and/or items from the attached 286 Hand Receipt (Inventory) Spreadsheet, 1 Aug 2024. The vendor is not required to quote the above items or items listed in the attached 286 Hand Receipt (Inventory) Spreadsheet, 1 Aug 2024, if utilized.

7.1.3. Any additional hardware or software required to support the Signal Generator must be quoted by the vendor. It is preferred that no additional software be required. If software is required, it is preferred that the software are executables that can be launched from the Army’s Calibration Software ICE/ACE. The software/executables must be capable of allowing the Army to change the test equipment to accommodate future obsolescence.

7.1.4. The vendor’s proposal must include a section describing how the vendor proposes that the Army support each parameter of the Signal Generator Verification/Alignment, including any additional proposed software and hardware.

7.1.5. One year minimum standard commercial warranties shall accompany additional Verification/Alignment hardware.

7.1.6. Software must operate on an Army stand-alone Microsoft Windows 11 based instrument controller with no internet/network connection.

7.1.7. All vendor required software for the Verification/Alignment of the Signal Generator shall include all necessary license keys and must be perpetual in use, without the need to renew a subscription(s).

7.2. Repair (Self Maintainability): The vendor’s proposal shall include a list of all replaceable repair parts for the Signal Generator. The vendor shall indicate all repair parts that can and cannot be replaced by Army calibration technicians. The vendor shall stipulate the reason the repair part cannot be replaced by Army calibration technicians. Examples reasons for nonreplaceable parts could include special tools, fixtures, firmware, complex techniques or etc.

8. PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS:

8.1. Physical Size: (W x H x D), ≤ (18.75 in x 24 in x 30 in)

8.2. Weight: ≤ 50 lbs

8.3. Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C

8.4. Operating Temperature to Meet Specifications: 23°C ±5°C

8.5. Operating Humidity: 50% ± 30%

9. FIRMWARE:

9.1. When firmware or software upgrade is anticipated by the manufacturer during the life of this contract, the contractor shall contact CALSETS for approval. Contractor shall provide CALSETS documentation detailing the changes made to the revision/upgrade. If CALSETS concurs with the proposed upgrade, all Signal Generators delivered under this contract shall be updated to this upgrade.

9.2. All firmware or software provided under this contract shall be at the same version, revision and revision date at the completion of the contract. The contractor shall contact CALSETS for approval of variance.

10. LICENSING:

10.1. Where licensing issues apply to any part of the Signal Generator, such licensing and associated documents shall be obtained and provided by the contractor.

10.2. Licenses shall not contravene federal law, federal procurement regulations, or the requirements of this acquisition.

11. INTERCHANGEABILITY:

11.1. The first system shall be the same as the last system in terms of firmware, software, functionality, and configuration control. The contractor shall contact CALSETS for approval of variance.

11.2. All replaceable assemblies, subassemblies, components, and parts of designated model provided under a single contractor or ordered from any one manufacturer shall be fully interchangeable without interference or degradation of performance.

12. TRAINING:

12.1. OPERATOR TRAINING: The vendor shall provide operator training via multimedia for personnel that have an intermediate knowledge of RF principles and measurements. The operator training shall cover all parameters/capabilities of the Signal Generator with some emphasis on performance specifications of key parameters. The vendor should give some attention to measurements and capabilities that the OEM considers advanced, unique, special, or often overlooked. The Army may copy the OEM’s multimedia and distribute within the Army. The Operator Training shall be on CD(s) or DVD(s) and shall be over-packed, with each Signal Generator.

12.2. MAINTAINER TRAINING: The vendor shall provide Maintainer training via multimedia. Training shall focus on calibration and repair of the Signal Generator, including but not limited to: operation and peculiarities of standards and software used to calibrate the instrument. Block diagram/circuit board level analysis to help ensure high confidence when troubleshooting. Idiosyncrasies of the Signal Generator shall be presented, if applicable. Examples may include concepts such as: circuit board "A" must be replaced by the OEM, circuit board "B" requires that circuit board "C" also be replaced, circuit board "D" requires software updates, special tools are required to replace circuit board "E", etc. The Army may copy the OEM’s multimedia and distribute within the Army. The Maintainer Training shall be on CD(s) or DVD(s) and shall be over-packed, with each Signal Generator.