FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE………..DRAFT

Editor’s Contact:

Dave Race

CEO

Signal Forge, LLC

T 512.275.3733 ext 55

F 512.275.3735

Portable Signal Generator Ideal for Field
Engineering Applications

Signal Generator is First to Offer High-Performance
in a Small, Affordable Package

Small, LAdd-on Modules Boost RF Output of
Signal Forge 1000 Signal Generators to 2.6 GHz

2.6 GHz RF Signal Source Helps Test Zigbee,
RFID and other Wireless Devices ightweight Device Combines Features of a Signal SourceGenerator,
Function Generator and Arbitrary Waveform Generator

April, 16, 2007 Device Combines 1 GHz Range with AC Coupled, Differential, and Digital Outputs Making it Ideal for Testing Both Digital and RF Systems

Austin, Texas, March 827September 6, 20056 (Austin, Texas).,Signal Forge today released two add-on modules that expand the RF output of the Signal Forge 1000 signal generator to 2.6 GHz. The 2500M Frequency Expansion module provides an RF output in the frequency range of 1.5 GHz to 2.6 GHz and the 1800M provides an RF output in the 1.0 GHz to 1.8 GHz band. The devices extent the 1 GHz output frequency of the Signal Forge 1000 (SF1000) Signal Generator. The modules attach to and are controlled by the SF1000 allowing the user to add higher RF frequency capabilities without buying an entirely new signal generator.

Features of the Frequency Expansion Modules include:

  • a new the first high-performance, digitally synthesized signal generator. RF output:
  • 2500M1.5 GHz to 2.6 GHz
  • 1800M 1.0 GHz to 2.0 GHz
  • 1 Hz resolution
  • Modulation functions: Sweep, FSK, Chirp
  • Low close-in phase noise
  • Output power range of –11 dBm to +7 dBm
  • Connects to the Signal Forge 1000 and 1000E Signal Generators and are programmed using the embedded Wave Manager software

Applications

The SF1000 with the Expansion Modules may be used for a variety of field and bench test applications such as: a programmable RF or CW source for Cellular field amplifier testing, burn-in and calibration, local oscillator (L.O.) for wireless chip and device development, test and development of a wide range of devices such as serial storage chips, and Bluetooth, ZigBee, and RFID devices, communication receiver testing and calibration

The Signal Forge 1000 with features with an a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 GHz 800 MHz range, usable to 1 GHz, for under a, nd includes multiple output types and a variety of waveform modulation options combine to offer providing the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product. The Signal Forge 1000 (SF1000) is small enough—8.5in x 5.4in x 1.5in—and light enough, at 1.75 pounds, to fit in a briefcase, making it ideal for field engineers and service personnel.

Unlike other small-sized signal generators, the SF1000 is a high performance device with a stable, accurate 1 GHz frequency range. Also unique are the multiple signal outputs types which include: an AC-coupled output for RF and wireless device testing; a digital (TTL) output for testing clock-driven systems and ICs up to 110 MHz; and a differential output for testing communication equipment as well as differential clock-driven systems up to 1 GHz.

Link to front panel graphic:

Figure 1. Signal Forge 1000 Front Panel (W 5.4in x H 1.5in)

The A wide variety of waveform modulation fuunctions are supported, includeing: square and sinusoidal AM, ASK, FKS (ramped, unramped, triangle), OOK and Shaped OOK, Arbitrary/CHIRP modulation as well as fully programmable frequency sweep control. These features expand the capabilities of the SF1000 beyond a typical signal source and provide the functionality needed for a wide range of digital IC and RF test applications.

$1000. The Signal Forge 800 (SF800) features a dedicated digital output with programmable voltage levels for testing digital systems and integrated circuits. It also provides an AC coupled and a differential output for testing a wide range of wireless and radio frequency devices. The SF800 produces both sine waves and square waves across a frequency range of 1 KHz to 1 GHz, in 1 Hz increments. The small size and low price point, compared with other signal generators of comparable performance, makes the SF800 attractive to design and test engineers as well as field service engineers.

Figure 1. Signal Forge 8Figure 1. Signal Forge 100000 Front Panel

Some of the applications that the SF1000 may be used for Applications include: testing the setup and hold of digital devices, as well as the design margins of digital, clock-driven circuit boards (determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit), by configuring the using the digital and differential outputs in sweep mode to test the setup and hold of digital devices, as well as the design margins of digital, clock-driven circuit boards (determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit); testing and calibrating IF and RF sections of receivers and wireless devices; testing amplifiers for gain and for the 1 dB compression point. It may is also used as a Local Oscillator (L.O.) source and an RF exciter with modulation to test receiver response (the FSK and frequency sweep functions may be used to test FM receivers). And, Tthe SF1000 may also be used for testing the third-order intercept point (IP3) of radio systems and alignment of receivers. Other applications include: It may also be used for automotive electronics testing (simulate input sensors); examining the spectral response of circuits; and low cost manufacturing test of high-speed cables and connectors.

Setup and control is accomplished using the Wave Manager software, a menu-driven application, that is installed onboard the SF1000. Sstandard serial communication software, such as HyperTerminal, is used to access and display the Wave Manager on a PCand the Wave Manager software, a menu-driven application installed onboard the SF1000. There is no need to install special software on the client PC, which enhances ing the portability of the SF1000 and reduces ing compatibility and support issues related to client-side software..

Link to Wave Manager Menu graphic:

Figure 2. Wave Manager Software Main Menu

The numerous waveform modulation capabilities provided by the SF800 expand the applications for which it may be used. Waveform modulation capabilities include: frequency swept, with user-defined sweep rates, frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, and frequency shift keying (FSK), on/off keying (OOK), Shaped OOK, Asynchronous Shift Keying (ASK) and arbitrary modulation.

Unlike other low cost signal generators, the SF800 incorporates a low-noise, temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) which ensures a high level of precision and accuracy over a wide time span and temperature range. It also utilizes digitally synthesized signals and an embedded microprocessor which enable it to provide high quality signals, a rich feature set and the easy to use Wave Manager software for setup and operation.

The SF800 helps engineering managers address problems they have been struggling with for years: shorter product Until now, high-performance test equipment came in large, expensive packages making it difficult to take it into the field. design cycles, the increasing cost of test and development tools, and budget limitations. The test and debug of circuit boards and integrated circuits (ICs) can account for as much as one-third to one-half of the entire design time. And it is the most unpredictable part of the schedule. One way to reduce test time is to run several tests systems simultaneously. Unfortunately, most high-performance signal generators are large and expensive making it difficult form most companies to do this. The SF1000, with its $985 price and small size, soThe small size—8.5in x 5.5in x 1.5in—and low price of the SF800 solves this problem.

“I decided to develop the SF800 after an early version proved itself in my own IC design lab,” said Steve Robalino, chief technical officer at Signal Forge. “To debug a 2 Gigabit/s Fiber Channel controller chip, I setup four test systems with two signal generators each and was able to find a design defect in a matter of days instead of weeks. I saved almost three months compared to previous debug efforts. In addition, I discovered a previously undetected bug in the physical layer (PHY) of the IC.”

A wide frequency range with a 1 Hz resolution and the waveform modulation features make the SF800 suitable for applications such as: characterizing narrow band communication systems, the IF and RF section of receivers and subsystems, and selected mobile and telemetry bands. For example, the SF800 may be used to test amplifiers for gain as well as for the 1dB compression point, and for testing the third-order intercept point (IP3) of WLAN, ISM, and Bluetooth radio systems. Other applications include: design margin testing of digital ICs and circuit boards; data acquisition system testing and oscilloscope clocking where a customized timebase is required for specific measurements; automotive electronics testing; determining the effect of oscillator drift on a circuit; examining the spectral response of circuits; FM CHIRP testing; and low cost manufacturing test

. “Customers have really responded well to the portable ‘feature’ of our signal generators. For example, we have a field service engineer using our signal generator to calibrate communications receivers in Iraq and field engineers at a semiconductor manufacturer who take the SF1000 with them to customer sites to help them debug the customer’s designs,” said David Race, chief executive officer. “There are also research labs that take advantage of the small size and rack mount bracket to setup multiple test systems while using only a 1U space in their rack,” he added.

Both The RF Frequency Expansion Modules are available now and are priced at Signal Forge 10800 is priced at $92585 and . They is available now. ICompany Background

Signal Forge was founded in 2004 by industry veterans, Steve Robalino and Dave Race with the goal to market high performance test equipment in small, affordable packages. The company takes an innovative approach to solving a problem that Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race faced at every company at which they worked—the need to accelerate product development schedules on a limited budget.

From experience, the founders determined that one of the most effective ways to reduce the development schedule is to reduce the test and debug cycle time. And the best way to accomplish that is to run multiple test beds simultaneously. The problem is that the high performance test equipment currently available is large and expensive, making it unaffordable for most labs to buy enough units to build multiple test environment setups.

Signal Forge uses an innovative ‘design for cost and portability’ approach to its product designs. It’s first product, the Signal Forge 800 Signal Generator, achieves the company’s goal of a high performance product in a small, affordable package.

Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race were previously co-founders of Silicon Design Resources (SDR), a developer of semiconductors for the server and storage markets. Its customers included Dell, HP, IBM, Intel and Sun. They joined QLogic Corporation (Nasdaq:QLGC) in August 1998, Mr. Race as corporate vice president and general manager and Mr. Robalino as vice president of engineering for the Management Products Group, which Qlogic formed when it acquired SDR. Revenue from the SDR product line grew to nearly $50 million during their tenure and achieved a 74% market share in the server and storage markets.

Prior to SDR, Mr. Robalino and Mr. Race collaborated as founding members of the Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) team. Mr. Robalino as vice president of hardware engineering and Mr. Race in various positions, including vice president, sales and marketing, and vice president, strategic planning. DPT developed the industries first disk array controller board and was widely recognized as the market leader until its acquisition by Adaptec.t mmay be purchased directly from the Signal Forge at its web site at: or by submitting a purchase order to or fax 512-275-3735 or by calling the company at 512-275-3733.

Company Background

Signal Forge, LLC was founded in 2004 by veterans of the semiconductor industry veterans to develop and market high performance test equipment in small, affordable packages. The company takes an innovative approach to solving problems that the founders faced repeatedly in circuit board and IC design labs over the past 20 years—the need to accelerate a product development schedules on a limited budget.

The Signal Forge 1000 with a frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 GHz, multiple output types and a variety of waveform modulation options combine to offer the features of a signal source, a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator in a single product. The Signal Forge 1000 (SF1000) is small enough—8.5in x 5.4in x 1.5in—and light enough, at 1.75 pounds, to fit in a briefcase, making it ideal for field engineers and service personnel. The Signal Forge 1000 is priced at $985.

Signal Forge employs uses a ‘design for cost and portability’ approach to its product designs. It’s first product, the Signal Forge 800 Signal Generator, was released in September 2005.achieves the company’s goal of a high-performance product in a small, affordable package.


Reader Contact Information:

Signal Forge Sales

Signal Forge, LLC

- ■ 2115 Saratoga Dr ■ -

Austin TX 78733

T 512.275.3733 x1 ■ F -

F 512.275.3735

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Links to graphics:

Frequency Expansion Module Picture (JPEG)

Frequency Expansion Module Press Release in Word format (.doc)

Signal Forge 1000 Press Release (Word .doc):

SF1000 picture (JPEG):

SF1000 Front Panel graphic (PNG):

Wave Manager Menu graphic (GIF):