Wide-Range Ultra-High-Frequency Signal Generators

A series of wide-range signal generators, covering a frequency range from 90 to 9700 megacycles, was developed during the war at the Naval Research Laboratory. The radio-frequency-oscillator circuits are of low capacitance, resulting in good pulse as well as continuous-wave operation. The mutual-inductance-type attenuators give a range in output level of over 100 decibels below 0.1 volt across 50-ohm output impedance with an absolute accuracy of the order of 1 decibel. Versatile pulsing, synchronizing, and modulating circuits make the instruments particularly useful in pulse system studies. The usefulness of these signal generators led to their large-scale production and use in the laboratory and in the field. Experience gained in their design and use forms the basis for future progress in this field.