RFGEN44: 4.4Ghz Fully open-source programmable RF signal generator

[RoadRunner]

I wanted to share a project I've been working on that is launching soon on Crowd Supply.

It’s called the RFGEN44 programmable RF signal generator. 4.4Ghz Internal/External Reference, Operation without PC, Sweep/Hope/Macro Progamming

https://www.crowdsupply.com/circuitvalley/rfgen44

[dobsonr741]

Good oscillator. Given that it doesn’t have filters or an attenuator, I wouldn’t call it an RF generator yet. Your price point supports going for quality over a cheap Chinese board. Next, I’d add a filter bank and a proper step attenuator—then you’ve got a real RF generator.

[5U4GB]

Doesn't the ADF4351 have programmable output levels, so you've got the effect of an attenuator?  Although one thing it would absolutely need is filters, the chips aren't so much signal generators as marker generators with harmonics going up into the GHz range.

[BigBoss]

I also want to work on a similar project nowadays, but my choice is LMX2572 from TI.
The automatic level control algorithm (ALC) is essentially not so difficult. There will be a wideband amplifier at the output, then a programmable precise ( 0.25dB of step or more precise )RF attenuator.
While the Calibration Routine sweeps the PLL during the Band, a precise Spectrum Analyzer or Rf power Meter will measure the output and calibration will compare the entered RF power and measured one then
it will add or substract the difference to align the the RF output.I'm not software guy but I can work with somebody who has firmware software experiences.
Also, using a wideband Balun will give the output as single ended and 3dB more power.

[dobsonr741]

Done before, source is published, too: https://www.mariohellmich.de/projects/sig-gen-ii/sig-gen-ii.html