DSG-22.6 GHz Is a $1,590 Open-Source RF Signal Generator Based on Atek Midas’s Custom ICs (Crowdfunding)

Key Takeaways

• Open-source RF generator covers 150 MHz‑22.6 GHz range
• Pricing $1,590, far cheaper than traditional benchtops
• 1 Hz resolution, <100 µs tuning speed, 40 dBc suppression
• Wi‑Fi, USB‑C, SCPI, Python UI enable automated testing
• GitHub design files lower supply‑chain risk, encourage community

Summary

Atek Midas has introduced the DSG‑22.6 GHz, an open‑source RF signal generator that spans 150 MHz to 22.6 GHz. Priced at $1,590, it offers professional‑grade performance—1 Hz tuning resolution, <100 µs tuning speed, and ≥40 dBc spurious suppression—at a fraction of traditional benchtop costs. The unit features a capacitive touchscreen, USB‑C, Wi‑Fi, and a Python‑based UI, and can be controlled via SCPI commands for automated test setups. All hardware schematics, firmware, and 3D files will be released on GitHub after the crowdfunding goal is met.

Pulse Analysis

The emergence of open‑source hardware in the RF domain marks a shift from proprietary, high‑cost instruments toward collaborative, cost‑effective solutions. By leveraging Atek Midas’s custom ICs and releasing complete design files on GitHub, the DSG‑22.6 GHz reduces reliance on single‑source suppliers and invites community‑driven improvements. This transparency not only accelerates innovation cycles but also provides educational institutions with a hands‑on platform for microwave research without the budget constraints of legacy equipment.

Technically, the DSG‑22.6 GHz punches above its weight class. Its 1 Hz tuning granularity, sub‑100 µs frequency hopping, and spurious suppression of at least 40 dBc rival entry‑level benchtop generators from Keysight or Anritsu. The dual‑output architecture—filtered for 2‑18 GHz and unfiltered up to 22.6 GHz—delivers up to +20 dBm, while phase‑noise figures of –108 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz and –85 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz satisfy demanding calibration and wireless‑testing scenarios. Integrated touchscreen control, Wi‑Fi web interface, and SCPI‑compatible USB‑C connectivity streamline both manual operation and scripted automation.

From a market perspective, the $1,590 price point undercuts comparable commercial units by 70‑80 %, opening high‑frequency testing to a broader audience of makers, small‑scale manufacturers, and academic labs. The crowdfunding model, combined with global shipping via Mouser, ensures rapid adoption while funding low‑volume production. As more open‑source RF tools appear, industry standards may evolve to accommodate modular, community‑validated hardware, potentially reshaping supply chains and fostering a more resilient ecosystem for microwave engineering.