Choosing the right noise source is an important step when building or upgrading an RF, microwave or mmWave noise figure measurement setup. The correct model should match the required frequency range, SNR range, control interface and calibration needs of the measurement system.
The Ceyear 16613/16614/16615 Series Noise Sources are designed for noise figure and noise factor measurement applications. The product family includes standard and intelligent noise sources with frequency coverage from 10 MHz up to 110 GHz, making it suitable for a wide range of laboratory, production and automated test environments.
This guide explains how to select the right Ceyear noise source model based on your measurement requirements.
Technical Specifications
16613 Series Noise Sources — Technical Specifications
| Model | Frequency Range | SNR Range | Output Port VSWR | Output Interface | Driver Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16613DA | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613DB | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 14 dB – 17 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613EA | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613EB | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 12 dB – 17 dB | < 1.35 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613FB | 10 MHz – 40 GHz | 12 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.45 : 1, 18 GHz – 40 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613HB | 10 MHz – 50 GHz | 10 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.50 : 1, 18 GHz – 50 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613LC | 10 MHz – 67 GHz | 7 dB – 23 dB | < 1.60 : 1, 10 MHz – 40 GHz;< 2.00 : 1, 40 GHz – 67 GHz | 1.85 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
| 16613P | 10 MHz – 110 GHz | 5 dB – 23 dB | < 2.50 : 1, 10 MHz – 50 GHz;< 2.80 : 1, 50 GHz – 110 GHz | 1.0 mm (M) | Standard BNC Driver Interface |
Dimensions:
16613DA/DB/EA/EB: (30±1.0) mm × (21±1.0) mm × (136±2.5) mm
16613FB/HB/LC: (30±1.0) mm × (21±1.0) mm × (133±2.5) mm
16613P: (30±1.0) mm × (21±1.0) mm × (132±2.5) mm
Weight:
16613DA/DB/EA/EB/FB/HB/LC: (160±10) g
16613P: (135±10) g
16614 Series Noise Sources — Technical Specifications
| Model | Frequency Range | SNR Range | Output Port VSWR | Output Interface | Driver Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16614DA | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614DB | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 14 dB – 17 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614EA | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614EB | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 12 dB – 17 dB | < 1.35 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614FB | 10 MHz – 40 GHz | 12 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.45 : 1, 18 GHz – 40 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614HB | 10 MHz – 50 GHz | 10 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.50 : 1, 18 GHz – 50 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
| 16614LC | 10 MHz – 67 GHz | 7 dB – 23 dB | < 1.60 : 1, 10 MHz – 40 GHz;< 2.00 : 1, 40 GHz – 67 GHz | 1.85 mm (M) | I²C Bus Driver Interface |
Dimensions:
16614DA/DB/EA/EB: (38±1.5) mm × (28±1.0) mm × (123±2.5) mm
16614FB/HB/LC: (38±1.5) mm × (28±1.0) mm × (120±1.5) mm
Weight:
(175±10) g
16615 Series Noise Sources — Technical Specifications
| Model | Frequency Range | SNR Range | Output Port VSWR | Output Interface | Driver Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16615DA | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615DB | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | 14 dB – 17 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615EA | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 5 dB – 8 dB | < 1.30 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615EB | 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz | 12 dB – 17 dB | < 1.35 : 1 | 3.5 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615FB | 10 MHz – 40 GHz | 12 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.45 : 1, 18 GHz – 40 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615HB | 10 MHz – 50 GHz | 10 dB – 19 dB | < 1.35 : 1, 10 MHz – 18 GHz;< 1.50 : 1, 18 GHz – 50 GHz | 2.4 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
| 16615LC | 10 MHz – 67 GHz | 7 dB – 23 dB | < 1.60 : 1, 10 MHz – 40 GHz;< 2.00 : 1, 40 GHz – 67 GHz | 1.85 mm (M) | USB Bus Driver Interface |
Dimensions:
16615DA/DB/EA/EB: (38±1.5) mm × (28±1.0) mm × (133±2.5) mm
16615FB/HB/LC: (38±1.5) mm × (28±1.0) mm × (130±1.5) mm
Weight:
(170±10) g
Ordering Guide for Ceyear 16613/16614/16615 Series Noise Sources
1. Start with the Measurement Setup
Before selecting a specific model, it is useful to define how the noise source will be used. In most cases, the choice depends on the type of measurement instrument and the preferred control method.
The Ceyear noise source family is divided into three main series:
| Series | Interface Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 16613 Series | Standard BNC driver interface | Classic noise figure measurement setups requiring +28 V BNC drive compatibility |
| 16614 Series | I²C bus driver interface | Intelligent noise source applications with electronic SNR data storage and instrument communication |
| 16615 Series | USB bus driver interface | Modern automated test systems, PC-controlled measurements and flexible laboratory setups |
If the measurement setup is based on a traditional noise figure analyzer with a standard BNC noise source drive, the 16613 Series is usually the most suitable choice.
If the system requires intelligent identification, stored SNR data and communication with compatible instruments, the 16614 Series with I²C interface is the better option.
For automated test benches, computer-controlled measurements or modern RF laboratories, the 16615 Series with USB interface offers the most flexible integration.
2. Define the Required Frequency Range
The next step is to define the highest frequency that must be covered by the noise source. Ceyear offers different model groups for different frequency ranges, from 18 GHz up to 110 GHz.
| Required Frequency Coverage | Suitable Model Group |
|---|---|
| Up to 18 GHz | DA / DB models |
| Up to 26.5 GHz | EA / EB models |
| Up to 40 GHz | FB models |
| Up to 50 GHz | HB models |
| Up to 67 GHz | LC models |
| Up to 110 GHz | 16613P |
For example, if the application requires measurements up to 40 GHz, the suitable model group is FB. The final choice will then depend on the preferred interface: 16613FB for BNC, 16614FB for I²C or 16615FB for USB.
For applications above 67 GHz, the 16613P model is the only model in this product family that extends up to 110 GHz.
3. Select the Required SNR Range
After defining the frequency range, the next selection criterion is the required SNR range. Ceyear offers different SNR configurations depending on the model group.
For example:
| Requirement | Suitable Models |
|---|---|
| 10 MHz – 18 GHz, 5 dB – 8 dB | 16613DA / 16614DA / 16615DA |
| 10 MHz – 18 GHz, 14 dB – 17 dB | 16613DB / 16614DB / 16615DB |
| 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz, 5 dB – 8 dB | 16613EA / 16614EA / 16615EA |
| 10 MHz – 26.5 GHz, 12 dB – 17 dB | 16613EB / 16614EB / 16615EB |
| 10 MHz – 40 GHz, 12 dB – 19 dB | 16613FB / 16614FB / 16615FB |
| 10 MHz – 50 GHz, 10 dB – 19 dB | 16613HB / 16614HB / 16615HB |
| 10 MHz – 67 GHz, 7 dB – 23 dB | 16613LC / 16614LC / 16615LC |
| 10 MHz – 110 GHz, 5 dB – 23 dB | 16613P |
At this stage, the selection becomes much clearer: first choose the frequency band, then match the SNR range, and finally select the interface type that fits the measurement system.
Step 4: Check the Standard Delivery Package
Each Ceyear noise source is supplied with the standard accessories required for integration into a measurement setup.
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connection cable | 1 | For the 16613 Series: BNC cable, 1.2 m, for noise source drive. For the 16614 Series: coaxial probe connection cable, 1.5 m, for noise source drive and communication. For the 16615 Series: USB cable, 2.0 m, for noise source drive and communication. |
| Coaxial adapter | 1 | Used to adapt the connection between the noise source output and the input port of the measurement host. |
| SNR calibration data | 1 | Calibration data for the supplied noise source. |
| Product Certificate of Conformity | 1 | Certificate confirming product conformity. |
Step 5: Add Optional Calibration Service
For customers requiring documented calibration, Ceyear offers optional calibration service with a calibration report for selected models. The option code is created by adding “-JL” to the relevant model number.
| Option Model | Option Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 16613DA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16613DB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16613EA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16613EB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16613FB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16614DA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16614DB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16614EA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16614EB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16614FB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16615DA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16615DB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16615EA-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16615EB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
| 16615FB-JL | Calibration service | Calibration service with calibration report |
Practical Ordering Example
A customer who needs a USB-controlled intelligent noise source for measurements up to 40 GHz with an SNR range of 12 dB to 19 dB should select:
16615FB — USB Intelligent Noise Source, 10 MHz to 40 GHz, SNR range 12 dB to 19 dB
If a calibration report is required, the optional calibration service should be added:
16615FB-JL — Calibration service with calibration report
Recommended Information for a Quotation Request
To receive an accurate quotation, customers should specify the following information:
| Required Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Required frequency range | 10 MHz – 40 GHz |
| Required SNR range | 12 dB – 19 dB |
| Preferred interface | BNC, I²C or USB |
| Selected model | 16615FB |
| Calibration requirement | Standard delivery or optional calibration report |
| Measurement setup | Noise figure analyzer, spectrum analyzer, VNA or PC-controlled system |
This selection process helps ensure that the ordered noise source matches the required measurement frequency range, interface type and calibration needs.
Where to Buy
The Ceyear 16613/16614/16615 Series Noise Sources are now available to order from SEA Components, the official Ceyear sales partner in the European Union.
tm@sea-ceyear.com
