Ironwave's Luff Research launches fast-switch synthesizer for EW and radar

Ironwave Technologies’ Luff Research division has introduced the FSFS-120, a fast-switch frequency synthesizer that tunes from 1.25 to 20 GHz in 1 microsecond. The new unit targets electronic warfare, radar and test systems that need rapid frequency hopping without sacrificing signal quality.

Why it matters: - Electronic warfare, radar and test systems need frequency sources that can hop quickly while preserving signal quality. - The FSFS-120 is built to support those applications with microsecond switching, wideband coverage and tight frequency resolution.

What happened: - Ironwave Technologies’ Luff Research division introduced the FSFS-120 fast-switch frequency synthesizer. - The unit covers 1.25 to 20 GHz. - The synthesizer settles on a new frequency in 1 microsecond.

The details: - The FSFS-120 spans more than four octaves in one unit. - It steps in 1 kHz increments. - Phase noise measures -125 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset. - Spurious output is -60 dBc typical. - Output power is +15 dBm typical and +13 dBm minimum. - The synthesizer accepts 18-bit parallel control with strobe or RS-488 serial control. - The unit locks to an external reference. - If the external reference is lost, the FSFS-120 falls back to its internal ±0.5 PPM reference. - The synthesizer operates from -20 °C to +70 °C. - Luff Research designed and built the FSFS-120 in the USA. - Ironwave Technologies is AS9100D and ITAR registered. - More information is available at Ironwave’s Luff Research page.

Between the lines: - Ironwave is positioning the FSFS-120 for environments where speed, frequency agility and continuity matter more than a single narrowband optimization. - The built-in fallback reference suggests the product is aimed at systems that cannot tolerate interruptions when an external timing source disappears. - The combination of wide tuning range, low phase noise and microsecond switching points to military and lab use cases that demand both agility and signal integrity.

What's next: - Ironwave will likely market the FSFS-120 through its Luff Research division to defense, aerospace and test-system customers. - The company’s broader RF and microwave portfolio remains available through its five divisions. - Additional product and company information is available on Ironwave Technologies’ website.