OOK amplitude range, need to operate beyond it

[Jrbn]

I'm trying use NI PXI-5650 RF Signal Generator to generate on-off-keying modulated signal on 1090 MHz. But, as described on Page 14 of NI PXI-5650/5651/5652 Specifications I can operate from –9.5 to 10 dBm when using this modulation type. I'm looking for the most rational and affordable way to achieve amplitude range down to -100 dBm. Attenuator maybe? Or some third-party generator? For PXI, not PXI-e.

[PeterGC]

Jrbn,

Typically you would send the signal to an external attenuator like the PXI 5695

https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.pxi-5695.html

As you can probably see, this offers 60dB of attentuation.  To achieve 100dBm you would need two.  100dB is a lot of attentuation. Keep in mind, at these levels, you are entering the realm where noise may pose a lot of challenges.  What exactly are you trying to accomplish?  

(I can't speak for 3rd party products, I'm not familiar with their capablilies.)  

Regards,

[Jrbn]

Just what I thought.

I'm trying to simulate ADS-B signals to test sensitivity of a receiver. Currently I use High-Speed Digital I/O and some big old RF generator for modulation and attenuation. I think I'll keep using this configuration then. Thanks anyway.