Microwave test equipment needn't be large and mounted in a rack: the latest signal generator from Telemakus spans 9.3 to 10.2 GHz in a compact Universal Serial Bus (USB) module. Just plug it into a USB port on a Windows-based personal computer, load the software, and use the computer as the control interface.
The model TEG10200-1signal generator, available directly from distributor RFMW Ltd. (http://www.rfmw.com/telemakus), delivers +15 dBm output power across the frequency range. It achieves phase noise of -95 dBc/Hz offset 100 kHz from the carrier, with spurious levels of -75 dBc, second harmonics of -20 dBc, and third harmonics of -30 dBc. It draws 250 mA from a +5-VDC USB port.