This guide applies to the followin g sign al generator models:
N5181A MXG Analog Signal Generator
N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator
Due to our continuing efforts to improve our products through firmware and hardware revisions, signal generator design and
operation may vary f ro m des cr i ptions in this guide. We recommend tha t y ou use the latest revision of this guide to ensure
you have up-to-date product information. Compare the print date of this guide (see bottom of page) with the latest revision,
which can be downloaded from the following website:
The material contained in this document is provided “as is”, and is subject to being changed, without
notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either
express or implied with regard to this manual and to any of the Agilent products to which it
pertains, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or any of the Agilent products
to which it pertains. Should Agilent have a written contract with the User and should any of the
contract terms conflict with these terms, the contract terms shall control.
iiAgilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
viAgilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
1Safety Information
• Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
• General Safety Considerations
•Instrument Markingson page 2
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The documentation for this product uses the following safety notations. Familiarize yourself with each
notation and its meaning before operating the signal generator.
WARNINGWar ning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a condition or situation that could
CAUTIONCaution calls attention to a condition or situation that could result in damage to or
NOTENote calls the user’s attention to an important point or special information in the text.
result in personal injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning until you
fully understand the indicated conditions or situations.
destruction of the signal generator, or in the loss of a user’s settings or data. Do not
proceed beyond a caution until you fully understand the indicated conditions.
General Safety Considerations
WARNINGIf the signal generator is not used as specified, the protection provided by the
WARNINGPersonal injury may result if the signal generator covers are removed. There are no
equipment could be impaired. The signal generator must be used in a normal
condition only, in which all means for protection are intact.
operator serviceable parts inside. To avoid electrical shock, refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
The the signal generator has the following markings. Familiarize yourself with each marking and its
meaning before operating the signal generator.
The instruction manual symbol. The product is marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for you to refer to instructions in the manual.
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. If this
symbol is accompanied by a year, it is the year when the design was proven.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association International.
The C- Tick Mark is a trademark registered to the Australian Spectrum
Management Agency. This indicates compliance with all Australian EMC
regulatory information.
This is the symbol of an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1 Class A
Product. (CISPER 11, Clause 4)
This symbol marks the on position of the power line switch.
This symbol marks the standby position of the power line switch.
This symbol indicates that the input power required is AC.
This symbol indicates conformance to the LXI Standard Specifications.
ICES/NMB- 001
This is a marking to indicate product compliance with the Canadian
Interference- Causing Equipment Standard (ICES-001)
This symbol indicates separate collection for electrical and electronic
equipment, mandated under EU law as of August 13, 2005. All electric and
electronic equipment are required to be separated from normal waste for
disposal (Reference WEEE Directive, 2002/96/EC).
2Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
2Getting Started
• Checking the Shipment
• Signal Generator Physical Characteristics
• Meeting Environmental and Electrical Requirements on page 4
• Configuring the Display on page 7
• Configuring for Remote Control on page 8
• Ordering Accessories on page 9
• Proper Use and Cleaning on page 10
• Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies on page 10
• Contacting Agilent on page 10
Checking the Shipment
1. Inspect the shipping container for damage.
Signs of damage can include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that
indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting.
2. Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container and verify that your order is complete.
The following items are included with each signal generator:
• Installation Guide
• documentation CD- ROM (CD- ROM contents are also available in hardcopy format)
• three-prong AC power cord specific to geographic location
3. Verify that the options you ordered are included with the shipment by checking the serial number
label on the rear of the signal generator and the packing literature included with the shipment.
Getting Started
Meeting Environmental and Electrical Requirements
Meeting Environmental and Electrical Requirements
Environment
•indoor use
• altitudes < 15,000 feet (4,572 meters)
•0 to 55°C temperature, unless otherwise specified
• relative humidity - type tested at 95%, +40°C (non- condensing)
CAUTIONThis product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and POLLUTION
DEGREE 2, per IEC 61010 Second Edition and 664, respectively.
Ventilation
Ventilation holes are located on the rear panel and all four sides of the signal generator cover. To
ensure proper air flow through the signal generator, do not allow these holes to be obstructed.
Line Setting Requirements
CAUTIONThe signal generator has autoranging line voltage input; ensure that the supply voltage is
Voltage: 100/120 volts nominal
Frequency: for 100/120 volts: 50/60 Hz nominal
Power: 250 watts maximum
within the specified range.
220/240 volts nominal
for 220/240 volts: 50/60 Hz nominal
4Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
Meeting Environmental and Electrical Requirements
Getting Started
Connecting the AC Pow er Cor d
This is a Safety Class 1 Product provided with a protective earth ground incorporated into the power
cord. The front panel switch is only a standby switch; it is not a line switch. The AC power cord is
the disconnecting device that disconnects the signal generator mains circuits from the mains supply.
Alternatively, an external switch or circuit breaker, readily identifiable and easily reached by the
operator, may be used as a disconnecting device.
WARNINGThe mains plug shall be inserted only in a socket outlet provided with a protective
earth contact. Always use the three- prong AC power cord supplied with the signal
generator. Personal injury can occur if there is any interruption of the protective
conductor inside or outside of the signal generator. Intentional interruption is
prohibited.
CAUTIONThe mains wiring and connectors shall be compatible with the connector used in the
premise electrical system. Inadequate earth grounding can damage the signal generator.
Always use the three- prong AC power cord supplied with the signal generator. See
page 6 for a list of available power cords.
Connect the AC power cord as follows:
1. Ensure that the power cord is not damaged.
2. Install the signal generator so that one of the following items is readily identifiable and easily
reached by the operator: AC power cord, alternative switch, or circuit breaker.
3. Insert the mains plug into a socket outlet provided with a protective earth grounding.
Getting Started
Meeting Environmental and Electrical Requirements
AC Power Cord Localization
The AC power cord included with the signal generator is appropriate for the final shipping
destination. You can order additional AC power cords for use in different areas.
The following table lists the available AC power cords, illustrates plug configurations, and identifies
the geographic area in which each cord is appropriate.
6Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
Configuring the Display
ex
lor
Configuring the Display
Screen saver settings are persistent states; they are unaffected by preset or a power cycle.
Use the arrow keys, numeric keypad, or front panel knob to adjust numeric values.
Figure 2-1 Display Softkeys
Range: 15—100
Range: 35—55
Light Only turns the display light off, leaving the text visible at a low intensity.
Light & Text turns the display light and the text off.
If the display remains unchanged for l ong perio ds of ti me, use t his mo de to prevent the t
from burning the display.
Range: 1—12 hours, in 1 hour increments
Getting Started
Bright without co
When on, commands executed throug h the remot e control bus
update the signal generator
For details on a key, press Help and then the desired key.
NOTEWith both brightness and contrast set to minimum, the display may be too dark to see the
softkeys. If this happens, use Figure 2-1 to locate the brightness and contrast softkeys and
adjust their values so that you can see the display.
The signal generator cover protects against physical contact with internal assemblies that contain
hazardous voltages, but does not protect internal assemblies against contact with liquids. To avoid
damage and personal injury, ensure that liquids are positioned away from the signal generator.
WARNINGPersonal injury may result if the signal generator is not used as specified.
Unspecified use impairs the protection provided by the equipment. The signal
generator must be used with all means for protection intact.
Cleaning Suggestions
WARNINGElectrical shock may result if the signal generator is not disconnected from the
To ensure good connections, regularly clean the instrument’s front and rear panel connectors.
To prevent dust build- up that could potentially obstruct ventilation, periodically clean the
instrument’s cover. Use a dry cloth or a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the external
case parts.
mains supply before cleaning. Do not attempt to clean internally.
Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies
1. Gather as much information as possible about the signal generator’s problem.
2. Contact Agilent using the phone number that is specific to your geographic location. These phone
numbers are listed on the Internet at http://www.agilent.com/find/assist. If you do not have access
to the Internet, contact your Agilent field engineer.
After you provide information about the signal generator and its condition, you will receive
information about where to ship your signal generator for repair.
3. Ship the signal generator in the original factory packaging materials, if available, or use similar
packaging to properly protect the signal generator.
Contacting Agilent
Assistance with test and measurements needs, information on finding a local Agilent office, and
information on purchasing accessories and documentation are available on the Internet at:
http://www.agilent.com/find/assist
If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact your Agilent field engineer.
NOTEIn correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the signal generator by its model
number and full serial number. With this information, the Agilent representative can
determine if your unit is still within its warranty period.
10Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
3Operation Verification
Operation verification is a series of tests used to confirm that the signal generator is operating
properly, or to diagnose problems. Operation verification does not verify performance to instrument
specifications.
Perform operation verification when you initially set up the signal generator, after a minor repair
(refer to the Service Guide for details), or when the integrity of the signal generator is in question.
Self Test is a series of internal tests of signal generator functions. If this test fails, refer to “Self Test
Failure” on page 13 for further instructions.
It takes about 5 minutes to run the self test.
page 14
Use the following procedure to run self test:
1. Disconnect all external cables, including GPIB, LAN, and USB cables.
2. Preset the signal generator: Press
Preset > Utility > Instrum ent Info > Self Test.
The following message appears:
• The current status of the self-test is: Incomplete. Not all tests have been run.
3. Press
Run Complete Self Test.
An activity bar displays on the screen indicating the test progress.
If you press Abort while self- test is running, the following message displays:
• The current status of the self-test is:Incomplete. Not all tests have been run .
When self- test completes, one of the following messages displays:
• The current status of the self-test is: Passed
• The current status of the self-test is: Failure. One or more tests have failed.
System diagnostics indicate this test as the root failure: xxx
If the signal generator fails only one test, the title of the failed test displays. If the signal
generator fails more than one test, the test number of the most significant failure displays.
12Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Running Self Test
Self Test Failure
1. Confirm that all external cables, including GPIB, LAN, and USB cables, are disconnected from the
signal generator and repeat the self- test.
2. If the self- test continues to fail, the signal generator requires service. If you are unable to service
the signal generator, send it to an Agilent service center for repair. Include a detailed description
of the failed test(s) and any displayed error messages.
See “Viewing Test Results” on page 14 for information about viewing detailed self test results.
See “Returning a Signal Generator to Agilent Technologies” on page 16 for return instructions.
Use the arrow
keys to highlight
the desired test
and press View Details.
the probable cause.
14Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check
Operation Verification
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check
The frequency range is tested by determining the frequency accuracy relative to the timebase at the
frequency limits of the signal generator. This test can be performed with either a frequency counter
or a spectrum analyzer.
Table 3-1 Recommended Equipment for Checking N5181A/82A Frequency Range and Accuracy
Test Equ ipmentRecommended Model
Frequency CounterAgilent 53131A or 53132A frequency counter
Spectrum AnalyzerAgilent E4440A PSA Series spectrum analyzer
Operation Verification
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check
Frequency Counter Procedure
1. Connect the equipment as shown.
2. Preset the signal generator: Press Preset.
3. Turn modulation off: Press the
that the MOD On/Off LED turns off.
4. Set the amplitude: Press
dBm.
5. Turn RF on: Press
RF On/Off so that the
RF On/Off LED lights.
6. Verify that the frequency counter is locked to
the 10 MHz external reference frequency
(±1 Hz).
7. For maximum accuracy, set the gate time on
the frequency counter to > 5 seconds.
Gate & ExtArm twice and use the arrow
(Press
keys to set the value.)
8. Set the frequency: Press
signal generator to the first frequency listed
in Table 3- 2.
9. Confirm that the measured frequency is
within the limits listed.
10. Repeat step 8 and step 9 for all of the
frequencies in the table that are within the
frequency range of your signal generator.
Mod On/Off so
Amplitude and enter 0
Frequency and set the
Table 3-2Frequency Accuracy Limits
Frequency (MHz)Limit (Hz)
0.25 MHz±1
0.5 MHz±1
1 MHz±1
10 MHz±1
50 MHz±1
100 MHz±1
500 MHz±1
800 MHz±1
1000 MHz±1
2000 MHz±1
3100 MHz±1
4000 MHz±1
NOTEFor frequencies < 200 MHz, use Channel
3 on the frequency counter (press
Ratio until CH3: displays).
16Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Freq
5000 MHz±1
6000 MHz±1
Operation Verification
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check
Spectrum Analyzer Procedure
1. Connect the equipment as shown.
2. Verify that the spectrum analyzer is locked to
the 10 MHz external reference frequency.
3. Align the spectrum analyzer: Press
Alignment > Align All Now
.
4. Preset the signal generator: Press
5. Turn modulation off: Press the
that the MOD On/Off LED turns off.
6. Set the amplitude: Press
Amplitude and enter 0
dBm.
7. Turn RF on: Press
RF On/Off so that the RF
On/Off LED lights.
8. Set the frequency: Press
Frequency and set the
signal generator to the first frequency listed
in Table 3- 3.
9. Confirm that the measured frequency is
within the limits listed in the table.
10. Repeat step 8 and step 9 for all of the
frequencies in the table that are within the
frequency range of your signal generator.
System >
Preset.
Mod On/Off so
Table 3-3 Frequency Accuracy Limits
Frequency (MHz)Limit (Hz)
0.25 MHz±1
0.5 MHz±1
1 MHz±1
10 MHz±1
50 MHz±1
100 MHz±1
500 MHz±1
800 MHz±1
1000 MHz±1
2000 MHz±1
3100 MHz±1
4000 MHz±1
5000 MHz±1
6000 MHz±1
17Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Frequency Range and Accuracy Check
Troubleshoot ing Problems with the Frequency Acc uracy Check
• Verify the cables are connected correctly.
• If you are using a frequency counter, verify that you are using the correct channel for the
frequencies you are measuring.
• If you are using a spectrum analyzer, verify that the spectrum analyzer is set to external
reference.
18Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Checking the Out pu t Power
Checking the Output Power
This test verifies that the CW output power from the signal generator is within defined limits. The
following table lists the preferred equipment for this test.
Test Equ ipmentRecommended Model
Power MeterAgilent E4418B or E4419A/B E- Series power meter
Power Sensor,
Input: Type- N (m)
Agilent E9304A H19 power sensor
•N5181A Test Procedure on page 20
•N5182A Test Procedure on page 21
If this test fails, refer to “Troubleshooting Problems with the Output Power Check” on page 23 for
further instructions.
1. Zero and calibrate the power sensor to the
power meter:
2. Connect the equipment as shown:
3. Preset the signal generator: Press
4. Turn RF on: Press
RF On/Off so that the RF
On/Off LED lights.
5. Turn modulation off: Press
the Mod On/Off LED turns off.
6. Set the frequency: Press
Frequency and enter
the first frequency value listed in Table 3- 4.
7. Set the amplitude: Press
Amplitude and enter
the amplitude value for that frequency.
8. Configure the power meter for the
measurement.
a. Press the
Frequency Cal Fac button on the
power meter.
b. Select a power meter channel (if
applicable).
c. Use the arrow keys to enter the frequency
at which to measure the power.
9. Measure the output power level.
10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 to measure power
at each of the 15 frequencies listed in
Table 3- 4.
Preset.
Mod On/Off so that
11. Confirm that the measured power levels are
within the limits listed in the table.
NOTELimit values are due to power meter
uncertainty.
Table3-4 Leveled Output Power Limits
N5181A Output Power
FrequencyAmplitude (dBm)Limits (dB)
125 MHz7±1
275 MHz7±1
338 MHz7±1
425 MHz7±1
538 MHz7±1
675 MHz7±1
850 MHz7±1
1075 MHz7±1
1350 MHz7±1
1700 MHz7±1
2150 MHz7±1
2700 MHz7±1
3400 MHz7±1
4300 MHz7±1
5400 MHz7±1
20Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Checking the Output Power
N5182A Test Procedure
Test Setup
1. Zero and calibrate the power sensor to the
power meter:
2. Connect the equipment as shown below:
3. Preset the signal generator: Press
4. Turn RF on: Press
RF On/Off so that the RF
On/Off LED lights.
5. Turn modulation off:
Mod On/Off so that the Mod On/Off LED
Press
turns off.
Without Modulation
6. Set the signal generator frequency to the first
value listed in Table 3- 6:
Frequency > 125 > MHz.
Press
7. Set the amplitude to 7 dBm:
Amplitude > 7 > dBm.
Press
8. Configure the power meter as follows:
a. On the power meter, press the
Frequency Cal Fac button.
b. If applicable, select a power meter
channel.
Preset.
c. Use the arrow keys to enter the frequency
at which to measure the power.
9. Measure the output power level.
10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 for the remaining
frequencies in the table, and confirm that the
power level at each point is within limits.
Table 3-5
N5182A Output Power without Modulation
Frequency
(MHz)
2507±1
3387±1
4257±1
5387±1
6757±1
8507±1
10757±1
13507±1
17007±1
21507±1
27007±1
34007±1
43007±1
54007±1
Amplitude
(dBm)
Limits
(dB)
With Modulation
11. Preset the signal generator: Press
Preset.
12. Select the factory- supplied waveform
SINE_TEST_WFM:
a. Press
Mode > Dual ARB > Select Waveform.
b. Highlight the SINE_TEST_WFM waveform.
c. Press
Select Waveform.
21Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Checking the Output Power
13. Turn the arbitrary waveform player on: Press
ARB softkey to highlight On.
the
14. Set the frequency to the first value listed in
Table 3- 6:
Frequency > 125 > MHz.
Press
15. Set the amplitude to 7 dBm:
Amplitude > 7 > dBm.
Press
16. Configure the power meter as follows:
a. On the power meter, press the
Frequency Cal Fac button.
b. Select a power meter channel (if
applicable).
c. Use the arrow keys to enter the frequency
at which to measure the power.
17. Measure the output power.
18. Repeat steps 14 through 17 for the remaining
frequencies listed in Table 3- 6, and confirm
that the power level at each point is within
limits.
Table 3-6
N5182A Output Power with Modulation
Frequency
(MHz)
2507±1
3237±1
5127±1
8147±1
12757±1
20257±1
27507±1
37507±1
52507±1
Amplitude
(dBm)
Limits
(dB)
22Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
Operation Verification
Checking the Out pu t Power
Troubleshooting Problems with the Output Power Check
• Verify that you are using the appropriate power sensor.
• Normally, power sensor calibration factors are automatically downloaded to the power meter when
the power meter turns on. If this does not occur, manually enter the correct calibration factors
for the power sensor you are using.
• Verify that the power sensor is properly calibrated to the power meter.
24Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators InstallationGuide
4Regulatory Information
Certification
Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of
shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements
are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent
allowed by the Institute’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International
Standards Organization members.
Assistance
Product maintenance agreements and other customer assistance agreements are available for Agilent
Technologies products. For assistance, contact Agilent Technologies (see page 10).
Declaration of Conformity
A copy of the Manufacturer’s EU Declaration of Conformity for this instrument can be obtained by
contacting your local Agilent Technologies sales representative (see “Contacting Agilent” on page 10).
Statement of Compliance
This product has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC Publication 61010, Safety
Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, and has been supplied in a safe condition. The
documentation contains information and warnings which must be followed by the user to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the product in a safe condition.
Compliance with Canadian EMC Requirements
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB du Canada.
Compliance with Canadian Standards Association Requirements
This product complies with CSA 1010 Edition 2.
Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide25
Regulatory Information
Compliance with German Noise Requirements
Compliance with German Noise Requirements
This is to declare that this instrument is in conformance with the German Regulation on Noise
Declaration for Machines (Laermangabe nach der Maschinenlaermrerordnung - 3.GSGV Deutschland).
Acoustic Noise Emission/Geraeuschemission
LpA < 70 dBLpA < 70 dB
Operator positionam Arbeitsplatz
Normal positionnormaler Betrieb
per ISO 7779nach DIN 45635 t.19
26Agilent N5181A/82A MXG Signal Generators Installation Guide
Index
A
AC
power cord localization, 6
power cord, connecting, 5