Specification (spec): Represents warranted per formance of a calibrated instrument
that has been stored for a minimum of 2 hours within the operating temperature
range of 0 to 55 °C, unless otherwise stated, and after a 45 minute warm-up period.
The specifications include measurement uncertainty. Data represented in this
document are specifications unless otherwise noted.
Typical (typ): Represents characteristic performance, which 80% of the instruments
manufactured will meet. This data is not warranted, does not include measurement
uncertainty, and is valid only at room temperature (approximately 25 °C).
Nominal (nom): The expected mean or average performance, or an attribute whose
performance is by design, such as the 50 Ω connector. This data is not warranted and
is measured at room temperature (approximately 25 °C).
Measured (meas): An attribute measured during the design phase for purposes of
communicating expected performance, such as amplitude drift vs. time. This data is
not warranted and is measured at room temperature (approximately 25 °C).
Note: All graphs contain measured data from several units at room temperature unless
otherwise noted.
3
Frequency
Range
Option 501 250 kHz to 1 GHz
Option 503 250 kHz to 3 GHz
Option 506 250 kHz to 6 GHz
1
Minimum frequency 100 kHz
Resolution 0.01 Hz
Phase offset Adjustable in nominal 0.01° increments
Frequency bands
Band Frequency range N
1 100 kHz to < 250 MHz 0.5
2 250 to < 375 MHz 0.125
3 375 to < 750 MHz 0.25
4 750 to < 1500 MHz 0.5
5 1500 to < 3000.001 MHz 1
6 3000.001 to 6000 MHz 2
Switching speed
Type Standard Option UNZ
SCPI mode ≤ 5 ms (typ) ≤ 1.15 ms
List/Step sweep mode ≤ 5 ms (typ) ≤ 900 µs
2
3, 4
Accuracy ± aging rate
± temperature effects
± line voltage effects
I
nternal time base
reference oscillator
aging rate ≤ ± 5 ppm/10 yrs, < ± 1 ppm/yr
Temperature effects ± 1 ppm (0 to 55 °C)
Line voltage effects ± 0.1 ppm (nom)
Line voltage range 5% to –10% (nom)
Reference output
Frequency 10 MHz
Amplitude ≥ +4 dBm (nom) into 50 Ω load
1. Performance below 250 kHz is unspecified.
2. N is a factor used to help define certain specifications within the document.
3. Time from receipt of SCPI command or trigger signal to within 0.1 ppm of final frequency
or within 100 Hz, whichever is greater, and amplitude settled to within 0.2 dB.
4. Additional time may be required for the amplitude to settle within 0.2 dB when switching
to or from frequencies < 500 kHz or amplitudes > +5 dBm
4
External reference input
Input frequency Standard Option 1ER10 MHz 1 to 50 MHz (in multiples of 0.1 Hz)
Lock range ± 1 ppm
Amplitude > –3.5 to 20 dBm (nom)
Impedance 50 Ω (nom)
Digital sweep modes
Operating modes Step sweep (equally or logarithmically spaced
frequency steps)
List sweep (arbitrary list of frequency steps)
Can also simultaneously sweep amplitude. See amplitude section
for more detail.
Sweep range Within instrument frequency range
Dwell time 100 µs to 100 s
Number of points 2 to 65535 (step sweep)
1 to 1601 (list sweep)
Step change Linear or logarithmic
Triggering Free run, trigger key, external, timer, bus (GPIB, LAN, USB)
Amplitude
Output power
Range
1
Standard Option 1EQ
250 kHz to 2.5 GHz –110 to +13 dBm –127 to +13 dBm
> 2.5 to 3.0 GHz –110 to +10 dBm –127 to +10 dBm
> 3.0 to 4.5 GHz –110 to +13 dBm –127 to +13 dBm
> 4.5 to 5.8 GHz –110 to +10 dBm –127 to +10 dBm
> 5.8 to 6 GHz –110 to +7 dBm –127 to +7 dBm
Maximum available output power
Maximum available output power
18
18
17
17
16
16
15
15
14
14
13
13
Max output power (dBm
Max output power (dBm)
12
12
11
11
10
10
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
Frequency (MHz)
Frequency (MHz)
2
1. Quoted specifications between 20 and 30 °C. Maximum output power typically decreases by
0.2 dB/ °C for temperatures outside this range.
2. Settable to –144 dBm with option 1EQ, but unspecified below –127 dBm.
5
Resolution 0.02 dB (nom)
Step attenuator 0 to 130 dB in 5 dB steps, electronic type
Connector 50 Ω (nom)
SWR
≤ 1.4 GHz 1.7:1 (typ)
> 1.4 GHz to 4 GHz 2.3:1 (typ)
> 4.0 GHz to 5.0 GHz 2.4:1 (typ)
> 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz 2:2:1 (typ)
Maximum reverse power
Max DC voltage 50 VDC (nom)
250 kHz to 6 GHz 2 W (nom)
Switching speed 1
Type Standard Option UNZ
SCPI mode ≤ 5 ms (typ) ≤ 750 µs
List/Step sweep mode ≤ 5 ms (typ) ≤ 500 µs
Absolute level accuracy
Standard Option 1EQ
250 kHz to 1 MHz ±0.6 dB ±0.7 dB ±1.7 dB
> 1 MHz to 1 GHz ±0.6 dB ±0.7 dB ±1.0 dB
> 1 to 3 GHz ±0.7 dB ±0.9 dB ±1.4 dB
> 3 to 4 GHz ±0.8 dB ±0.9 dB ±1.0 dB
> 4 to 6 GHz ±0.8 dB ±1.1 dB ±1.3 dB
2
[ALC on]
+7 to –60 dBm < –60 to –110 dBm < –110 to –127 dBm
1. Time from receipt of SCPI command or trigger signal to amplitude settled within 0.2 dB when
switching to or from amplitudes < +5 dBm.
2. Quoted specifications between 20 °C and 30 °C. For temperatures outside this range, absolute
level accuracy degrades by 0.01 dB/degree C for frequencies ≤ 4.5 GHz and 0.02 dB/degree C
for frequencies > 4.5 GHz.
6
Absolute level accuracy [ALC off, relative to ALC on] ±0.35 dB (typ)
0
Level accuracy at –110 dBm
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
–0.2
Power error (dB)
–0.4
–0.6
–0.8
–1
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
Frequency (MHz)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev (1 σ)
Level accuracy at –130 dBm
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
–0.2
Power error (dB)
–0.4
–0.6
–0.8
–1
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 600
Frequency (MHz)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev (1 σ)
Level accuracy at –140 dBm
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
–0.2
Power error (dB)
–0.4
–0.6
–0.8
–1
0100020003000400050006000
Frequency (MHz)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev (1 σ)
7
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
Amplitude repeatablity +5 dBm ALC on
0
–0.1
Delta from initial (dB)
–0.2
–0.3
850 MHz
1900 MHz
2200 MHz
3500 MHz
–0.4
5800 MHz
–0.5
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Elapsed time (minutes)
Repeatability measures the ability of the instrument to return to a given power setting after a random
excursion to any other frequency and power setting. It should not be confused with absolute level accuracy.
Relative level accuracy at 850 MHz initial power +10 dBm
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev (1 σ)
0
–0.1
Power error (dB)
–0.2
–0.3
–0.4
–0.5
0 –20 –40 -60 –80 –100 –120 –140
Final power (dBm)
Relative level accuracy measures the accuracy of a step change from any power level to any other
power level. This is useful for large changes (i.e. 5 dB steps).
8
0.3
0.2
0.1
ALC linearity 850 MHz, CW, relative to 0 dBm
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev
(1 σ)
ALC linearity 1900 MHz, CW, relative to 0 dBm
0.3
0.2
0.1
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev
(1 σ)
0
Error (dB)
–0.1
–0.2
–0.3
–20 –15 –10 –5 0 5 10
Amplitude (dB)
ALC linearity 2200 MHz, CW, relative to 0 dBm
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Error (dB)
–0.1
–0.2
–0.3
–20 –15 –10 –5 0 5 10
Amplitude (dB)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev
(1 σ)
0
Error (dB)
–0.1
–0.2
–0.3
–20 –15 –10 –5 0 5 10
Amplitude (dB)
ALC linearity 3500 MHz, CW, relative to 0 dBm
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Error (dB)
–0.1
–0.2
–0.3
–20 –15 –10 –5 0 5 10
Amplitude (dB)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev
(1 σ)
Linearity measures the accuracy of small changes while the attenuator is held in a steady state. This is useful for fine resolution changes.
ALC linearity 5800 MHz, CW, relative to 0 dBm
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Error (dB)
–0.1
–0.2
–0.3
–25 –20 –15 –10 –5 0 5
Amplitude (dB)
Upper std dev (1 σ)
Mean
Lower std dev
(1 σ)
9
User flatness correction
Number of points 1601
Number of tables Dependent on available free memory in instrument
Digital sweep modes
Operating modes Step sweep (evenly spaced amplitude steps)
List sweep (arbitrary list of amplitude steps)
Can also simultaneously sweep frequency. See frequency section for more detail.
Sweep range Within instrument amplitude range
Dwell time 100 µs to 100 s
Number of points 2 to 65535 (step sweep) 1 to 1601 (list sweep)
Step change Linear
Triggering Free run, trigger key, external, timer, bus (GPIB, LAN, USB)
1. Harmonics, sub-harmonics, and non-harmonics outside the frequency range of the
instrument are typical.
2. Calculated from phase noise performance in CW mode at +10 dBm. For other frequencies,
data rates, or bandwidths, please consult your sales representative.
11
Analog Modulation
Frequency modulation
(Option UNT)
Max deviation N times 10 MHz (nom)
Resolution 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, which ever is greater (nom)
Deviation accuracy
[1 kHz rate, deviation
is N x 100 kHz] < ±2% + 20 Hz
Modulation frequency response [at 100 kHz deviation]
1 dB bandwidth 3 dB bandwidth DC coupled DC to 3 MHz (nom) DC to 7 MHz (nom)
AC coupled 5 Hz to 3 MHz (nom) 5 Hz to 7 MHz (nom)
Carrier frequency accuracy < ±0.2% of set deviation
relative to CW in DCFM + (Nx1 Hz)
< ±0.06% of set deviation
+ (Nx1 Hz) (typ)
Distortion [1 kHz rate, deviation is N x 100 kHz] < 0.4%
Sensitivity when using external input +1V peak for indicated
deviation (nom)
1
2
Phase modulation
(Option UNT)
Modulation deviation and frequency response:
Max dev 3 dB bandwidth
Normal BW N times 10 radians (nom) DC to 1 MHz (nom)
High BW mode N time 1 radian (nom) DC to 4 MHz (nom)
Resolution 0.1% of deviation (nom)
Deviation accuracy [1 kHz rate, normal BW mode] < +0.5% + 0.01 rad (typ)
Distortion [1 kHz rate, deviation
normal BW mode] < 0.2% (typ)
Sensitivity when using external input +1V peak for indicated
deviation (nom)
Amplitude modulation
(Option UNT)
AM depth type Linear or exponential
Depth
Maximum 90% Resolution 0.1% of depth (nom) Depth accuracy [1 kHz rate] < ±4% of setting +1% (typ) Modulation rate [3 dB BW]
DC coupled 0 to 10 kHz (typ)
AC coupled 5 Hz to 10 kHz (typ)
Distortion [1 kHz rate] < 2% (typ)
Sensitivity when using external input +1V peak for indicated depth (nom)
1. Specification valid for temperature changes of less than ± 5 °C since last DCFM calibration.
2. Typical performance immediately after a DCFM calibration.
3. AM is specified at carrier frequencies from 500 kHz to 3 GHz, power levels ≤ ±4 dBm,
and depths ≤ 90%.
12
3
Pulse modulation
(Option UNU)
On/Off ratio > 80 dB (typ)
Rise time < 50 ns (typ)
Fall time < 50 ns (typ)
Minimum width
ALC on ≥ 2 µs (typ)
ALC off ≥ 500 ns
Resolution 20 ns (nom)
Pulse repetition frequency
ALC on DC to 500 kHz
ALC off DC to 2 MHz
Level accuracy < 1 dB (typ)
(relative to CW, ALC on or off)
Video feedthrough < 0.5 V (typ)
Pulse overshoot < 15% (typ)
Pulse compression 15 ns (typ)
Pulse delay
Internal delay 50 ns (nom)
External delay 65 ns (nom)
External input
Input impedance 50 ohm (nom)
Level +1Vpeak = ON (nom)
Internal pulse generator
Modes Free-run, square, triggered, adjustable doublet,
trigger doublet, gated, and external pulse
Square wave rate 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz, 0.1 Hz resolution (nom)
Pulse period 500 ns to 42 seconds (nom)
Pulse width 500 ns to pulse period – 10 ns (nom)
Resolution 10 ns (nom)
Adjustable trigger delay: –pulse period + 10 ns to pulse period
to pulse width –10 ns
Settable delay
Free run –3.99 to 3.97 µs
Triggered 0 to 40 s
Resolution
[delay, width, period] 10 ns (nom)
Pulse doublets
1st pulse delay
(relative to sync out) 0 to 42 s – pulse width – 10 ns
1st pulse width 500 ns to 42 s – delay – 10 ns
2nd pulse delay
(relative to pulse 1) 0 to 42 s – (delay1 + width2) – 10 ns
2nd pulse width 20 ns to 42 s – (delay1 + delay2) – 10 ns
1
1. Pulse specifications apply to frequencies > 10 MHz.
13
Internal analog modulation source
(Option UNT)
Waveform Sine
Rate range 100 mHz to 2 MHz
Resolution 1 mHz
Frequency accuracy Same as RF reference source (nom)
All modulation types (FM, AM, φM and pulse modulation) may be simultaneously
enabled except: FM and phase modulation can not be combined; two modulation
types can not be simultaneously generated using the same modulation source.
For example, AM and FM can run concurrently and will modulate the output RF.
This is useful for simulating signal impairments.
1. If AM or pulse modulation are on then phase and FM specifications do not apply
14
General Characteristics
Remote programming
Interfaces GPIB IEEE-488.2, 1987 with listen and talk
LAN 100BaseT LAN interface, LXI class C compliant
USB Version 2.0
Control languages SCPI Version 1997.0
Compatibility languages supporting a subset of common commands
Agilent Technologies E4438C, E4428C, E442xB, E443xB, E8241A,
E8244A, E8251A, E8254A, E8247C, E8257C/D,
E8267C/D, 8648 series, 8656B, E8663B, 8657A/B
Aeroflex Incorporated 3410 series
Rohde & Schwarz SMU200A, SMJ100A, SMATE200A, SMIQ,
SML, SMV
Power requirements100 to 120 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz 220 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz 250 W maximum
Operating temperature range 0 to 55 °C
Storage temperature range –40 to 70 °C
Operating and storage altitude 15,000 feet
Environmental stress Samples of this product have been type tested in
accordance with the Agilent Environmental Test
Manual and verified to be robust against the
environmental stresses of Storage, Transportation
and End-use; those stresses include but are not
limited to temperature, humidity, shock, vibration,
altitude and power line conditions. Test Methods
are aligned with IEC 60068-2 and levels are similar
to MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3.
SafetyComplies with European Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
• IEC/EN 61010-1
• Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1
• USA: UL 61010-1
EMCComplies with European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
• IEC/EN 61326
• CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, class A
• AS/NZS CISPR 11:2002
• ICES/NMB-001
MemoryMemory is shared by instrument states, sweep list files, and other files. There is 512 MB of
flash memory available in the N5181A MXG.
Depending on how the memory is utilized, a
maximum of 1000 instrument states can be saved.
Security (Option 006)Memory sanitizing, memory sanitizing on power on, and display blanking
Self testInternal diagnostic routines test most modules in a preset condition. For each module, if its node
voltages are within acceptable limits, the
module “passes” the test.
1
1. Firmware version A.01.10 and later.
15
Weight ≤ 12.5 kg (27.5 lb.) net, ≤ 27.2 kg (60 lb.) shipping
Dimensions 103 mm H x 426 mm W x 432 mm L
[4.07 in H x 16.8 in W x 17 in L]
Recommended
calibration cycle 24 months
ISO compliant The Agilent N5181A MXG is manufactured in an ISO-9001
registered facility in concurrence with Agilent Technologies’
commitment to quality.
Front panel connectors
1
R F output Outputs the RF signal via a precision N type female connector.
USB 2.0 Used with a memory stick for transferring instrument
states, licenses and other files into or out of the instrument.
Licenses can only be transferred into the instrument.
For a current list of supported memory sticks, visit
www.agilent.com/find/MXG, click on Technical Support, and refer to FAQs: Waveform Downloads and Storage.
Rear panel connectors
1
RF output (Option 1EM) Outputs the RF signal via a precision N type female connector.
Sweep out Generates output voltage, 0 to +10 V when the signal
generator is sweeping. This output can also be programmed
to indicate when the source is settled or output pulse
video and is TTL and CMOS compatible in this mode.
Output impedance < 1 Ω, can drive 2k Ω. Damage levels
are ±15 V.
AM External AM input. Nominal input impedance is 50 Ω.
Damage levels are ± 5 V.
FM External FM input. Nominal input impedance is 50 Ω.
Damage levels are ± 5 V.
Pulse External pulse modulation input. This input is TTL and
CMOS compatible. Low logic levels are 0 V and high logic
levels are +1 V. Nominal input impedance is 50 Ω. Input
damage levels are ≤ –0.3 V and ≥ +5.3 V.
1. All connectors are BNC unless otherwise noted.
16
Trigger in Accepts TTL and CMOS level signals for triggering
point-to-point in sweep mode. Damage levels are ≤ –0.3 V
and ≥ +5.3 V.
Trigger out Outputs a TTL and CMOS compatible level signal for use
with sweep mode. The signal is high at start of dwell, or
when waiting for point trigger in manual sweep mode; low
when dwell is over or point trigger is received. This output
can also be programmed to indicate when the source is
settled, pulse synchronization, or pulse video. Nominal
output impedance 50 ohms. Input damage levels are
≤ –0.3 V and ≥ +5.3 V.
Reference input Accepts a 10 MHz reference signal used to frequency lock
the internal timebase. Option 1ER adds the capability to
lock to a frequency from 1 MHz to 50 MHz. Nominal input
level -3.5 to +20 dBm, impedance 50 Ω.
10 MHz out Outputs the 10 MHz reference signal used by internal
timebase. Level nominally +3.9 dBm. Nominal output
impedance 50 Ω. Input damage level is +16 dBm.
USB 2.0 The USB connector provides remote programming
functions via SCPI.
LAN (100 BaseT) The LAN connector provides the same SCPI remote
programming functionality as the GPIB connector. The LAN
connector is also used to access the internal web server
and FTP server. The LAN supports DHCP, sockets SCPI,
VXI-11 SCPI, connection monitoring, dynamic hostname
services, TCP keep alive. This interface is LXI class C
compliant.
GPIB The GPIB connector provides remote programming
functionality via SCPI.
17
Ordering Information
Frequency 501 Frequency range from 250 kHz to 1 GHz
503 Frequency range from 250 kHz to 3 GHz
506 Frequency range from 250 kHz to 6 GHz
Performance UNZ Fast switching
enhancements 1EQ Low power (<-110 dBm)
UNU Pulse modulation
UNT AM, FM, phase modulation
006 Instrument security
1ER Flexible reference input (1-50 MHz)
1EM Move RF output to rear panel
UK6 Commercial calibration certificate with test data
Accessories 1CM Rackmount kit
1CN Front handle kit
1CP Rackmount and front handle kit
1CR Rack slide kit
18
Related Literature
Application literature
• RF Source Basics, a self-paced tutorial (CD-ROM), literature number 5980-2060E.
• Improving Throughput with Fast RF Signal Generator Switching,
literature number 5989-5487EN
• Digital Modulation in Communications Systems-An Introduction,
Application Note 1298, literature number 5965-7160E.
• Testing CDMA Base Station Amplifiers, Application Note 1307,
literature number 5967-5486E.
Product literature
• Agilent MXG Signal Generator, Brochure, literature number 5989-5074EN
• Agilent MXG Signal Generator, Configuration Guide, literature number 5989-5485EN
• Agilent N5182A vector signal generator, Data Sheet, literature number 5989-5261EN
19
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