MXG Analog Signal Generator
Express Confi gurations
N5181AEP MXG RF Analog (100 kHz to 1, 3 or 6 GHz)
N5183AEP MXG MW Analog (100 kHz to 20 GHz)
Technical Overview
When you just can’t wait, get the same great
Agilent MXG analog signal generators—faster
When You Just Can’t Wait ...
Sometimes the best
answer is a great tool at
the right time
Six express models are
available: CXA and EXA
signal analyzers, RF and
microwave MXG analog
signal generators, and
two ENA Series network
analyzers.
• Preloaded with popular
features
• Ready for off-the-shelf
delivery from authorized
distributors
• Included features are
value priced
It’s an unbeatable combination: Save time and
money while keeping your
project or production line
moving.
A great tool at the right time is often the best solution. That’s why
Agilent offers preconfigured RF and microwave instruments that are
ready for off-the-shelf delivery from our authorized distributors.
Six express models are available: CXA and EXA signal analyzers, RF and
microwave MXG analog signal generators, and two ENA Series network
analyzers. Preloaded with popular features, the express configurations
deliver the same specifications and functionality as Agilent’s build-to-order
instruments. They also provide the same level of upgradeability, ensuring
that they—and you—can evolve as your test needs change.
Best of all, the included features are value priced. It’s an unbeatable combination: Save time and money while keeping your project or production line
moving.
(www.agilent.com/find/express)
2
Make an Impact with Optimized Signal Generation
Accuracy, repeatability and reliability are essential to the testing of communication systems, receivers and components.
That’s why Agilent MXG signal generators have been optimized to meet the needs of product designers in R&D and test
engineers in manufacturing.
There are two express MXG analog signal generators, one RF and one microwave. The express MXG RF analog signal
generator is ideal for component design and production verification up to 6 GHz with included expanded license key
upgradeability and AM/FM/phase modulation, plus optional pulse modulation. The express MXG microwave analog has
a maximum frequency of 20 GHz and is optimized for manufacturing with included step attenuator and AM/FM/phase
modulation, plus optional narrow pulse modulation. High output power is optional on both the RF and microwave models.
Key specificationsExpress MXG RF analogExpress MXG microwave analog
Frequency range100 kHz to 1, 3 or 6 GHz100 kHz to 20 GHz
Non-harmonics–56 dBc (typical)–50 dBc (> 2 to 20 GHz)
Create precise RF reference signals with MXG RF analog
The MXG RF analog signal generator
is optimized to provide the accurate
and repeatable reference signals
needed on an R&D bench or the production line. With scalable RF performance, the MXG is easily configured
to meet your needs in a wide range of
applications: local oscillator (LO) and
clock substitution; continuous wave
(CW) interferers; power calibration;
antenna testing; and analog communication systems that use AM, FM
or phase modulation.
Enhance testing at microwave frequencies with with express MXG microwave analog
The MXG microwave analog signal
generator covers 100 kHz to 20
GHz and delivers the performance
needed for the testing of broadband
components, radar and military communications systems. Excellent power
and level accuracy provide a reliable
stimulus that can drive high-power
devices. Typical applications include
LO substitution, blocker/interferer
signals and antenna testing (as transmitting source).
3
Address Your Immediate Needs with Built-In Capabilities
Both express MXG models are pre-configured with the key features most commonly included in a build-to-order
instrument. This ensures that you’re getting a great tool that provides the functionality you need today—and is
easily upgradable if you want to add features tomorrow. The table summarizes the capabilities included in the RF and
microwave versions of the express MXG.
Express modelIncluded capability
Express MXG RF analog and
Express MXG microwave analog
Express MXG RF analog
Express MXG microwave analog
AM/FM/phase modulation: Generates internally or externally driven
AM, FM and PM signals. Especially useful when testing analog communication
systems.
Expanded license key upgradeability: Contains the hardware
required to enable fast, easy performance upgrades with the purchase of
the appropriate license key (equivalent to N5181A-099; not required for
N5183AEP).
Step attenuator: Provides calibrated output levels down to –130 dBm while
maintaining level accuracy that is superior to higher-priced instruments. Useful
when testing the selectivity and sensitivity of receivers expected to acquire
extremely low-power signals.
Pre-configured
with the most
common features
in a build-to-order
instrument
Express MXG analog signal generators cover a wide range of applications
including local oscillator (LO) and clock substitution; continuous wave (CW)
interferers; power calibration; antenna testing; and analog communication
systems that use AM, FM or phase modulation.
4
Enhance Your Signal Generator with Optional Features
In addition to the pre-configured features, you can tailor your express MXGs with two optional capabilities. One of the
options enhances instrument performance with high output power. The other options add instrument functionality for
pulse modulation or narrow pulse modulation.
Performance
Available on both N5181AEP and
N5183AEP.
• Increases the output power
level to +23 dBm up to 3 GHz
for N5181AEP and to +18 dBm
from 3.2 to 20 GHz for N5183AEP.
• Additional output power can be
used to compensate for path
losses from system components
or effectively characterize
transceivers.
• Common test applications include:
High output power
(Option 1EA)
P
◦ Verification of amplifier linearity
◦ Generation of blocking and
interference signals
◦ Characterization of transceiver
maximum input level
Functionality
Pulse modulation
(Option UNU)
F
Available on N5181AEP.
• Adds pulse modulation with
variable pulse width, fast rise/fall
times, variable repetition rate up to
2 MHz and 80 dB on/off ratio.
• Recommended for the testing of RF
radar, communication and control
systems that use pulse modulation
or experience pulse-modulated
interference when deployed.
• Typical applications include:
◦ Testing of components and
power amplifiers with CW pulses
◦ Testing of antennas and radar
receivers with modulated pulses
◦ Generation of interference
signals
Functionality
Narrow pulse
modulation
F
Available on N5183AEP.
• Adds narrow pulse modulation
variable pulse widths, fast rise/fall
times, variable repetition rate up to
10 MHz and > 80 dB on/off ratio.
• Recommended for the testing of
microwave radar, communication
and control systems that use
pulse modulation or experience
pulse-modulated interference when
deployed.
• Typical applications include:
◦ Testing of components and
◦ Testing of antennas and radar
◦ Generation of interference
(Option UNW)
power amplifiers with CW
pulses
receivers with modulated pulses
signals
The express MXGs are optimized to provide the accurate and repeatable reference
signals needed on an R&D bench or the production line. All of this capability fits into
just two rack units (2RU), saving valuable rack space.
5
Confi gure Your MXG Analog Signal Generator
It takes just two steps to tailor an express MXG to meet your requirements. The first step is to select the frequency range.
The second step is to add optional capabilities, if needed.
Express MXG RF analog
Step 1. Select maximum frequency (choose one; includes expanded license key upgradeability)
Model numberFrequency rangeIncluded capabilitiesEquivalent build-to-order model:
N5181A-501 with
N5181AEP-001100 kHz to 1 GHzAM/FM/phase modulation
N5181AEP-002100 kHz to 3 GHzAM/FM/phase modulation
N5181AEP-003100 kHz to 6 GHzAM/FM/phase modulation
Step 2. Add optional features (choose up to two)
Option numberDescriptionNotes
N5181AEP-1EAHigh output powerProvides +23 dBm of output power, often eliminating the need for an external
power amplifier; excellent level accuracy enables precise characterization of
devices
N5181AEP-UNUPulse modulationAdds the capability to generate pulse-modulated signals; pulse parameters
such as pulse width and repetition rate can be set internally or controlled by
an external source
Options UNT and 099
N5181A-503 with
Options UNT and 099
N5181A-506 with
Options UNT and 099
Express MXG microwave analog
Step 1. Select maximum frequency (choose one; includes expanded license key upgradeability)
Model numberFrequency rangeIncluded capabilitiesEquivalent build-to-order model:
N5183AEP100 kHz to 20 GHzAM/FM/pulse modulation step
attenuator
N5183A-520 with
Options UNT and 1E1
Step 2. Add optional features
Option numberDescriptionNotes
N5183AEP-1EAHigh output powerProvides +18 dBm of output power, often eliminating the need for an external
power amplifier; excellent level accuracy enables precise characterization of
devices
N5183AEP-UNWNarrow pulse
modulation
Adds the capability to generate pulse-modulated signals with pulse width as
narrow as 20 ns; pulse parameters such as pulse width and repetition rate can
be set from the front panel
6
Specifi cations
Express N5181AEP MXG RF and N5183AEP MXG microwave analog configurations
For detailed specifications, refer to the N5181A MXG RF Analog Signal Generator Data Sheet, literature number
5989-5311EN. For detailed specifications, refer to the N5183A MXG Microwave Analog Signal Generator Data Sheet,
literature number 5989-7572EN.
N5181AEP MXG RF analog signal
generator express configuration
Frequency range100 kHz to 1, 3 or 6 GHz100 kHz to 20 GHz; performance below
Frequency switching speedTime 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; additional time may be required for the amplitude to settle within 0.2 dB
when switching to or from frequencies < 500 kHz
Type (standard)
SCPI mode≤ 5 ms (typ)
List/step sweep mode≤ 5 ms (typ)
Internal time base reference
oscillator aging rate
External reference input
frequency
Output powerQuoted specifications between 20 and
30 °C. Maximum output power typically
decreases by 0.04 dB/°C for temperatures
outside this range. Minimum output power:
110 dBm
Aging rate is determined by design as a function of the TCXO
and is not specified < ± 1 ppm/yr (nom)
Standard (fixed): 10 MHz ±10 Hz
N5183AEP MXG analog signal
generator express configuration
250 kHz is unspecified, except as indicated
Quoted specifications between 15 and 35 °C.
Maximum output power typically decreases
by 0.2 dB/°C for temperatures outside this
range. Minimum output power: –90 dBm
(settable to –130 dBm)
7
Specifi cations, Continued
Express N5181AEP MXG RF and N5183AEP MXG microwave analog configurations
N5181AEPN5183AEP
Maximum
output power
RangeStandardOption 1EA
100 to 250 kHz+13 dBm+15 dBm+11 dBm+14 dBm
> 100 kHz to 50 MHz+13 dBm+15 dBm——
> 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz ——+11 dBm+15 dBm
> 50 MHz to 3.0 GHz+13 dBm+23 dBm——
> 3.0 to 5.0 GHz+13 dBm+17 dBm——
> 5.0 GHz+11 dBm+16 dBm——
> 3.2 MHz to 20 GHz——+11 dBm+18 dBm
Amplitude switching
speed
TypeStandardStandard
SCPI mode≤ 5 ms (typ)≤ 2 ms (typ)
List/step sweep mode ≤ 5 ms (typ)≤ 2 ms (typ)
Time from receipt of SCPI command or
trigger signal to amplitude settled within
0.2 dB; switching speed specifications apply
when status register updates are off; quoted
specifications between 20 and 30 °C; for
temperatures outside this range, absolute
level accuracy degrades by 0.005 dB/°C for
frequencies ≤ 4.5 GHz and 0.01 dB/°C for
frequencies > 4.5 GHz
Performance below 250 kHz is unspecified except as indicated.
StandardOption 1EA
(high output power)
Time from receipt of SCPI command or
trigger signal to amplitude settled within
0.2 dB; specification does not apply when
switching from and to amplitudes where
ALC levels are < 0 dB
(high output power)
8
Specifi cations, Continued
Express N5181AEP MXG RF and N5183AEP MXG microwave analog configurations
N5181AEPN5183AEP
Absolute level
accuracy (ALC on)
Frequency range+23 to –60 dBm< –60 to –110 dBm> + 10 to –10 dBm –10 to –75 dBm –75 to –90 dBm
100 kHz to 250 kHz±0.6 dB±1.0 dB———
> 250 kHz to 1 MHz±0.6 dB±0.7 dB———
250 kHz to 2 GHz——±0.6 dB±1.4 dB—
> 1 MHz to 1 GHz±0.6 dB±0.7 dB———
> 1 to 3 GHz±0.6 dB±0.8 dB———
> 2 to 20 GHz——±0.9 dB±1.0 dB±1.6 dB
> 3 to 4 GHz±0.7 dB±0.8 dB———
> 4 to 6 GHz±0.8 dB±1.1 dB———
Spectral puritySingle sideband phase noise (at 20 kHz offset)
Or maximum specified output power,
whichever is lower. Quoted specifications
between 20 °C and 30 °C. For
temperatures outside this range,
absolute level accuracy degrades by
0.005 dB/°C for frequencies ≤ 4.5 GHz
and 0.01 dB/°C for frequencies > 4.5 GHz.
Output power may drift up to .003 dB per
g/Kg change in specific humidity (nom)
Level accuracy applies from –20 dBm to maximum
output power between 15 °C and 35 °C; for
temperatures outside this range, absolute level
accuracy degraded by 0.01 dB/°C for frequencies
≤ 4.5 GHz and 0.02 dB/°C for frequencies
> 4.5 GHz; specifications do not apply above
the maximum specified power
N5183AEP MXG microwave analog signal generator only
N5183AEP only
Absolute level accuracy with
step attenuator (dB)Equivalent to N5183A-1E1
Frequency range> + 10 dBm+10 to –10 dBm < –10 to –75 dBm < –75 to –90 dBm
250 kHz to 2 GHz±0.6 dB±0.6 dB±0.7 dB±1.4 dB
> 2 to 20 GHz±0.9 dB±0.9 dB±1.0 dB±1.6 dB
> 20 to 40 GHz±1.0 dB±0.9 dB±1.1 dB±2.0 dB
9
Specifi cations, Continued
N5181AEP single sideband phase noise optimized signal-to-noise floor mode
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
-120
-130
-140
-150
-160
-170
1.E+011.E+021.E+031.E+041.E+051.E+061.E+071.E+08
L(f) [dBc/Hz] vs. f[Hz]
1. Signal-to-noise optimized mode will improve broadband noise floor. In this mode, other specifications
may not apply. Applies to instrument serial number prefix 4818xxxx or above.
5.8 GHz
3.5 GHz
2.2 GHz
1.9 GHz
1 GHz
850 MHz
N5183AEP single sideband phase noise
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
–160
–170
1010010001000010000010000001E+071E+08
L(f) [dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz]
20 GHz
10 GHz
1 GHz
10
Specifi cations, Continued
N5181AEPN5183AEP
Analog modulation
Frequency
bands
BandFrequency rangeNFrequency rangeN
1100 kHz to < 250 MHz1100 kHz to < 250 MHz1
2250 to < 375 MHz0.25250 to < 375 MHz0.25
3375 to < 750 MHz0.5375 to < 750 MHz0.5
4750 to < 1500 MHz1750 to < 1500 MHz1
51500 to < 3000.001 MHz21.5 to < 3.0 GHz2
63000.001 to 6000 MHz43.0 to < 6.0 GHz4
7——6.0 to < 12.0 GHz8
8——12.0 to < 20.0 GHz16
Frequency
modulation
Max deviationN x 10 MHz (nom)N x 10 MHz (nom)
Modulation
frequency
response
(at 100 kHz
deviation)
DC coupledDC to 3 MHz (nom) DC to 7 MHz (nom)DC to 3 MHz (nom) DC to 7 MHz (nom)
AC coupled5 Hz to 3 MHz (nom)5 Hz to 7 MHz (nom)5 Hz to 3 MHz (nom)5 Hz to 7 MHz (nom)
Phase
modulation
Modulation
deviation and
frequency
response
Normal BWN x 5 radians (nom) DC to 1 MHz (nom)N x 5 radians (nom) DC to 1 MHz (nom)
High BW mode N x 0.5 radians (nom)DC to 4 MHz (nom)N x 0.5 radians (nom)DC to 4 MHz (nom)
Amplitude
modulation
Maximum depth 100%90%
Modulation rate
(3 dB BW)
N is a factor used to define certain
specifications in the document
N is a factor used to define certain FM and ΦM
specifications in the instrument
N5181AEPN5183AEP
Equivalent to N5181A-UNTEquivalent to N5183A-UNT
1 dB bandwidth3 dB bandwidth1 dB bandwidth3 dB bandwidth
Equivalent to N5181A-UNTEquivalent to N5183A-UNT
Max deviation3 dB bandwidthMax deviation3 dB bandwidth
AM is specified at carrier frequencies from
1 MHz to 3 GHz, power levels ≤ +4 dBm, and
with ALC on and envelope peaks within ALC
operating range (–20 dBm to maximum specified
power, excluding step-attenuator setting);
equivalent to N5181A-UNT
• DC coupled: 0 to 10 kHz (typ)
• AC coupled: 5 Hz to 10 kHz (typ)
AM is specified at carrier frequencies > 2 MHz,
ALC on, and when AM envelope does not exceed
max power or go below –15 dBm for Option 520;
equivalent to N5183A-UNT
The MXG delivers the performance you require for a wide variety of broadband measurements in a compact, 2U-high package, making it a particularly
useful tool for RF and microwave component and system manufacturing test
applications, including LO and clock substitution, continuous wave (CW)
interferers, power calibration, antenna testing, and analog communication
systems that use AM, FM or phase modulation.
Every microwave engineer knows that as frequencies go up, so do power
losses through cables, switches, filters, and other components in your test
system. The MXG helps to overcome those losses and provide adequate
power to your device.
Demanding schedules require that modern test systems deliver high measurement throughput. The MXGs delivers a fast, reliable stimulus.
Every element of the MXG is designed to maximize uptime and reduce your
cost of ownership, from a simplified design that delivers high reliability to
cost- and time-effective tools for easy self-maintenance. The MXG has 100%
internal diagnostic capability and is composed of a few easily replaceable,
pre-calibrated assemblies that minimize any potential downtime to less than
1 working day.
The MXG enables you to extend the life of your automated test systems
without losing your significant investment in software. With compatibility
languages for the signal generators on the previous pages, the MXG makes
it easy to refresh your existing test systems.
Defi nitions and conditions
Specification (spec): Represents
warranted performance 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).
13
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.
www.agilent.com
www.agilent.com/find/express-sg
Agilent Email Updates
www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates
Get the latest information on the
products and applications you select.
www.lxistandard.org
LAN eXtensions for Instruments puts
the power of Ethernet and the Web
inside your test systems. Agilent
is a founding member of the LXI
consortium.
Agilent Channel Partners
www. agilent.com/find/channelpartners
Get the best of both worlds: Agilent’s
measurement expertise and product
breadth, combined with channel
partner convenience.
Agilent Advantage Services is committed
to your success throughout your equipment’s lifetime. To keep you competitive,
we continually invest in tools and
processes that speed up calibration and
repair and reduce your cost of ownership.
You can also use Infoline Web Services
to manage equipment and services more
effectively. By sharing our measurement
and service expertise, we help you create
the products that change our world.
www.agilent.com/find/advantageservices
www.agilent.com/quality
For more information on Agilent
Technologies’ products, applications or
services, please contact your local Agilent
office. The complete list is available at:
www.agilent.com/find/contactus
Americas
Canada (877) 894 4414
Brazil (11) 4197 3500
Mexico 01800 5064 800
United States (800) 829 4444
Asia Pacific
Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 112 929
Japan 0120 (421) 345
Korea 080 769 0800
Malaysia 1 800 888 848
Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
Other AP Countries (65) 375 8100