Keysight N5171B Selection Guide

Signal Generator Selection Guide

SELECTION

GUIDE

Introduction

Keysight Technologies, Inc. offers the widest selection of signal
generators from baseband to 67 GHz, with frequency extensions
to 1.1 THz. From basic to advanced functionality, each signal
generator delivers benchmark performance in its class to
address the requirements in design and manufacture of radio
transceivers and their components; and applications ranging
from low-frequency navigation signals, through cellular mobile
radio, to millimeter wave radar, and satellite systems. Each offers
synthesized frequency accuracy and stability, excellent calibrated
level accuracy, and remote programmability.

Frequency coverage for Keysight signal generators

9 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 3 GHz 6 GHz 10 GH z 40 GHz 44 GHz 70 GHz

Microwave signal generators

UXG agile

UXG vector adapter

PSG MW vector

PSG MW analog

MXG MW analog

Modulation capabilities var y from general-purpose AM, FM and
digital I/Q to standard-specific formats such as GSM, W-CDMA,
HSPA, LTE, LTE-Advanced, GPS, and WLAN. Keysight provides
signal generators in multiple form factors, including benchtop
and modular PXI.

This selection guide provides an overview and side-by-side
comparisons to help you determine which signal generator is
right for you. It is intended to supplement online selection tools
available at www.keysight.com/find/sg.

EXG MW analog

RF signal generators

PSG RF analog

MXG RF vector

Benchtop

MXG RF analog

EXG RF vector

EXG RF analog

N9310A RF analog

Baseband products

Baseband generator and channel emulator1Up to 160 MHz

Digital interface module Up to 400 MHz (serial mode); up to 200 MHz (parallel mode)

PXI RF vector

PXI CW

Modular

1. Additional high-performance baseband arbitrar y waveform generators with up to 5 GHz analog bandwidth can be found at:

www.keysight.com/find/arbs

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 2

Product Categories

Benchtop and modular PXI signal generators

Benchtop signal generators are well-suited for R&D or design
verification, where analysis and troubleshooting benefit from
interactive analysis. Benchtop models range from RF to micro­wave with a broad range of capabilities so you can select which
generator best suites your needs.

Modular PXI signal generators are ideal for applications that
require multi-channel measurement capabilities, fast measure­ment speed, and a small footprint. They also offer scalability and
flexibility to configure solutions with a shared processor, chassis
and other modular instruments. The PXI vector signal generator
can be used with the same software applications as bench top
signal generators, providing measurement consistency and
compatibility throughout the product development cycle.

Vector signal generators

Vector signal generators or digital signal generators have a built­in I/Q modulator to upconvert complex modulation formats such
as QPSK and 1024QAM. When combined with an IQ baseband
generator, virtually any signal can be
emulated and transmitted within the information
bandwidth supported by the system.

Analog signal generators

Analog signal generators supply sinusoidal continuous wave (CW)

signals with optional capability to add AM, FM, ΦM and pulse

modulation. The maximum frequency range for analog signal
generators spans from RF to microwave. Most generators feature
step/list sweep modes for
passive device characterization or calibration.

Agile signal generators

Agile signal generators are optimized for speed to quickly change
frequency, amplitude, and phase of the signal. They also have the
unique capability to be phase coherent at all frequencies, all of
the time. This attribute, along with extensive pulse modulation
and wideband chirp capabilities, is ideal for electronic warfare
(EW) and radar applications.

Key Specifications Comparison .......................................... 4

Application and Software Comparison .............................. 6

Signal Studio Software ........................................................ 7

Benchtop

PSG signal generators .................................................... 8

X-Series signal generators ........................................... 10

RF analog signal generator .......................................... 13

Baseband generator and interface module................. 14

Modular

PXI signal generators .................................................... 15

Migrating from Legacy Signal Generators ....................... 17

Baseband generator and channel emulator

Baseband generators (BBG) output complex I/Q signals such as
QPSK, and can have several modes of operation:

– Waveform playback mode to play repetitive signals for

component testing

– Real-time mode to transmit non-repeating/dynamic signals

for receiver test

– Digital IQ input or output mode to stimulate FPGAs, DACs or

ADCs

Channel emulators are used to simulate the medium through
which RF waves propagate. They can replicate multi-path and
multi-channel fading for SISO or MIMO transceivers typically
used to test the sensitivity, throughput or function of devices
under test.

Signal creation software

Signal creation software products enable the generation of a
wide range of application-specific test signals using vector signal
generators. They can easily create signals
to evaluate the performance of radio designs and the
components that comprise them under various parametric
and functional test conditions at baseband, RF and microwave
frequencies. Keysight’s Signal Studio software runs on a PC and
embedded software runs directly on the
signal generator.

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 03

Key Specifications Comparison— Agile and Vector Signal Generators

Benchtop Modular

Specifications UXG UXG vector PSG MW MXG RF EXG RF PXI RF

Model number N5193 A N5194A E8267D N5182B N5172B M93 81A

Performance ***** ***** ***** **** *** ****

Frequency range (min. to max.) 10 MHz to 40 GHz 50 MHz to 20 GHz 100 kHz to 44 GHz 9 kHz to 6 GHz 9 kHz to 6 GHz 1 MHz to 6 GHz

Frequency switching (list mode) 370 ns 9 ms 800 µs 800 µs < 10 to 240 µs

Sweep mode Normal, list, fast CW Streaming, chirp Step, list, ramp Step, list Step, list Step, list

Output power (minimum) -130 dBm -12 0 dB m –130 dB m –144 d Bm –14 4 dB m –13 0 dB m

Output power
(maximum; at 1 GHz)

Level accuracy (at 1 GHz) ±1.5 dB ±2.5 dB ± 0.8 dB (at 20 GHz) ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB ± 0.4 dB

SSB phase noise
(at 1 GHz; 20 kHz offset)

Harmonics (at 1 GHz) –50 dBc -60 dBc –55 dBc –35 dBc –35 dBc –34 dBc

Non-harmonics (at 1 GHz) –70 dBc -72 dBc –88 dBc –96 dBc –72 dBc –70 dBc nominal

AM rate DC to 10 MHz N/A DC to 100 kHz DC to 50 kHz DC to 50 kHz 6.2 MHz

FM deviation (maximum) 5% of carrier frequency

PM phase deviation
(maximum in normal mode)

Narrow pulse width 10 ns 2 ns 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns

EVM (LTE) N/A N/A 0.8% 0.2% 0.2% 0.32%; 0.25% @

ACPR (3GPP W-CDMA TM1 64 DPCH) N /A N/A –64 dBc

Internal baseband generator RF BW N/A 1.6 GHz 80 MHz 160 MHz 120 MHz 160 MHz

External I/Q modulator RF BW N/A N /A Up to 2 GHz Up to

Waveform playback memory N/A Waveform

Baseband generator mode N/A Standard Waveform playback

Phase coherent frequency switching

Wide chirp capability

Pulse descriptor word capability

+10 dBm +11 dBm +22 dBm (at 20 GHz) +24 dBm +21 dBm +19 dBm

–14 4 dBc/Hz
(at 10 kHz offset)

or 600 MHz, whichever
is less

5% of (carrier frequency)/
(modulation frequency)
or 600 MHz/(modulation

frequency) or 12π,

whichever is less

Standard 1.6 GHz

10% of carrier
frequency

Standard Standard

-14 4 dBm/Hz –143 dBc/Hz
(at 10 kHz offset)

N/A 1 to 128 MHz 1 to 16 MHz 2.5 to 40 MHz 1.24 MHz

N/A 1 to 800 rad 0.5 to 8 rad 1.25 to 20 rad 10 r ads

(16QAM, 10 GHz)

64 Msa 1024 Msa 512 Msa 1024 MSa

playback and
real-time

and real-time IQ

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Standard

N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A

–146 dBc/Hz –12 2 dBc/Hz –122 dB c/Hz

900 MHz

–73 dBc –73 dBc –70 dBc

200 MHz

Waveform
playback
and real-time

Up to
200 MHz

Waveform
playback
and real-time

N/A

Waveform
playback

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 04

Key Specifications Comparison—Analog Signal Generators

Benchtop Modular

Specifications PSG MW MXG MW EXG MW PSG RF MXG RF EXG RF RF PXI CW

source

Model number E8257D N5183B N5173B E8663D N5181B N5171B N9310A M9380A

Performance ***** **** **** **** **** *** ** **

Frequency range
(min. to max.)

Frequency switching
(list mode)

Sweep mode list, step,

Output power (minimum) –135 dBm –130 dB m –130 d Bm –13 5 dBm –14 4 dBm –144 dBm –127 dBm –130 dBm

Output power
(at 1 GHz)

Level accuracy ± 0.8 dB

SSB phase noise (1 GHz,
20 kHz of fset)

Harmonics
(at 1 GHz)

Non-harmonics
(at 1 GHz)

AM rate DC to

FM deviation
(maximum)

PM phase deviation
(maximum, in normal mode)

Narrow pulse width 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns 20 ns 100 µs N/A

100 kHz to
70 GHz

9 ms 600 µs 600 µs 9 ms 800 µs 800 µs 10 ms 5 ms

ramp

+26 dBm
(at 20 GHz)

(at 20 GHz)

–126 dB c/Hz
(at 10 GHz,
10 kHz offset)

–55 dBc –55 dBc

–88 dBc –10 0 dB c –72 dBc –88 dBc –96 dBc –72 dBc –50 dBc –70 dBc

100 kHz

1 to
128 MHz

1 to
128 0 rad

9 kHz to
40 GHz

list, step list, step list, step,

+20 dBm
(at 20 GHz)

± 0.7 dB
(at 10 GHz)

–124 dBc/Hz
(at 10 GHz)

(at 10 GHz)

DC to
100 kHz

1 to
128 MHz

0.5 to
64 rad

9 kHz to
40 GHz

+20 dBm
(at 20 GHz)

± 0.7 dB
(at 10 GHz)

–101 dB c/Hz
(at 10 GHz)

–55 dBc
(at 10 GHz)

DC to
100 kHz

2.5 to
320 MHz

1.25 to
160 rad

100 kHz to
9 GHz

ramp

+23 dBm +24 dBm +21 dBm +13 d Bm +19 dBm

± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB ± 1.0 dB ± 0.4 dB

–14 3 dBc/Hz
(at 10 kHz
offset)

–55 dBc –35 dBc –35 dBc –30 dBc –29 dBc

DC to
100 kHz

1 to
16 MHz

1 to
160 rad

9 kHz to
6 GHz

list, step list, step list, step N/A

–146 dBc/Hz –122 dBc/Hz –95 dBc/Hz –122 dBc/Hz

DC to
50 kHz

1 to
16 MHz

0.5 to
8 rad

9 kHz to
6 GHz

DC to
50 kHz

2.5 to
40 MHz

1.25 to
20 rad

9 kHz to
3 GHz

20 Hz to
20 kHz

100 kHz N/A

10 rad N/A

1 MHz to
6 GHz

N/A

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 05

Applications, Core Capabilities, and Software Comparison

Benchtop Modular Benchtop

Applications and signal
creation software

Instrument embedded capabilities

USB power meter

Step/list sweep

Ramp sweep

AM, FM, PM, pulse

LF function generator

Real-time custom modulation
(PSK, QAM, FSK)

Phase noise impairments

Multitone, NPR

Noise (AWGN)

Pulse Train

BERT

SystemVue, MATLAB

Real-time fading

Signal Studio software

Cellular communications

LTE & LTE-Advanced FDD/TDD,
W-CDMA/HSPA+, cdma2000®,
1xEV-DO, GSM/EDGE/Evo,
TD-SCDMA

Wireless networking

WLAN 802.11a/b/g/j/p/n/ac/ah,
Mobile WiMAX™, Bluetooth

®

Fixed WiMAX

Audio/video broadcast

DVB-T/H/T2/S/S2, DVB-C
(J.83 Annex A/C), J.83 Annex B
(DOCSIS DS), ISDB-T/Tmm,
ATSC, ATCS-M/H, DTMB
(CTTB), CMMB

T-DMB, DAB/DAB+/DMB-audio,
FM stereo with RDS/RBDS

Detection, positioning, tracking, navigation

Pulse building

Multitone distortion, NPR

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo,
Beidou, SBAS, QZSS

Threat simulation

Multi-emitter scenario generation

Wideband waveform center software

Wireless HD, WiGig, 802.11ad

UXG UXG PSG MW MXG and

EXG RF

PXI RF PSG MW MXG and

EXG MW

Agile Vector Vector Analog Baseband

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MXG and
EXG RF

PSG RF N9310 RFPXB

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Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 06

Signal Studio Software

Simplify signal creation

Whether you are working on a single radio format or integrating
multiple formats into a single device, easy access to the right test
signals streamlines validation and helps ensure interoperability.
Accelerate your work with Keysight Signal Studio software, a
flexible suite of signal-creation tools that reduces the time you
spend on signal simulation. Its performance-optimized reference
signals, validated by Keysight, enhance the characterization and
verification of your devices.

Configure Signal Studio to match your requirements:

– Choose basic or advanced levels of capability with

scalable option structure

– Select the license type that fits your specific use case and

budget, including fixed, transportable, and 5- or 50-pack
waveforms

– Connect to a wide range of Keysight instruments

Leverage and customize built-in signals with flexible signal
generation, additive impairments, graphs, convenient connectivity
and automation, and embedded and online documentation.
Control your vector signal generator directly from the software
GUI and/or instrument front panel.

Connect your vector source to Signal Studio—and simplif y signal
creation.

General purpose

– Jitter injection
– Multitone, NPR
– Waveform download utility
– Power amplifier test
– Custom modulation

Cellular communications

– LTE & LTE-Advanced FDD/TDD
– W-CDMA/HSPA+, cdma2000, 1xEV-DO, GSM/EDGE/Evo,

TD-SCDMA

– Test case manager

Wireless connectivity

– WL AN 8 02.11a/b/g/j/p/n/ac/ad/ah
– DFS
– Mobile WiMax, Fixed WiMax
– Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy
– Wi-SUN 802.15.4g

Audio/video broadcasting

– DVB-T/H/T2/C/S/S2
– ATSC, ATSC-M/H, J.83B (DOCSIS)
– ISDB-T/TSB/TB/Tmm
– DTMB(CTTB), CMMB
– DAB/DAB+/DMB/T-DMB
– AM, FM, FM Stereo RDS/RBDS

Detection, positioning, tracking, and navigation

– Pulse building

Free Trial License

Free 30-day trials of Signal Studio sof tware are available to
evaluate the user interface and generate signals. Redeem a
trial license online at

www.keysight.com/find/SignalStudio_trial

1. The MESG software is subject to ITAR expor t controls. For more information, please contact your Keysight sales representative.

Find us at www.keysight.com

– GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, SBAS, QZSS, radar

Multi-emitter scenario generation

– Threat simulation
– Angle of arrival
– Kinematics
– Antenna patterns, polarization, scan patterns

www.keysight.com/find/SignalStudio

1

Page 07

PSG Signal Generators

The PSG is the industry's most trusted microwave signal generator, with thousands of units deployed in hundreds of programs around
the world. With metrology-grade performance and evolving capabilities across RF and microwave frequencies, it continues to enable
new designs that stay ahead of emerging threats.

PSG microwave signal generator
E8267D vector

– Test advanced receivers with realistic wideband radar, EW,

and SATCOM waveforms up to 44 GHz

– Flexible, integrated 80 MHz AWG, real-time and baseband

generator to simulate cellular, wireless, GPS and custom
communications

– Exercise advanced EW, radar, and satellite systems with

Signal Studio, a vector PSG, and a wideband AWG such as
the Keysight M8190A for up to 2 GHz bandwidth

– Test phased-array systems and direction-finding

receivers with multiple phase-coherent signals
generated by linking up to 16 vector PSGs

www.keysight.com/find/E8267D www.keysight.com/find/E8257D

Key specifications E8267D MW vector E8257D MW analog

Frequency range (min. to max.) 100 kHz to 44 GHz 100 kHz to 70 GHz

Frequency switching 9 ms 9 ms

Output power (at 20 GHz) +22 dBm +26 dBm

Level accuracy ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB

SSB phase noise (10 GHz; 10 kHz of fset) –126 dBc/Hz –126 dB c /Hz

Harmonics –55 dBc –55 dBc

EVM (QPSK) 0.8% N/A

ACPR (16 QAM) –64 dBc N/A

Internal baseband generator RF BW 80 MHz N/A

PSG microwave signal generator
E8257D analog

– Meet test system needs across a wide range: 20, 31.8, 40,

50, and 67 GHz models available (add frequency extender
modules to cover up to 1.1 THz)

– Test high-power devices and overcome test system losses

with options capable of generating more than
1 W (+30 dBm) of output power

– Address the demanding needs of Doppler radar, ADC, and

receiver-blocking tests with extremely low phase noise:

-91 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset and
–126 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (10 GHz)

– Test your DUT with the highest quality signals—the PSG

combines metrology-grade frequency and level accuracy
with excellent distortion and spurious characteristics

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 08

PSG Signal Generator (continued)

PSG RF signal generator
E8663D analog

The E8663D PSG RF analog signal generator provides the
industry’s lowest phase noise in a commercially-available signal
generator. With optional analog modulation (AM, FM, ØM, and
pulse) capability, superior level accuracy, and high output power,
the E8663D is the right choice for demanding applications
such as radar system development, satellite communications
evaluation, or when a very low noise local oscillator or reference
signal is needed. Built on the outstanding legacy of the 8663A,
the E8663D delivers improved performance and is fully code­compatible with its predecessor for seamless upgrades to existing
test systems. Enhanced narrow pulse modulation and high output
power are optionally available.

Millimeter Wave Accessories for the
PSG Signal Generator

Millimeter wave sources are essential instruments for
developing almost all millimeter-wave systems. Easily
extend the frequency range of your E8257D or E8267D
PSG signal generators with these multiplier modules from
select partners.

Millimeter-wave source modules from
OML, Inc.

The E8257DSxx-Series of external, frequency banded
millimeter-wave source modules provide synthesized
frequency performance, millimeter-wave test signals for
waveguide bands from 50 to 500 GHz.

Signal generator frequency extension mod­ules from VDI, Inc.

www.keysight.com/find/E8663D

Key specifications

Frequency range (min. to max.) 100 kHz to 9 GHz

Frequency switching 9 ms

Output power +23 dBm

Level accuracy ± 0.6 dB

SSB phase noise (1 GHz; 10 kHz offset) –143 dB c /Hz

Harmonics –55 dBc

Find us at www.keysight.com

The E8257DVxx-Series of signal generator frequency
extension modules provide high power, synthesized
frequency performance millimeter-wave test signals for
waveguide bands from 50 GHz to 1.1 THz.

www.keysight.com/find/sg_mmwave

Page 09

X-Series Signal Generators

Crafted to create signals capable of testing your very best devices and designs, the X-Series signal generators offer industry-leading
performance and low cost of ownership. A proven, scalable platform combined with cost-ef fective calibration and internal diagnostics
allows you to buy the capabilities you need today and easily upgrade to meet future requirements.

UXG agile signal generator N5193A, N5191A

The N5193A UXG agile signal generator creates realistic multi­emitter threat simulations for EW test. Off the shelf, the UXG is a
powerful building block as a dependable LO or a scalable threat
simulator that lowers the barriers between new intelligence and
up-to-date signal scenarios.

– Using direct digital synthesis (DDS), the UXG can update

frequency, amplitude, and phase settings in as little as
180 ns, with built-in phase repeatability.

– The UXG directly accepts pulse descriptor words (PDWs)

to quickly and efficiently generate long pulse trains while
allowing individual phase control.

– The UXG can simulate advanced radar signals, generating

narrow pulses with 90 dB on/off ratio and chirps as wide as
10 to 25 percent of the carrier frequency.

www.keysight.com/find/N5193A

Key Specification N5193A UXG N5194A UXG

agile signal generator agile vector adapter

Frequency range (min to max) 10 MHz to 20 GHz or 40 GHz 50 MHz to 20 GHz

Frequency switching speed 370 ns 1.42 µs

Frequency/amplitude/phase update speed 180 ns 170 ns

Output power -130 to +10 dBm -120 to +11 dBm

Harmonics -50 dBc -60 dBc

Non-harmonics -70 dBc -72 dBc

Phase noise -126 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset -127 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz carrier, 10 kHz offset

Minimum pulse width 10 ns 2 ns

Baseband generator sample rate N/A 2 Gsa/s

Baseband generator memory N/A 6 Gsa

1. Because of the high-performance characteristics of the N5193A UXG, a US export license is required. The N5191A is a modified version of the UXG agile
signal generator that provides high performance without requiring an expor t license. Notable differences include switching speed, minimum pulse width,
and chirp bandwidth.

1

UXG agile vector adapter N5194A

To take your lab to the next level, the N5194A UXG agile vector
adapter works together with the N5193A to simulate increasingly
complex signal environments with enhanced realism and greater
confidence.

– Ideal for generating shaped pulses and wideband linear or

non-linear chirps

– 2 Gsa/s baseband generator provides 1.6 GHz instantaneous

bandwidth

– Built-in solid-state attenuator provides 120 dB agile

amplitude range

www.keysight.com/find/N5194A

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 10

X-Series Signal Generators (continued)

MXG microwave signal generator
N5183B analog

The MXG is the pure and precise alternative to the analog PSG,
with advantages in size and speed. It delivers the performance
you need to perform module- and system-level testing—fast—in
only two rack units.

– Meet test system needs up to 13, 20, 31.8, or 40 GHz
– Address demanding tests of radar modules and systems

with excellent phase noise of ≤ 124 dBc/Hz (10 kHz offset)

with –75 dBc spurious (at 10 GHz)

– Save space and maintain test rigor with near-PSG

performance levels in just two rack units

– Accelerate your calibration process with excellent switching

speed of less than 600 μs

www.keysight.com/find/N5183B

Key specifications N5183B MXG microwave analog N5173B EXG microwave analog

Frequency range (min. to max.) 9 Hz to 40 GHz 9 Hz to 40 GHz

Frequency switching 600 us 600 us

Output power (20 GHz) +20 dBm + 20 dBm

Level accuracy (10 GHz) ± 0.7 dB ± 0.7 dB

SSB phase noise (10 GHz) –124 dBc/Hz –101 dB c/Hz

Harmonics (10 GHz) –55 dBc –55 dBc

EXG microwave signal generator
N5173B analog

The EXG is the cost-effective choice when you need to balance
budget and performance. In just two rack units, it provides the
essential signals that address parametric testing of broadband
filters, amplifiers, receivers, and more.

– Perform basic LO upconversion or CW blocking with

low cost coverage to 13, 20, 31.8, or 40 GHz

– Characterize broadband microwave components such as

filters and amplifiers with the best combination of output

power (+20 dBm at 20 GHz), low harmonics (≤ 55 dBc), and

full step attenuation)

– Use as a high-stability system reference with standard

high-performance OCXO at an aging rate of less than
± 5 x 10-10 parts per day

– Shrink your test stand with optional integrated multifunction

generator and USB power sensor interface

www.keysight.com/find/N5173B

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 11

X-Series Signal Generators (continued)

MXG RF signal generators
N5182B vector and N5181B analog

To help you reach better performance, the MXG X-Series vector
and analog signal generators are fine-tuned to be your “golden
transmitter” in R&D. Whether you’re pushing
for a linear RF chain or an optimized link budget, the MXG
delivers what you need: phase noise, ACPR, channel coding, and
much more. Reveal the true performance of your devices and
test your designs within and beyond their limits with the MXG.

– Test radar receiver sensitivity or characterize ADC with

excellent phase noise

– Characterize nonlinear PA behavior with industry-leading

ACPR and output power

– Test 802.11ac with < 0.4% EVM, or characterize multi-carrier

PAs with < ± 0.2 dB flatness across 160 MHz bandwidth

– Go beyond standard application requirements with

sophisticated real-time and waveform-based Signal Studio
software

www.keysight.com/find/N5182B
www.keysight.com/find/N5181B

EXG RF signal generators
N5172B vector and N5171B analog

To help you achieve faster throughput and greater uptime, the
cost-effective EXG X-Series signal generators are optimized for
manufacturing test. With analog and vector models, the EXG
provides the signals you’ll need for basic parameter testing of
components and functional verification of receivers. Get “just
enough” test at the right price with the EXG.

– Maximize test margins on the production line with industry-

leading ACPR

– Maximize throughput with < 800 µs simultaneous switching

of frequency, power and waveform type

– Enable rapid, accurate tests using Signal Studio’s

predefined, standards-based waveforms

– Shrink your test stand with two rack-unit height and

integrated multi-function generator and USB power sensor
interface

www.keysight.com/find/N5172B
www.keysight.com/find/N5171B

Key specifications MXG RF vector

N5182B

Frequency range (min. to max.) 9 kHz to 6 GHz 9 kHz to 6 GHz 9 kHz to 6 GHz 9 kHz to 6 GHz

Frequency switching 800 µs 800 µs 800 µs 800 µs

Output power +24 dBm +24 dBm +21 dBm +21 dBm

Level accuracy ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB ± 0.6 dB

SSB phase noise (1 GHz; 20 kHz of fset) –146 dB c /Hz –146 dBc/Hz –122 dB c/Hz –122 dBc/Hz

Harmonics –35 dBc –35 dBc –35 dBc –35 dBc

EVM (LTE) 0.2% N/A 0.2% N/A

ACPR (3GPP W-CDMA TM1 64 DPCH) –73 dBc N/A –73 dBc N/A

Internal baseband generator RF BW 160 MHz N/A 120 MHz N/A

Find us at www.keysight.com

MXG RF analog
N5181B

EXG RF vector
N5172B

EXG RF analog
N5171B

Page 12

RF Analog Signal Generator

RF signal generator
N9310A analog

The N9310A is a general-purpose RF signal generator covering
a frequency range from 9 kHz to 3 GHz. Ideal for manufacturing,
education, and service maintenance, it delivers affordable,
reliable performance. If your application only requires a simple
continuous wave (CW) source, the N9310A RF signal generator
provides just enough functionality at the lowest price.

Key specifications

Frequency range (min. to max.) 9 kHz to 3 GHz

Frequency switching 10 ms

Output power +13 d Bm

Level accuracy ± 1.0 dB

SSB phase noise (1 GHz; 20 kHz of fset) –95 dBc/Hz

Harmonics –30 dBc

– Optimized for low-cost consumer electronics manufacturing

test, education, and service and repair

– Optional I/Q modulator 40 MHz bandwidth

(ext. I/Q inputs only)

– USB interface, with flash memory support

www.keysight.com/find/N9310A

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 13

Baseband Generator and Interface Module

PXB baseband generator and channel
emulator N5106A

The PXB lets you customize test cases and validate designs under
real-world conditions with the broadest range of test parameters.
Create fully-parameterized signals
for established and evolving standards with Keysight Signal Stu­dio. In addition, the PXB lets you model the signal-propagation
environment with fully-parameterized, real-time channel emula­tion (fading). With the largest playback memory available, you
can run longer test sequences to better approximate real-world
signals. You can also capture signals up to 512 Msa from your
own device for post processing.

With less instrumentation to manage, the PXB simplifies
test setup. You need only one box for multi-format baseband
generation, real-time fading and signal capture. With it, you can
construct over 20 configurations to meet your test needs. These
configurations, along with external instrument connections, can
be redefined in seconds using the PXB user inter face.

– Up to 160 MHz modulation and signal capture bandwidth
– 512 Msa playback and signal capture memory per channel
– Up to six BBGs and 16 faders for interference, diversity and

MIMO test

Digital signal interface module
N5102A

The N5102A digital signal interface module provides fast and
flexible digital inputs and outputs for the MXG and EXG X-Series
vector signal generators, E8267D PSG vector signal generator
and N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulator.
In output mode, you can deliver realistic, complex-modulated
signals such as LTE, HSPA, W-CDMA, GPS, WLAN, digital video,
custom pulses, and many others directly to your digital devices
and subsystems. In the input mode, the interface module ports
your digital input to the signal generator's baseband system,
providing a quick and easy way of upconverting to calibrated
analog IF, RF, or µW frequencies.

In both operating modes, the interface module adapts to your de­vice with the logic type, data format, clock features, and signaling
you require. With its 3-meter extension cable and a selection of
connector types, the interface module connects easily to your
device, in most cases eliminating the need for custom fixtures.

– Up to 400 MHz in serial mode, 200 MHz in parallel mode
– Provision for internal, external, or device clocking
– Independent data input and output rates; adjustable clock

phase and skew

www.keysight.com/find/N5106A

Find us at www.keysight.com

www.keysight.com/find/N5102A

Page 14

PXI Signal Generators

PXIe vector signal generator M9381A

Optimized for RF device design validation and manufacturing
test environments, the M9381A PXI VSG delivers a combination
of speed, performance, and multi-channel capability. Built
on a flexible, scalable modular platform, the M9381A PXI
VSG is the low-risk way to manage change and be ready for
tomorrow—today.

– Fast amplitude and frequency switching to reduce test time
– Scalable platform fits up to 4 channels in one chassis, and 8

channels in multi-chassis configuration

– Channels time synchronized to within 1 ns and phase

coherent to within 1 degree
– Up to 160 MHz RF bandwidth
– Easily integrate into test environments with IVI-COM, IVI-C,

LabVIEW, and MATLAB drivers

www.keysight.com/find/M9381A

Key specifications M9381A PXIe vector M9380A PXIe CW source

Frequency range (min. to max.) 1 MHz to 6 GHz 1 MHz to 6 GHz

Frequency switching < 10 to 240 µs 5 ms

Output power (at 1 GHz) +19 dBm +19 dBm

Level accuracy ± 0.4 to 1 dB ± 0.4 to 1 dB

SSB phase noise (1 GHz; 20 kHz of fset) –122 dB c /Hz –122 dBc / H z

Harmonics < –34 dBc < –29 dBc

EVM (LTE) 0.32% N/A

ACPR (3GPP W-CDMA TM1 64 DPCH) –70 dBc N/A

Internal baseband generator RF BW 160 MHz N /A

PXIe CW source M9380A

With high output power and accurate amplitude control, the
M9380A PXIe CW source is a compact, cost-effective analog
source, ideal for LO substitution, interference injection, and
wireless component test. With fast PXI architecture and multiple
drivers and programmatic interfaces, the M9380A is designed for
high-speed automated test.

www.keysight.com/find/M9380A

Keysight Quality and Support in PXI

Keep measurement quality while reducing your cost
of ownership with Keysight’s unique RF modular
calibration and fast core exchange strategy. Keysight PXI
signal generators are factory calibrated, shipped with ISO­9002, NIST traceable Cal certificate, and include a 1-year
warranty.

www.keysight.com/find/pxi-vsg

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 15

PXI Signal Generators (continued)

Waveform Creator

The M9099 Waveform Creator is a software application focused
on easy development of complex baseband and vector signals
used in the validation and test of digital communications
products. Built around a “drag and drop” graphical user interface,
Waveform Creator allows quick development of multi-format,
multi-track waveforms with waveform segments displaced in
frequency and time. Its modularity supports multiple waveform
types and VSG/AWG instruments to be plugged in, supporting
expansion to include both current and future waveform types and
instruments.

Waveform Creator options:

- Digital modulation

- DOCSIS 3.1

- SystemVue

- File-based write

www.keysight.com/find/m9099

Find us at www.keysight.com

Page 16

Migrating from Legacy Signal Generators

– Carefully planned instrument migration and modernization can maximize your test-system ef ficiency, performance, and readiness,

while minimizing risk and potential disruptions, keeping you at the leading edge in the competitive marketplace. The Keysight PSG

and X-Series signal generators are designed as evolutionar y replacements to their in-class predecessors. Take advantage of their

performance, flexibility, speed, and modern connectivity in replacing legacy Keysight signal generators.

PSG MW vector

E8267D

100 kHz to 44 GHz

8780A

E2500B

PSG MW analog

E8257D

100 kHz to 70 GHz

8340A/B

83 41A/B

83620A/B
83622A/B
83623B/L
83624A/B
83630B/L
83640B/L
83650B/L

83 711A/B
83712 A/B
83731A /B
83732A/B
83751A/B
83752A/B

MXG/EXG MW

analog

N5183B/N5173B

9 kHz to 40 GHz

N518 3A

8672A

8763A/B/C/D

8340A/B
83 41A/B

83620A/B
83622A/B
83623B/L
83624A/B
83630B/L
83640B/L

83 711A/B
83712 A/B
83731A /B
83732A/B
83751A/B
83752A/B

PSG RF analog

E8663D

100 kHz to 9 GHz

8662A/B

8643A
8644B
8645A
8664A

8665A/B

MXG RF vector

N5182B

9 kHz to 6 GHz

E4438C

ESG-DP Series

E4434B
E4435B
E4436B
E4437B

MXG RF analog

N5181B

9 kHz to 6 GHz

E4428C

ESG-AP Series

E4423B
E4424B
E4425B
E4426B

8672A

8763A/B/C/D

8662A/B

8643A
8644B
8645A
8664A

8665A/B

EXG RF vector

N5172 B

9 kHz to 6 GHz

N518 2A

ESG-D Series

E4430B
E4 431B
E4432B
E4433B

EXG RF analog

N5171B

9 kHz to 6 GHz

N5181A

ESG-A Series

E4400B
E4420B
E4 421B
E4422B

86 47A

8648A/B/C/D

8656B

8657A/B/D/J

Migrate to the X-Series RF signal generators

www.keysight.com/find/X-Series_SG_Migration

Migrate to microwave signal generators

www.keysight.com/find/Microwave_SigGen_Migration

Convert test systems to modular solutions

www.keysight.com/find/pxi

Learn more at: www.keysight.com

For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services,

please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:

www.keysight.com/find/contactus

Find us at www.keysight.com

This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2018, Published in USA, June 1, 2018, 5990-9956EN

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