The Keysight (formerly Agilent) 81180B is a high-performance 4.6 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator designed for applications demanding extreme speed, high bandwidth, and exceptional signal fidelity. Featuring 12-bit vertical resolution, two phase-coherent channels, and up to 2 GHz of I/Q modulation bandwidth, the 81180B offers three software-selectable output amplifiers to optimize signals for direct RF, I/Q, or low-overshoot time-domain applications.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesLAN, USB, GPIB
Display4-inch Color LCD

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz
Operating Temperature0 to 50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)352 mm × 144 mm × 418 mm
Weight7.5

Core Architecture

ParameterValue
Number of Channels2 (coupled and phase coherent / uncoupled)
Vertical Resolution12 bits
Maximum Sample Rate4.6 GSa/s
Minimum Sample Rate10 MSa/s
DAC Resolution12 bits

Arbitrary Waveform Performance

ParameterValue
Maximum Waveform Memory Depth64 MSa per channel (option dependent)
Minimum Segment Length320 points
Segment Length Resolution16 points
Maximum Number of Segments16,384
Pre-defined Waveforms10 built-in waveforms
Dynamic Sequence ControlReal-time 8-bit external sequence/segment control

Main Analog Outputs

ParameterValue
Number of Selectable Output Paths3 (software-selectable)
Direct DAC Output CouplingDC-coupled
Direct DAC Output TypeDifferential
Direct DAC Path Bandwidth1 GHz
DC-Coupled Amplifier Path CouplingDC-coupled
DC-Coupled Amplifier Max Output2 Vpp into 50 Ω
DC-Coupled Amplifier Bandwidth>600 MHz
AC-Coupled Amplifier Path CouplingAC-coupled
AC-Coupled Amplifier Max Output10 dBm
AC-Coupled Amplifier Bandwidth>1.5 GHz
Output Impedance50 Ω
Output Connector TypeSMA

Clock & Timebase Specs

ParameterValue
Interchannel Skew Control Range-3 ns to +3 ns
Interchannel Skew Resolution10 ps
Multi-Instrument SynchronizationUp to 4 channels using two synchronized units

Trigger and Gate Inputs

ParameterValue
Smart Trigger CapabilitiesTrigger hold-off, programmable pulse width
Trigger Input ModesWait for waveform end, or abort and restart

Marker and Auxiliary Outputs

ParameterValue
Number of Marker Outputs2 per channel
Marker ControlsAdjustable width and level
Marker DAC Resolution ImpactNone (markers do not reduce DAC resolution)

Modulation Capabilities

ParameterValue
I/Q Modulation Bandwidth1 GHz
Carrier Frequency1.5 GHz

System Connectivity & Software Support

ParameterValue
LXI Compliance ClassLXI Class C

Model Options

ParameterValue
Waveform Memory Options16 MSa per channel (81180B-216), 64 MSa per channel (81180B-264)

Environmental, Safety & Calibration

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-40 °C to +70 °C

Clock Characteristics

ParameterValue
Internal Reference Stability±1 ppm
Sample Clock Jitter< 2 ps rms
Sample Clock Resolution8 digits
External Reference Input Frequency10 MHz / 20 MHz / 50 MHz / 100 MHz
External Reference Input Impedance50 Ω (AC coupled)

Power Specifications

ParameterValue
Mains Voltage Range100 V AC to 240 V AC
Power Consumption< 150 VA

Output Characteristics

ParameterValue
Direct DAC Path Rise/Fall Time< 150 ps (10% to 90%, typical)
DC-Coupled Path Rise/Fall Time< 600 ps (10% to 90%)
AC-Coupled Path Rise/Fall Time< 450 ps (10% to 90%)

Trigger Characteristics

ParameterValue
Trigger Input Impedance50 Ω or 10 kΩ (selectable)
Trigger Input Threshold Range-5 V to +5 V
Trigger Minimum Pulse Width2 ns

Marker Outputs

ParameterValue
Marker Output Level0.5 V to 1.2 V (programmable into 50 Ω)
Marker Output Rise/Fall Time< 150 ps
Marker Output Impedance50 Ω

Technology

Arbitrary Waveform Synthesis

Applications

I/Q Modulation, RF Signal Generation, High-Speed Digital Testing