The Keysight N5181B MXG X-Series is a high-performance RF analog signal generator offering a frequency range of 9 kHz up to 3 GHz or 6 GHz. Designed to provide unmatched phase noise, excellent non-harmonic spurious performance, and high output power, it is ideal for testing radar receiver sensitivity, driving receiver front-ends for out-of-band rejection, and characterizing ADC or mixer signal-to-noise ratios.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 9 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 6 GHz (option dependent) |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.001 Hz |
| Reference Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Reference Output Amplitude | ≥ +4 dBm (into 50 Ω) |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +24 dBm (at 1 GHz) |
| Output Power Range | -144 dBm to +24 dBm (at 1 GHz) |
| Phase Noise | -146 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase (PM), Pulse, Pulse Train |
| Sweep Modes | Digital step and list |
| Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
| Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time | < 10 ns (typical) |
| AM Depth Range | 0 to 100% |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz (Internal) |
| Interfaces | 1000BaseT LAN (LXI), USB 2.0, GPIB |
| Backward Compatibility | Compatible with ESG, MXG, PSG, and 8648x signal generators |
| Calibration Cycle | 3 years |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100-120 V (50/60/400 Hz), 220-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Options | 3 GHz or 6 GHz |
| Frequency Switching Speed | 800 µs (list mode) |
Amplitude Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power (up to 3 GHz) | +24 dBm (specified with electronic attenuator) |
| Minimum Settable Power | -144 dBm |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonic Spurious | -35 dBc (at 1 GHz) |
| Non-harmonic Spurious | -96 dBc (at 1 GHz, > 10 kHz offset) |
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AM Rate | DC to 50 kHz |
Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Pulse Width | 20 ns (narrow pulse) |
| Pulse Train Generator | Integrated |
Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Drivers Supported | SCPI, IVI-COM, MATLAB |
| Power Sensor Compatibility | Agilent USB power sensor compatible with embedded display and SCPI control |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.01 dB |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| RF Output Connector | Type-N (female) |
| Reverse Power Protection | 50 W, 50 VDC maximum |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4600 m (15,000 ft) |
Technology
RF Analog Signal Generation
Applications
Radar Receiver Testing, ADC/Mixer Characterization, Receiver Front-End Out-of-Band Rejection