Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) Generators

The PSG series represents Keysight's highest-tier analog and vector microwave sources. The E8257D PSG provides analog microwave signals up to 67 GHz (operational to 70 GHz) with standard AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation options. It achieves a typical phase noise of -115 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset for a 10 GHz carrier, serving as a reliable choice for local oscillator substitution. For vector applications, the E8267D integrated microwave vector signal generator extends these capabilities up to 44 GHz with an internal baseband generator. Where the absolute lowest close-to-carrier phase noise is required for RF receiver testing, the E8663D offers specialized analog signal generation up to 9 GHz.

Keysight divides its standard 9 kHz to 6 GHz RF generator platform into high-performance MXG and cost-effective EXG families.

• MXG Series: Instruments like the N5182B (vector) and N5181B (analog) are optimized for low phase noise (-146 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz carrier, 20 kHz offset) and fast frequency and amplitude switching to optimize manufacturing throughput.
• EXG Series: Models such as the N5172B (vector) and N5171B (analog) deliver parametric component testing capabilities at lower price points, offering up to 120 MHz baseband bandwidth on the N5172B.
• ESG Legacy Series: Earlier platforms such as the E4438C and E4421B remain common in legacy environments. The E4438C offers an 80 MHz internal baseband generator bandwidth and is widely utilized for legacy wireless standard emulation.

For direct digital generation, Keysight's portfolio ranges from basic laboratory benchtop tools to high-throughput modular AWGs.

• Trueform Waveform Generators: The 33622A 120 MHz 2-channel generator utilizes Trueform architecture to perform point-by-point arbitrary waveform generation with 1 GSa/s sample rate and 14-bit vertical resolution, minimizing the jitter and skipped points found in older direct digital synthesis (DDS) units like the 33120A.
• Modular AWGs: The AXIe-based M8190A arbitrary waveform generator is designed for high-speed RF and digital logic emulation, generating up to 12 GSa/s with 12-bit resolution or 8 GSa/s with 14-bit resolution, and sporting a DC to 5 GHz analog bandwidth.

Keysight's pulse and pattern generators address high-speed digital timing validation and optical component characterization. Mainframes like the 81110A support modular output configurations, reaching frequencies up to 330 MHz when paired with the 81112A output module. For faster logic architectures, the 8133A pulse generator operates from 33 MHz to 3 GHz, providing transition times under 100 ps for precise signal integrity testing. Beyond structured signals, Keysight also provides specialized validation tools like the 346B broadband RF noise source, which covers 10 MHz to 18 GHz with a nominal Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) of 15.2 dB.