The Keysight N5173B EXG is a microwave analog signal generator that balances performance, cost, and size to provide excellent value for broadband RF and microwave testing. Designed for component test, general-purpose microwave applications, and local oscillator (LO) substitution, it offers a standard frequency range starting at 9 kHz and up to 40 GHz depending on the selected frequency option. The N5173B features step and list sweep capabilities, versatile analog modulation (AM, FM, PM, and Pulse), and standard connectivity options including LAN (LXI Core), USB, and GPIB.

Specifications

Frequency

ParameterValue
Minimum Frequency9 kHz
Maximum Frequency13, 20, 31.8, or 40 GHz (configuration dependent)
Frequency Resolution0.001 Hz
Phase Offset Resolution0.1°

Output

ParameterValue
Maximum Output Power+20 dBm (@ 20 GHz, with Option 1EA)
Output Power Range-130 dBm to +20 dBm (configuration and frequency dependent)
Phase Noise-98 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz, 20 kHz offset (-101 dBc/Hz typical)

Modulation

ParameterValue
ModulationAM, FM, PM, Pulse
Sweep ModesStep, List
AM Depth0 to 100%
Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio (Option UNW)> 80 dB
Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time (Option UNW)< 10 ns (typical)
Pulse Modulation Minimum Pulse Width (Option UNW)20 ns

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesLAN, USB 2.0, GPIB
DisplayColor LCD

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range Options13 GHz (Opt 513), 20 GHz (Opt 520), 31.8 GHz (Opt 532), 40 GHz (Opt 540)
Internal Reference Frequency10 MHz

Analog Modulation

ParameterValue
Analog ModulationAM, FM, PM, Pulse

Interfaces and Connectivity

ParameterValue
10 MHz Reference InputBNC (female)
10 MHz Reference OutputBNC (female)
RF Output Connector (13 / 20 GHz Options)3.5 mm (male)
RF Output Connector (31.8 / 40 GHz Options)2.4 mm (male)
Modulation InputsBNC (female)
Trigger / Gate InputsBNC (female)
Trigger / Gate OutputsBNC (female)
GPIB InterfaceIEEE-488.2
LAN Interface1000Base-T (LXI Core)
USB PortsUSB 2.0 (Type-A and Type-B)

Software and Automation

ParameterValue
Supported Command SetsSCPI

Power and Environmental

ParameterValue
Line Voltage Range100 to 240 VAC
Line Frequency50 / 60 Hz

Physical Specifications

ParameterValue
Dimensions (Height/Rack Units)2 RU

Performance

ParameterValue
Amplitude Resolution0.01 dB

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature0 °C to 55 °C
Storage Temperature-40 °C to 70 °C
Operating AltitudeUp to 4,600 m (15,000 ft)
Environmental StandardComplies with MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3

Compliance

ParameterValue
EMC ComplianceIEC 61326-1, EN 61326-1, CISPR 11 Class A
Safety ComplianceIEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1

Sweep

ParameterValue
Step Sweep Points2 to 65,535
List Sweep Points1 to 3,201
Sweep Dwell Time100 μs to 100 s

RF Output

ParameterValue
Maximum Reverse Power0.5 W (0 VDC max)

Power

ParameterValue
Maximum Power Consumption250 W

Technology

Microwave Analog Signal Generator

Applications

Component Test, LO Substitution, General Purpose Microwave Test