Keysight EXG Series Signal Generators
3 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) EXG X-Series signal generators provide a mid-range, cost-effective platform for RF and microwave test applications. Designed to balance performance, cost, and size, these instruments are optimized for manufacturing tests, component verification, and receiver parametric evaluation. This product family includes both RF analog, RF vector, and microwave analog models. Engineers can choose between the RF analog N5171B, the RF vector N5172B, or the broadband microwave analog N5173B depending on the required frequency range, modulation formats, and signal complexity. All units share a consistent architecture designed to accelerate testing workflows in manufacturing and design validation environments.
- Frequency Range
- 9 kHz to 40 GHz (model dependent)
- RF Phase Noise
- -122 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset)
- Vector Baseband Bandwidth
- 120 MHz (N5172B)
- Recommended Calibration Cycle
- 3 years (RF models)
Models in this series
RF Vector vs. RF Analog Performance
The EXG series offers distinct configurations for analog and vector signal generation. The N5172B is an RF vector signal generator containing an internal baseband generator with a 120 MHz bandwidth. It supports both waveform playback and real-time modes, allowing the generation of complex I/Q modulations including ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, and QAM. It is designed to deliver an adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) of <= -73 dBc for W-CDMA 64 DPCH, making it suitable for functional verification of receivers and parametric testing of components.
In contrast, the N5171B is an RF analog signal generator. Instead of complex digital baseband modulation, it focuses on high-precision continuous wave (CW) signals and analog modulation formats such as AM, FM, phase modulation, and pulse. Both RF models operate from 9 kHz up to 3 GHz or 6 GHz (configuration dependent) and share a low phase noise of -122 dBc/Hz at a 1 GHz carrier with a 20 kHz offset.
Broadband Microwave Testing
For applications requiring frequencies beyond 6 GHz, the N5173B analog signal generator extends the EXG family's capabilities into the microwave range. It is available in frequency configurations of 13 GHz, 20 GHz, 31.8 GHz, and 40 GHz, making it well-suited for broadband component testing and local oscillator (LO) substitution.
Designed to handle microwave frequencies while maintaining a compact footprint, the N5173B offers a fine frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz and a phase offset resolution of 0.1 degree. Its phase noise is specified at -98 dBc/Hz at a 10 GHz carrier with a 20 kHz offset, with a typical value of -101 dBc/Hz.
Power Delivery and Modulation Characteristics
Across the family, these signal generators feature robust output levels and precise amplitude control. The N5171B delivers a maximum output power of +21 dBm with an amplitude resolution of 0.01 dB, helping to compensate for test system losses. The microwave N5173B can achieve a maximum output power of +20 dBm at 20 GHz when configured with Option 1EA.
All three models provide high-performance pulse modulation capabilities. The N5171B, N5172B, and N5173B feature a pulse modulation on/off ratio of greater than 80 dB (with Option UNW for the N5171B and N5173B), enabling accurate simulation of pulsed communication and radar signals.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the frequency resolution difference between the RF and microwave models?
- The microwave model N5173B offers a frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz, whereas the RF models N5171B and N5172B provide a frequency resolution of 0.01 Hz.
- Which EXG model supports vector signal generation?
- The N5172B is the RF vector signal generator in this series. It includes an internal baseband generator with a 120 MHz bandwidth supporting waveform playback and real-time modes, unlike the N5171B and N5173B which are analog-only instruments.
- What are the power connectivity and interface options on these instruments?
- All models feature standard LAN, USB 2.0, and GPIB interfaces for automated test system integration. The N5171B and N5172B are also LXI compliant and support Gigabit Ethernet (1000BaseT LAN).