Keysight MXG Series Signal Generators

The MXG family is split into analog generators and digital vector generators. The RF analog models (such as the N5181A and N5181B) and microwave analog models (such as the N5183A and N5183B) generate standard CW and modulated analog signals including AM, FM, Phase (PM), and Pulse modulation. \n\nFor complex modulation, the vector MXG units—including the N5182A, N5182B, and the specialized N5182A-506—provide custom and standard-specific digital I/Q signal generation. The N5182A-506 natively supports digital formats such as W-CDMA, cdma2000, WLAN, and WiMAX. The high-performance N5182B expands standard digital modulation options to include ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, and QAM formats.

The newer B-suffix models (MXG X-Series) provide key technical improvements over the original A-suffix legacy instruments:\n\n* Frequency Resolution & Range: A-series instruments like the N5181A, N5182A, and N5183A feature a minimum frequency of 100 kHz and a frequency resolution of 0.01 Hz. The updated N5181B, N5182B, and N5183B models start lower at 9 kHz and offer an improved frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz on analog configurations.\n* Phase Noise: The N5181B and N5182B deliver a phase noise of -146 dBc/Hz at a 1 GHz carrier with a 20 kHz offset, compared to -121 dBc/Hz (typical) for the older N5181A and N5182A.\n* Connectivity: B-series models utilize 1000BaseT Gigabit LAN, upgrading from the 100Base-T LAN interfaces present on the older A-series units.

For high-frequency microwave operations, the N5183A and N5183B support testing up to 40 GHz. The N5183A features frequency options at 20, 31.8, and 40 GHz, while the N5183B adds a 13 GHz option (Option 513). Both units are designed for rapid switching; the N5183A switches frequency in under 900 \u003cs (typically under 600 \u003cs).\n\nOutput power profiles also scale across the series. The standard N5181A and N5182A output up to +13 dBm at 3 GHz, though optional configurations can increase output capabilities (such as up to +23 dBm on the N5181A with Option 1EA at 1 GHz). The newer N5181B outputs up to +24 dBm at 1 GHz, while the N5183B achieves up to +20 dBm at 20 GHz using Options 1E1 and 1EA.