Selecting a Signal Generator - Keysight

1 Page 1 Find us at Selecting a Signal GeneratorTECHNICAL OVERVIEWI ntroductionKeysight Technologies, Inc. offers the widest selection of Signal generators from baseband to 67 GHz, with frequency extensions to THz. From basic to advanced functionality, each Signal Generator delivers benchmark performance in its class to address the requirements in design and manufacture of radio transceivers and their components; and applications ranging from low-frequency navigation signals, through cellular mobile radio, to millimeter wave radar, and satellite systems. Each offers synthesized frequency accuracy and stability, excellent calibrated level accuracy, and remote programmability. Modulation capabilities vary from general-purpose AM, FM and digital I/Q to standard- specific formats such as GSM, W-CDMA, HSPA, LTE, LTE-Advanced, GPS, and WLAN. Keysight provides Signal generators in multiple form factors, including benchtop and modular guide provides an overview and side-by-side comparisons to help you determine which Signal Generator is right for you.

2 It is intended to supplement online selection tools available at 2 Find us at Table of ContentsKey Specifications Comparison - Benchtop Agile and Vector Signal Generators 5 Key Specifications Comparison - Benchtop Analog Signal Generators 6 Key Specifications Comparison - Modular Signal Generators 7 Applications, Core Capabilities, and Software Comparison 8 Signal Studio Software 10 BenchtopPSG Signal Generators 11X-Series Signal Generators 14 Frequency Extender for EXG or MXG 21RF Analog Signal Generator 22 Digital Signal Interface Module 23 ModularPXI Signal Generators

3 24 Migrating from Legacy Signal Generators 27 Page 3 Find us at Frequency coverage for Keysight Signal generators9 kHz100 kHz1 MHz10 MHz3 GHz6 GHz10 GHz40 GHz44 GHz70 GHzMicrowave Signal generatorsBenchtopUXG agileUXG vector adapterVXG MW vectorVXG-m MW vectorPSG MW vectorPSG MW analogMXG MW analogEXG MW analogRF Signal generatorsPSG RF analogMXG RF vector2 MXG RF analogEXG RF vector2 EXG RF analogCXG RF vectorN9310A RF analogBaseband productsDigital interface moduleUp to 400 MHz (serial mode); up to 200 MHz (parallel mode)ModularPXIe MW vectorPXI RF vectorPXI CW1. Additional high-performance baseband arbitrary waveform generators with up to 5 GHz analog bandwidth can be found at: Frequency for MXG RF vector and EXG RF vector can be extended up to GHz with N5182BX07 Page 4 Find us at Product CategoriesBenchtop and modular PXI Signal generatorsBenchtop Signal generators are well-suited for R&D or design verification, where analysis and troubleshooting benefit from interactive analysis.

4 Benchtop models range from RF to microwave with a broad range of capabilities so you can select which Generator best suites your PXI Signal generators are ideal for applications that require multi-channel measurement capabilities, fast measurement speed, and a small footprint. They also offer scalability and flexibility to configure solutions with a shared processor, chassis and other modular instruments. The PXI vector Signal Generator can be used with the same software applications as bench top Signal generators, providing measurement consistency and compatibility throughout the product development Signal generatorsVector Signal generators or digital Signal generators have a built-in I/Q modulator to upconvert complex modulation formats such as QPSK and 1024 QAM. When combined with an IQ baseband Generator , virtually any Signal can be emulated and transmitted within the information bandwidth supported by the Signal generatorsAnalog Signal generators supply sinusoidal continuous wave (CW) signals with optional capability to add AM, FM, M and pulse modulation.

5 The maximum frequency range for analog Signal generators spans from RF to microwave. Most generators feature step/list sweep modes for passive device characterization or Signal generatorsAgile Signal generators are optimized for speed to quickly change frequency, amplitude, and phase of the Signal . They also have the unique capability to be phase coherent at all frequencies, all of the time. This attribute, along with extensive pulse modulation and wideband chirp capabilities, is ideal for electronic warfare (EW) and radar creation softwareSignal creation software products enable the generation of a wide range of application-specific test signals using vector Signal generators. They can easily create signals to evaluate the performance of radio designs and the components that comprise them under various parametric and functional test conditions at baseband, RF and microwave frequencies.

6 Keysight s Signal Studio software runs on a PC and embedded software runs directly on the Signal 5 Find us at Key Specifications Comparison - Benchtop Agile and Vector Signal GeneratorsBenchtopSpecificationsUXGUXG vectorVXGPSG MWMXG RF EXG RF CXGM odel numberN5193AN5194A M9384BE8267DN5182BN5172BN5166 BPerformance**Frequency range (min to max )10 MHz to 40 GHz10 MHz to 44 GHz1 MHz to 44 GHz100 kHz to 44 GHz9 kHz to 6 GHz9 kHz to6 GHz9 kHz to 6 GHzFrequency switching (list mode)180 ns170 nsN/A9 ms800 s800 s5 msSweep modeNormal, list, fast, CW, streamingStreaming, chirpN/AStep, list, rampStep, listStep, listStep, listOutput power (minimum) 130 dBm 120 dBm 120 dBm 130 dBm 144 dBm 144 dBm 144 dBmOutput power (maximum; at 1 GHz)+10 dBm+7 dBm+20 dBm+21 dBm+24 dBm+21 dBm+18 dBmLevel accuracy (at 1 GHz) 1 5 dB 2 5 dB 1 5 dB 0 6 dB 0 6 dB 0 6 dB 0 6 dBSSB phase noise (at 1 GHz; 20 kHz offset) 144 dBm/Hz(at 10 kHz offset) 144 dBm/Hz (at 10 kHz offset) 137 dBc/Hz (at 10 kHz offset) 143 dBc/Hz (at 10 kHz offset) 146 dBc/Hz 122 dBc/Hz 119 dBc/HzHarmonics (at 1 GHz) 50 dBc 65 dBc 46 dBc 55 dBc 35 dBc 35 dBc 35 dBcNon-harmonics (at 1 GHz) 70 dBc 72 dBc 61 dBc 88 dBc 96 dBc 72 dBc 72 dBcAM rateDC to 10 MHzN/AN/ADC to 100 kHzDC to 50 kHzDC to 50 kHzDC to 50 kHzFM deviation (maximum)5% of carrier frequency or 600 MHz, whichever is lessN/AN/A1 to 128 MHz1 to 16 MHz2 5 to 40 MHz2 5 to 40 MHzPM phase deviation(maximum in normal mode)5% of (carrier frequency )/(modulation frequency) or 600 MHz/(modulation frequency) or 12 , whichever is lessN/AN/A1 to 800 rad0 5 to 8 rad1 25 to 20 rad1 25 to 20 radNarrow pulse width10 ns1 ns30 ns20 ns20 ns20 ns20 MsaEVM (LTE)N/AN/A0 28%0 8%0 2%0 2%0 2 ACPR(3 GPP W-CDMA TM1 64 DPCH)N/AN/ANone 64 dBc (16 QAM, 10 GHz)

7 73 dBc 73 dBc 70 dBcInternal baseband Generator RF BWN/A1 6 GHz2 GHz80 MHz160 MHz160 MHz120 MHzWaveform playback memoryN/A6 Gsa1024 Msa64 Msa1024 Msa512 Msa512 MsaBaseband Generator modeN/AWaveform playback and real-timeWaveform playbackWaveform playback and real-timeWaveform playback and real-timeWaveform playback and real-timeWaveform playbackPhase coherent frequency switchingStandardStandardN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A Wide chirp capability10% of carrier frequency1 6 GHzN/AN/AN/AN/AN/APulse descriptor word capabilityStandardStandardN/AN/AN/AN/AN/ APage 6 Find us at BenchtopSpecificationsPSG MW MXG MW EXG MWPSG RF MXG RFEXG RF RFModel numberE8257DN5183BN5173BE8663DN5181BN517 1BN9310 APerformance**Frequency range (min to max )100 kHz to70 GHz9 kHz to40 GHz9 kHz to40 GHz100 kHz to9 GHz9 kHz to 6 GHz9 kHz to 6 GHz9 kHz to 3 GHzFrequency switching (list mode)9 ms600 s600 s9 ms800 s800 s10 msSweep modelist, step, ramplist, steplist, steplist, step, ramplist, steplist, steplist, stepOutput power (minimum) 135 dBm 130 dBm 130 dBm 135 dBm 144 dBm 144 dBm 127 dBmOutput power (at 1 GHz)+26 dBm(at 20 GHz)+20 dBm(at 20 GHz)+20 dBm(at 20 GHz)+23 dBm+24 dBm+21 dBm+13 dBmLevel accuracy 0 8 dB (at 20 GHz) 0 7 dB(at 10 GHz) 0 7 dB(at 10 GHz) 0 6 dB 0 6 dB 0 6 dB 1 0 dBSSB phase noise (1 GHz, 20 kHz offset) 126 dBc/Hz(at 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset) 124 dBc/Hz(at 10 GHz) 101 dBc/Hz (at 10 GHz) 143 dBc/Hz(at 10 kHzoffset) 146 dBc/Hz 122 dBc/Hz 95 dBc/HzHarmonics (at 1 GHz) 55 dBc 55 dBc (at 10 GHz) 55 dBc (at 10 GHz) 55 dBc 35 dBc 35 dBc 30 dBcNon-harmonics (at 1 GHz) 88 dBc 100 dBc 72 dBc 88 dBc 96 dBc 72 dBc 50 dBcAM rateDC to 100 kHzDC to 100 kHzDC to 100 kHzDC to 100 kHzDC to 50 kHzDC to 50 kHz20 Hz to 20 kHzFM deviation (maximum)

8 1 to 128 MHz1 to 128 MHz2 5 to 320 MHz1 to 16 MHz1 to 16 MHz2 5 to 40 MHz100 kHzPM phase deviation (maximum in normal mode)1 to 1280 rad0 5 to 64 rad1 25 to 160 rad1 to 160 rad0 5 to 8 rad1 25 to 20 rad10 radNarrow pulse width20 ns20 ns20 ns20 ns20 ns20 ns100 sKey Specifications Comparison - Benchtop Analog Signal GeneratorsPage 7 Find us at Key Specifications Comparison - Modular Signal GeneratorsVectorAnalogSpecificationsVXG- mPXI MWPXI RFPXI MWPXI CW sourceModel numberM9383BM9383AM9381AM9383AM9380 APerformance**Frequency range (min to max )1 MHz to 44 GHz1 MHz to 44 GHz1 MHz to 6 GHz1 MHz to44 GHz1 MHz to 6 GHzFrequency switching (list mode)N/A250 s185 s250 s5 msSweep modeN/AStepStep, listStepN/AOutput power (minimum) 120 dBm 120 dBm 130 dBm 120 dBm 130 dBmOutput power (maximum; at 1 GHz)+18 dBm+19 dBm+19 dBm+19 dBm+19 dBmLevel accuracy (at 1 GHz) 1 5 dB 1 1 dB 0 4 dB 1 1 dB 0 4 dBSSB phase noise (at 1 GHz; 20 kHz offset) 137 dBc/Hz (at 10 kHz offset) 118 dBc (at 10 kHz offset) 122 dBc/Hz 118 dBc (at 10 kHz offset) 122 dBc/HzHarmonics (at 1 GHz) 46 dBc 48 dBc 34 dBc 48 dBc 29 dBcNon-harmonics (at 1 GHz) 61 dBc 55 dBc 66 dBc nominal 55 dBc 66 dBc nominalAM rateN/A640 MHz6 2 MHz70 kHzN/AFM deviation (maximum)N/A320 MHz1 25 MHz70 MHzN/APM phase deviation(maximum in normal mode)N/A10 rad10 rads8 radN/ANarrow pulse width30 ns20 ns20 ns20 nsN/AEVM (LTE)0 28%N/A0 32%.

9 0 25% @ 900 MHzN/AN/AACPR (3 GPP W-CDMA TM1 64 DPCH)N/AN/A 70 dBcN/AN/AInternal baseband Generator RF BW2 GHz1 GHz160 MHzN/AN/AWaveform playback memory1024 Msa1024 Msa1024 MSaN/AN/ABaseband Generator modeWaveform playbackWaveform playbackWaveform playbackN/AN/APhase coherent frequency switchingN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AWide chirp capabilityN/AN/AN/AN/AN/APulse descriptor word capabilityN/AN/AN/AN/AN/APage 8 Find us at Applications, Core Capabilities, and Software ComparisonBenchtopModularApplications and Signal creation softwareUXGUXGVXGPSG MWMXG and EXG RFCXGVXG-mPXI MWPXI RFAgileVectorVectorVectorVectorVectorVec torVectorVectorInstrument embedded capabilitiesUSB power meter Step/list sweep Ramp sweep AM, FM, PM, pulse LF function Generator Real-time custom modulation (PSK, QAM, FSK) Phase noise impairments Multitone, NPR Noise (Calibrated AWGN) Pulse Train BERT SystemVue, MATLAB Real-time fading Signal Studio softwareCellular communicationsLTE/LTE-Advanced FDD LTE/LTE-Advanced TDD W-CDMA/HSPA+, cdma2000 V2X 5G NR Wireless networkingWLAN 802 11a/b/g/j/p/n/ac/ah, Mobile WiMAX , Bluetooth IoT (Internet of Things) 1 DFS Radar Profiles Mobile WiMAX Audio/video broadcastDVB-T/H/T2/S/S2, DVB-C (J 83 Annex A/C), J 83 Annex B (DOCSIS DS), ISDB-T/Tmm, ATSC, ATCS-M/H, DTMB (CTTB), CMMB T-DMB, DAB/DAB+/DMB-audio, FM stereo with RDS/RBDS Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Detection, positioning, tracking, navigationGlobal Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

10 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, SBAS, QZSS 2 General RFCustom Modulation Pulse building Multitone distortion, NPR Power Amplifier IQ Waveform Toolkit Threat simulationMulti-emitter scenario generation Simulation view Multi-source calibration Wideband waveform center software Wireless HD, WiGig, 802 11ad 1. HRP UWB is not supported with N5166B CXG2. No real-time support; ARB playback onlyPage 9 Find us at Applications, Core Capabilities, and Software Comparison (continued)BenchtopApplications and Signal creation softwarePSG MWMXG and EXG MWMXG and EXG RFPSG RFN9310 RFAnalogAnalogAnalogAnalogAnalogInstrume nt embedded capabilitiesUSB power meter Step/list sweep Ramp sweep AM, FM, PM, pulse LF function Generator ARB custom modulationReal-time custom modulation (PSK, QAM, FSK)Phase noise impairmentsMultitone, NPRN oise (Calibrated AWGN)Pulse Train BERTS ystemVue, MATLABReal-time fadingSignal Studio softwareCellular communicationsLTE/LTE-Advanced FDDLTE/LTE-Advanced TDDW-CDMA/HSPA+, cdma2000 V2X5G NRWireless networkingWLAN 802 11a/b/g/j/p/n/ac/ah, Mobile WiMAX , Bluetooth IoT (Internet of Things)DFS Radar ProfilesMobile WiMAXA udio/video broadcastDVB-T/H/T2/S/S2, DVB-C (J 83 Annex A/C), J 83 Annex B (DOCSIS DS)