Keysight N5182B 019 503 651 1EA MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator (9 kHz to 6 GHz)

Keysight N5182B/019/503/651/1EA MXG RF Vector Signal Generator

The N5182B MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator is a high-performance benchtop signal generator designed to serve as a "golden transmitter" for R&D, design validation, and performance verification. It delivers exceptional hardware performance with industry-leading phase noise, spurious performance, ACPR, and channel coding capabilities, enabling engineers to accurately evaluate device and system performance under real-world and stress-test conditions.

Designed for interactive analysis and troubleshooting, the benchtop form factor is well-suited for research, development, and design verification environments. Additionally, the MXG works with the same software applications used across compatible benchtop signal generators, ensuring measurement consistency, streamlined workflows, and compatibility throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

Configuration Options Included

• 019 -

• 503 - Frequency range from 9 kHz to 3 GHz

• 651 - Arb

• 1EA - High output power

Specifications

• Harmonics @ 1 GHz: -35 dBc

• Output power @1 GHz: 24 dBm

• Phase noise @1 GHz (20 kHz offset): -146 dBc/Hz

• Maximum modulation bandwidth: 160 MHz

• Number of outputs: 1

• Frequency switching speed: 800 µs

Key Facts

• Vector models can include waveforms in list sweep

• Automatic leveling control (ALC)

• Real-time modulation filtering

• 8648/ESG code compatible

• 10 MHz reference oscillator with external output

• Two channel power meter display

• User settable maximum power limit

• User flatness correction

• External analog I/Q inputs (vector models)

• Enhanced assembly replacement

• GPIB, USB 2.0, and 100Base-T LAN interfaces

• Deep amplitude modulation providing greater dynamic range

• Manual power search (ALC off)

• SCPI and IVI–COM driver

• Multiple baseband generator synchronization when using multiple signal generators (primary/secondary setup)

• Drive power amplifiers and characterize nonlinear behavior with industry-leading adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) and output power.

• Test wideband devices with factory-equalized 160 MHz RF bandwidth.

• Reduce the time spent on signal creation with PathWave Signal Generation software, including LTE, WLAN, and GNSS.

N5182B MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator FAQ

1. What does Keysight's XG2-class designation mean?
   Keysight divides its entry-to-mid range instruments into two distinct classes. The XG1-class acts as the entry-level benchmark, whereas the XG2-class brings higher hardware performance and wider frequency extensions.

2. Why Choose the MXG X-Series for Testing and Development?
   The MXG X-Series is a breakthrough solution for advanced receiver testing, automotive testing, and battery testing. It provides power-packed and versatile solutions with innovative hardware design for essential measurement applications. Whether in closed-loop or interactive control scenarios, the MXG X-Series ensures precise verification instruments for electric systems and other hardware designs.

3. What is the maximum output power of the N5182B?
   The system delivers advanced power capabilities optimized for driving power amplifiers, featuring a standard output power of +18 dBm. For applications requiring higher power, an optional configuration provides up to +27 dBm at 1 GHz. The design achieves exceptional Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) and overall output performance, making it suitable for demanding RF applications.

4. What is a vector signal generator?
   A vector signal generator is an advanced RF test instrument that generates precise, digitally modulated signals used in modern communications, radar, and satellite applications. Unlike basic signal generators that produce simple waveforms, it can create complex modulation formats such as QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing), enabling realistic emulation of wireless and cellular signals. These signals emulate real-world communication signals used in technologies like wireless networks, cellular systems (e.g., 4G/5G), radar, and satellite communications. By controlling both signal amplitude and phase through I/Q (in-phase and quadrature) modulation, a vector signal generator delivers highly accurate, customizable RF signals for testing receivers, amplifiers, and other RF components.