The Keysight M9381A is a modular PXIe vector signal generator delivering complex waveform generation for wireless communication systems and electronic device testing. Available in 1 MHz to 3 GHz or 1 MHz to 6 GHz frequency ranges, it provides RF modulation bandwidth up to 160 MHz with 0.01 Hz frequency resolution. The instrument’s four-module architecture—comprising modulator, source output, synthesizer, and frequency reference stages—enables field upgrades and efficient multi-channel scaling for MIMO device characterization.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 1 MHz to 3 GHz (Option F03) or 1 MHz to 6 GHz (Option F06)
• RF modulation bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz (40 MHz, 100 MHz, or 160 MHz options)
• Frequency resolution: 0.01 Hz
• List mode switching speed: ≤ 5 ms
• Arbitrary frequency change settling: ≤ 5 ms
• Simultaneous carrier and amplitude switching: 125 µs nominal frequency settling within ±0.05% at ≥3.2 GHz carriers with ≥1.6 GHz frequency changes
Output Characteristics
• Maximum output power: 19 dBm
• Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 kHz offset): −122 dBc/Hz
• Harmonics @ 1 GHz: −34 dBc
• Non-harmonics @ 1 GHz: −70 dBc
• Amplitude settling (trigger to 0.2 dB): ≤8 µs (controlled temperature); ≤15 µs (full temperature range)
Signal Generation
• Waveform playback memory: 1024 MSa
• List mode parameters: 80 (RF frequency, power, modulation, baseband, ALC, power search, triggers)
• Dwell time range: 0 to 429 seconds
• List points: 1 to 3201
Reference Outputs
• 100 MHz outputs (5 channels): ≥10 dBm (13 dBm typical), 50 Ω
• 10 MHz output: 9.5 dBm nominal, 50 Ω
• OCXO output: 11.5 dBm nominal, 50 Ω
– Key Features
• Modular PXIe form factor for space-efficient multi-instrument configurations
• Shared frequency reference capability across multiple units reduces system footprint
• Field-upgradable memory, frequency range, and modulation bandwidth
• 10 µs standard frequency switching speed
• Independent module temperature monitoring (≤75 °C); 0 to 55 °C environment
– Typical Applications
• MIMO device development and validation
• Wireless communication system testing
• Complex waveform generation for RF characterization
• Multi-channel signal generation in modular test systems
– Compatibility & Integration
The M9381A integrates four discrete PXIe modules enabling standalone operation or networked configurations within PXIe chassis. A single M9300A frequency reference supports multiple instruments, optimizing slot utilization in high-density test benches.
