The Agilent N5181A MXG RF Analog Signal Generator delivers precise reference signals across 100 kHz to 6 GHz for RF component and receiver testing in R&D and manufacturing. This 2RU benchtop instrument combines high reliability with configurable output power, enabling fast frequency and amplitude switching for demanding production environments. Multiple frequency and power options adapt to specific test requirements without sacrificing performance or rack efficiency.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 1 GHz (N5181A-501), 100 kHz to 3 GHz (N5181A-503), or 100 kHz to 6 GHz (N5181A-506)
• Output Power: +13 dBm standard (up to 3 GHz); Option 1EA delivers +23 dBm @ 1 GHz, +17 dBm (>3–5 GHz), +16 dBm (>5 GHz); Option 1EQ low-power provides -110 dBm minimum, settable to -144 dBm
• Phase Noise: ≤ -121 dBc/Hz (typical) at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset
• Amplitude Accuracy (ALC on): ±0.6 dB (100 kHz–3 GHz), ±0.7 dB (>3–4 GHz), ±0.8 dB (>4–6 GHz)
• Switching Speed: ≤ 1.2 ms (SCPI), ≤ 900 µs simultaneous frequency/amplitude (list mode); Option UNZ: ≤ 750 µs (SCPI), ≤ 500 µs (list/step sweep)
• Harmonics: ≤ -35 dBc @ 1 GHz
• Non-Harmonics: ≤ 62 dBc @ 1 GHz
• SWR: ≤ 1.7:1 typical (up to 1.7 GHz and >3–4 GHz); ≤ 1.55:1 (>1.7–3 GHz); ≤ 1.6:1 (>4–6 GHz)
• Maximum Reverse Power: 2 W nominal up to 6 GHz
• Max DC Voltage: 50 VDC nominal
– Key Features
• AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation
• Digital step and list sweep with simultaneous frequency and power switching
• Narrow Pulse Modulation (Option UNW) and Pulse Train Generator (Option 320)
• Type N (female) RF output connector
– Interfaces
• 100BaseT LAN, USB 2.0, GPIB
• LXI-compliant operation (Option ALB for LXI Class B)
• SCPI and IVI-COM driver support
– Typical Applications
RF component validation, receiver performance characterization, production testing, and signal simulation across mobile, satellite, and radar frequency bands.
