The Agilent/Keysight Z2403A is a signal simulation component engineered for high-performance electronic test applications requiring accurate waveform generation and RF modulation. Operating within configurable system architectures, the Z2403A integrates with arbitrary waveform generators and RF signal sources to produce complex modulated signals across broad frequency and bandwidth ranges. It supports phase-coherent multi-channel outputs suitable for radar, communications, and distortion analysis test scenarios.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Coverage: 250 kHz to 20 GHz, 31.8 GHz, or 44 GHz (configuration dependent)
• Bandwidth: Up to 1 GHz for ultra-wide bandwidth signal generation
• Arbitrary Waveform Generator (typical AWG such as N6030A):
– Sampling Rate: 1.25 GS/s
– Resolution: 15 bits
– Direct Digital Synthesis Bandwidth: 250 MHz
– Output Channels: Two independent differential channels
• RF Signal Generator Output Power Range: +7 to –120 dBm (Standard); +10 to –120 dBm with Option UNB
• Noise Floor: Less than –127 dBm
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω
• Level Accuracy: Degrades 0.02 dB/°C over full temperature range; 0.3 dB above +7 dBm (+10 dBm with Option UNB)
• Reverse Power Protection: Nominally triggers at 1 watt
• Phase Coherent Tracking: Typical phase tracking less than 1.5 degrees at 18 GHz over 14°C to 27°C; systems achieve phase coherence within 3 degrees using auxiliary circuitry such as Z5623A-K07 Tri-band lock box
– Key Features
• Multi-channel phase-coherent signal generation with differential outputs
• Arbitrary waveform synthesis up to 1.25 GS/s sampling
• Modulated RF carrier generation across extended frequency ranges
• Support for complex waveforms including chirp radar signals (up to 1 GHz wide), noise power ratio waveforms (greater than 50 dB notch), and wide bandwidth digital communications signals
– Typical Applications
• Chirp radar signal generation and analysis
• Noise power ratio measurements and validation
• Wide bandwidth digital communications testing
• Multi-channel phase-coherent test scenarios
– Compatibility & Integration
• MXI interface support for controller PC to AWG data transfer
• Remote operation via multiple programming languages
• Keysight DigitalTestApps framework compatibility for automated test application development
