The Keysight (Agilent) 81180A is a high-performance arbitrary waveform generator delivering sample rates from 10 MSa/s to 4.2 GSa/s with 12-bit vertical resolution. Engineered for RF, wireless, and digital signal generation, it combines dual-channel architecture with advanced sequencing, IQ modulation to 2 GHz bandwidth, and carrier frequencies up to 1.5 GHz. Three software-selectable amplifier options—IQ, Maximum Bandwidth (1.5 GHz, SFDR > 60 dBc), and Time Domain—address diverse test scenarios. The instrument supports up to 64 M points per-channel waveform memory, arbitrary and standard waveform generation, and complex sequencing with stepping, looping, and conditional jumps. Interchannel skew control spans -3 ns to +3 ns with 10 ps resolution. Two 81180A units synchronize for four-channel operation. Gated, self-armed, armed, and triggered run modes provide flexible test control for wireless standards, RF environment simulation, and complex waveform development.
Technical Specifications
• Sample Clock Control: 10 MSa/s to 4.2 GSa/s
• Vertical Resolution: 12-bit
• IQ Modulation Bandwidth: 2 GHz
• Carrier Frequency: Up to 1.5 GHz
• Channels: 1 or 2 (coupled or uncoupled); two units synchronize for 4-channel system
• Waveform Memory: 16 M or 64 M points per channel
• Interchannel Skew Control: -3 ns to +3 ns with 10 ps resolution
• Output Voltage: 2 Vpp into 50 Ω
• Markers: 2 adjustable markers with independent width and level control
– Key Features
• Three software-selectable amplifiers: IQ (1 GHz differential DC-coupled), Maximum Bandwidth (1.5 GHz single-ended AC-coupled, SFDR > 60 dBc), and Time Domain (optimized for low overshoot and jitter)
• Advanced sequencing with 8-bit external segment control, stepping, looping, and conditional jumps
• Multiple waveform generation modes: arbitrary, function generator, standard waveforms, modulated, pulse, and sequenced
• Four run modes: Gated, Self-armed, Armed, and Triggered (single-shot or counted burst)
– Typical Applications
• Wireless standards testing and protocol validation
• RF environment simulation and stress testing
• Complex digital signal generation
• IQ modulation development and characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
Two 81180A units synchronize for synchronized four-channel operation with independent channel control and interchannel skew adjustment.
