Keysight (Agilent) M3201A PXIe Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The Keysight M3201A is a 4-channel PXIe arbitrary waveform generator delivering 500 MSa/s output speed with 16-bit resolution across a DC to 200 MHz bandwidth. Built for high-fidelity signal generation in aerospace, defense, automotive, communications, and semiconductor test environments, the M3201A combines onboard waveform storage of up to 2 GB with advanced modulation capabilities including amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation. The instrument achieves 64 dBc spurious-free dynamic range at 80 MHz and noise density down to –145 dBm/Hz.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: 1-slot PXIe


• Channels: 4


• Output Speed: 500 MSa/s (16-bit); 4 GSa/s aggregated (16-bit); 2 GSa/s aggregated (32-bit)


• Output Resolution: 16 bits


• Bandwidth: DC to 200 MHz


• Onboard Memory: Up to 2 GB (approximately 1 Gsamples)


• Clock Frequency: 500 MHz


• Frequency Resolution: 45-bit (approximately 5.68 µHz)


• Phase Resolution: 24-bit (approximately 21.5 µdeg)


• SFDR: Approximately 64 dBc @ 80 MHz (typical)


• Average Noise Density: Approximately –145 dBm/Hz (typical)

Key Features

• Sinusoidal, triangular, square, and DC waveform generation


• Amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation


• Real-time sequencing with Hard Virtual Instrumentation (HVI) technology for time-deterministic execution


• Waveform queue system supporting cycles, delays, and prescalers


• Up to 8 reconfigurable I/Os for advanced triggering and marking


• Optional graphical FPGA programming via PathWave FPGA Design Environment (KF9000A)


• Multi-instrument synchronization and control through PathWave Test Sync Executive (KS2201A)

Typical Applications

• Aerospace and defense signal generation


• Automotive test and validation


• Communications system characterization


• Semiconductor device testing


• Broadband and IF signal synthesis

Compatibility & Integration

• Operating System: Windows 10


• Programming Support: C, C++, Visual Studio, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (HVI with Python 3.7)


• Software: Keysight SD1 3.x with Board Support Packages (BSPs)


• Multi-Module Control: Enabled via PathWave Test Sync Executive