Keysight (Agilent) M8190A 12 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The Keysight M8190A is a arbitrary waveform generator delivering 12 GSa/s sampling at 12-bit resolution or 8 GSa/s at 14-bit resolution. This dual-DAC architecture generates complex analog signals with up to 2 GSa of waveform memory per channel, making it suitable for communications, aerospace, defense, and radar system testing. The instrument provides three selectable output amplifiers optimized for different signal requirements, from direct DAC outputs with superior spectral purity to AC-coupled high-voltage configurations spanning 50 MHz to 5 GHz bandwidth.

Technical Specifications

• Sampling rate: 12 GSa/s (12-bit) or 8 GSa/s (14-bit)


• Variable sample rate: 125 MSa/s to 12 GSa/s


• Arbitrary waveform memory: Up to 2 GSa per channel


• Effective number of bits (ENOB): Up to 12.25 bits


• Advanced sequencing for complex waveform playback Signal Performance


• Spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR): Up to 90 dBc (typical)


• Harmonic distortion (HD): Up to -72 dBc (typical)


• Analog bandwidth: 5 GHz


• Transition times (20%-80%): < 60 ps Output Amplifiers


• Direct DAC: 350 mVpp to 700 mVpp differential output; SFDR up to 90 dBc; offset ±20 mV


• DC Amplifier: 500 mVpp to 1.0 Vpp differential output; voltage window -1.0 V to +3.3 V


• AC Amplifier: 200 mVpp to 2.0 Vpp single-ended AC-coupled; 50 MHz to 5 GHz bandwidth

Key Features

• Three selectable output amplifiers for application-specific optimization


• Digital upconversion option for IF translation with real-time DSP capability


• Multi-channel synchronization module (M8192A) supports phase-coherent operation of up to 6 modules (12 channels total)


• 2 ps skew repeatability between channels; 50 fs skew calibration resolution


• Deterministic latency: single trigger input controls up to 6 modules

Typical Applications Advanced signal generation for high-speed communications, pulsed radar, aerospace subsystem validation, and defense electronics testing requiring high spectral purity and precise waveform control.

Compatibility & Integration

• Form factor: 2U AXIe module


• Interfaces: GPIB, LAN, USB


• Control software: Keysight BenchLin