Agilent / Keysight M9381A PXIe Vector Signal Generator: 1 MHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz

The Keysight M9381A is a modular PXIe vector signal generator delivering complex waveform generation for wireless communication systems and electronic device testing. Available in 1 MHz to 3 GHz or 1 MHz to 6 GHz frequency ranges, It has RF modulation bandwidth up to 160 MHz with 0.01 Hz frequency resolution. The instrument's four-module architecture - comprising modulator, source output, synthesizer, and frequency reference stages - enables field upgrades and efficient multi-channel scaling for MIMO device characterization.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 1 MHz to 3 GHz (Option F03) or 1 MHz to 6 GHz (Option F06)


• RF modulation bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz (40 MHz, 100 MHz, or 160 MHz options)


• Frequency resolution: 0.01 Hz


• List mode switching speed: ≤ 5 ms


• Arbitrary frequency change settling: ≤ 5 ms


• Simultaneous carrier and amplitude switching: 125 µs nominal frequency settling within ±0.05% at ≥3.2 GHz carriers with ≥1.6 GHz frequency changes Output Characteristics


• Maximum output power: 19 dBm


• Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 kHz offset): −122 dBc/Hz


• Harmonics @ 1 GHz: −34 dBc


• Non-harmonics @ 1 GHz: −70 dBc


• Amplitude settling (trigger to 0.2 dB): ≤8 µs (controlled temperature); ≤15 µs (full temperature range) Signal Generation


• Waveform playback memory: 1024 MSa


• List mode parameters: 80 (RF frequency, power, modulation, baseband, ALC, power search, triggers)


• Dwell time range: 0 to 429 seconds


• List points: 1 to 3201 Reference Outputs


• 100 MHz outputs (5 channels): ≥10 dBm (13 dBm typical), 50 Ω


• 10 MHz output: 9.5 dBm nominal, 50 Ω


• OCXO output: 11.5 dBm nominal, 50 Ω

Key Features

• Modular PXIe form factor for space-efficient multi-instrument configurations


• Shared frequency reference capability across multiple units reduces system footprint


• Field-upgradable memory, frequency range, and modulation bandwidth


• 10 µs standard frequency switching speed


• Independent module temperature monitoring (≤75 °C); 0 to 55 °C environment

Typical Applications

• MIMO device development and validation


• Wireless communication system testing


• Complex waveform generation for RF characterization


• Multi-channel signal generation in modular test systems

Compatibility & Integration The M9381A integrates four discrete PXIe modules enabling standalone operation or networked configurations within PXIe chassis. A single M9300A frequency reference supports multiple instruments, optimizing slot utilization in high-density test benches.