Agilent / Keysight N5181A MXG RF Analog Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 6 GHz
Agilent / Keysight RF Signal Sources. Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 1 GHz (N5181A-501), Voltage: 50 VDC nominal.
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight N5181A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $9,374
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- N5181A
This unit
The Agilent N5181A MXG RF Analog Signal Generator delivers precise reference signals across 100 kHz to 6 GHz for RF component and receiver testing in R&D and manufacturing. This 2RU benchtop instrument combines high reliability with configurable output power, enabling fast frequency and amplitude switching for demanding production environments. Multiple frequency and power options adapt to specific test requirements without sacrificing performance or rack efficiency.
Technical Specifications
- Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 1 GHz (N5181A-501), 100 kHz to 3 GHz (N5181A-503), or 100 kHz to 6 GHz (N5181A-506)
- Output Power: +13 dBm standard (up to 3 GHz); Option 1EA delivers +23 dBm @ 1 GHz, +17 dBm (>3–5 GHz), +16 dBm (>5 GHz); Option 1EQ low-power provides -110 dBm minimum, settable to -144 dBm
- Phase Noise: ≤ -121 dBc/Hz (typical) at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset
- Amplitude Accuracy (ALC on): ±0.6 dB (100 kHz–3 GHz), ±0.7 dB (>3–4 GHz), ±0.8 dB (>4–6 GHz)
- Switching Speed: ≤ 1.2 ms (SCPI), ≤ 900 µs simultaneous frequency/amplitude (list mode); Option UNZ: ≤ 750 µs (SCPI), ≤ 500 µs (list/step sweep)
- Harmonics: ≤ -35 dBc @ 1 GHz
- Non-Harmonics: ≤ 62 dBc @ 1 GHz
- SWR: ≤ 1.7:1 typical (up to 1.7 GHz and >3–4 GHz); ≤ 1.55:1 (>1.7–3 GHz); ≤ 1.6:1 (>4–6 GHz)
- Maximum Reverse Power: 2 W nominal up to 6 GHz
- Max DC Voltage: 50 VDC nominal
Key Features
- AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation
- Digital step and list sweep with simultaneous frequency and power switching
- Narrow Pulse Modulation (Option UNW) and Pulse Train Generator (Option 320)
- Type N (female) RF output connector
Interfaces
- 100BaseT LAN, USB 2.0, GPIB
- LXI-compliant operation (Option ALB for LXI Class B)
- SCPI and IVI-COM driver support
Typical Applications RF component validation, receiver performance characterization, production testing, and signal simulation across mobile, satellite, and radar frequency bands.
Agilent / Keysight N5181A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight N5181A. Calibration covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Agilent / Keysight N5181A faults: YIG oscillator failure (no output or loss of lock), step attenuator wear (output drops or steps at set attenuation), ALC loop failure (uncontrolled output power), I/Q modulator assembly failure. HP/Agilent 836xx series most common faults are YIG oscillator failure and step attenuator contact wear causing output steps or drops at specific attenuation settings. Keysight E4428C/E4438C units most commonly develop ALC loop failure and I/Q modulator assembly faults. YIG oscillator replacement and attenuator service are stocked repairs.
Agilent / Keysight N5181A price
This Agilent / Keysight N5181A is listed at $9,374.38. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight N5181A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight N5181A is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
