Agilent / Keysight N5183B MXG X-Series Microwave Analog Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 40 GHz

The Keysight N5183B MXG X-Series Microwave Analog Signal Generator delivers signal generation across 9 kHz to 40 GHz, addressing demanding RF and microwave test requirements in radar, satellite communications, and wireless device validation. This instrument combines wide frequency coverage with precise signal control: 0.001 Hz resolution, rapid frequency switching (≤900 µs in list/step mode), and configurable output power to +21 dBm. Phase noise performance reaches -124 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz with 10 kHz offset, while harmonic suppression maintains -55 dBc levels across the band.

The N5183B supports AM (DC to 100 kHz), FM (1 to 128 MHz deviation), pulse modulation (20 ns minimum width), and CW blocking. Five internal function generators enable narrowband chirp and radar antenna scan simulation. Sweep capabilities include step mode (2 to 65,535 points) and list mode (1 to 3,201 points) with adjustable dwell times from 100 µs to 100 s.

Frequency switching reaches typical speeds of ≤600 µs in list mode and ≤1.15 ms in CW mode.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 40 GHz (model-dependent options available: 13 GHz, 20 GHz, 31.8 GHz variants)


• Frequency Resolution: 0.001 Hz


• Output Power: -135 to +20 dBm (with Option 1E1 and 1EA); -20 to +19 dBm (standard); up to +21 dBm at 20 GHz with Option 540 and 1EA


• Level Accuracy: ±0.7 dB at 20 GHz; ±0.6 dB from 9 kHz to 2 GHz; ±1.1 dB from 20 GHz to 40 GHz


• Phase Noise: -124 dBc/Hz at 10 GHz (10 kHz offset); -116 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset


• Harmonics: -55 dBc at 10 GHz and 20 GHz


• Spurious: -75 dBc typical; -68 dBc at 20 GHz


• FM Deviation: 1 to 128 MHz maximum


• PM Phase Deviation: 0.5 to 64 rad (normal mode)


• Pulse Width: 20 ns minimum


• Frequency Reference Accuracy: ±40 ppb; internal aging < ±1 × 10⁻⁷/year

Key Features

• Compact 2U rackmount form factor for lab, depot, and field deployment


• Step and list sweep modes with up to 65,535 programmable points


• Dwell time control: 100 µs to 100 s per point


• 50 Ω output impedance; N-type connectors (3.5 mm SMA on 513/520; 2.4 mm on 532/540)


• Internal waveform generators: sine, square, triangle, positive and negative ramp


• External 10 MHz reference input support

Typical Applications

• Radar and electronic warfare system testing


• Satellite communication component validation


• Wireless device and antenna characterization


• Microwave component performance verification

Compatibility & Integration The N5183B accepts 10 MHz external frequency references and integrates into automated test systems via standard RF connectors and programmable sweep interfaces.