Agilent / Keysight N9310A RF Signal Generator 9 kHz – 3 GHz

The Keysight N9310A is a compact RF signal generator delivering coverage from 9 kHz to 3 GHz with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution and fast 10 ms switching speed. Built for R&D, manufacturing, service, and education, it combines essential analog modulation (AM, FM, pulse, phase), optional I/Q capability with 80 MHz bandwidth, and broad output power control from -127 dBm to +13 dBm. The instrument features a 6.5-inch color display, internal frequency reference stable to ±1 × 10⁻⁶, and dual USB connectivity for remote operation and file transfer.

Phase noise performance reaches -95 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset, while integrated LF modulation spans 20 Hz to 80 kHz with 3 Vpeak output into 50 Ω. Reverse power protection rated to +36 dBm RF and 30 V DC ensures safe operation in demanding test environments. The N9310A delivers cost-effective signal generation across communication, component validation, and system-level testing without compromising measurement accuracy or user interface responsiveness.

Technical Specifications

• RF frequency range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz


• Frequency resolution: 0.1 Hz


• Frequency switching speed: <10 ms


• Internal reference stability: <±1 × 10⁻⁶


• Optional precision reference (PFR): <±1 × 10⁻⁷ annual aging; ±5 × 10⁻⁸ temperature stability (5–50 °C) Output Power


• Output level range: -127 dBm to +13 dBm


• Level uncertainty: <±1 dB


• Reverse power protection: +36 dBm (RF), 30 V (DC)


• Output VSWR: <1.6 typical (1.5 MHz to 2.5 GHz) Modulation


• Analog modes: AM, FM, pulse, phase


• Internal LF source: 20 Hz to 80 kHz sine wave


• Optional I/Q modulation: 80 MHz bandwidth; DC–40 MHz at 3 dB (40 MHz mode); DC–20 MHz at 3 dB (20 MHz mode); 40 dBc carrier suppression typical (10 kHz mod frequency); QPSK EVM 3%; GMSK phase error 1.2° rms


• I/Q input impedance: 0.5 Vrms full scale and sensitivity Signal Quality


• SSB phase noise: <-95 dBc/Hz (20 kHz offset)


• Residual FM: <20 Hz rms


• FM deviation range: 20 Hz to 100 kHz


• FM deviation accuracy: <±(5% + 300 Hz) Low Frequency Output


• LF output: 20 Hz to 80 kHz, 0–3 Vpeak into 50 Ω Interfaces


• RF output: Type-N (F)


• LF output: BNC (F)


• Modulation input: BNC


• I/Q inputs: BNC (F) for I and Q (optional)


• Reference: Input/output connectors


• Trigger and pulse: Dedicated connectors


• USB: Host and device connectivity


• Display: VGA connector for external monitor

Key Features

• 0.1 Hz frequency resolution across 9 kHz–3 GHz span


• Sweep capability: amplitude (-127 to +13 dBm) and RF (full range)


• Optional precision frequency reference for ±5 × 10⁻⁸ stability


• 6.5-inch color TFT display with remote USB control


• Built-in LF modulation source to 80 kHz


• Reverse power protection to +36 dBm

Typical Applications

• Component characterization and validation


• Communication system testing


• Manufacturing and service maintenance


• Educational laboratory training


• RF subsystem stimulus and bench verification

Compatibility & Integration USB (host/device) and VGA connections enable integration with automated test systems and external monitors. Reference input/output and trigger connectors support synchronization in multi-instrument configurations.