Keysight Technologies N5173B EXG

User’s Guide
Keysight X-Series
Signal Generators
N5171B/72B/73B EXG
N5181B/82B/83B MXG

Keysight Technologies N5173B EXG Specifications

General

Output Impedance	50 Ohms
Amplitude Accuracy	±0.5 dB
I/Q Modulation	Yes
ALC	Yes
Modulation Types	AM, FM, Pulse, I/Q
Sweep Modes	Step
Harmonics	≤ -30 dBc
Connectivity	GPIB, LAN, USB
Switching Speed	< 900 μs
Power Requirements	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Frequency Range	9 kHz to 40 GHz

Summary

Models, Options, and FrontRear Panels for All Models

Front Panel Overview

Provides an overview of the front panel controls and indicators of the signal generator.

Front Panel Display

Setting Preferences & Enabling Options for All Models

How to Set User Preferences

Explains how to set user preferences from the Utility menu.

Display Settings

Details how to adjust display settings such as brightness and screen saver mode.

Power On and Preset

Explains how to set power-on behavior and restore factory or user presets.

Front Panel Knob Resolution

Setting Time and Date

How to Upgrade Firmware

How to Set Remote Operation Preferences

Explains how to set preferences for operating the signal generator remotely.

Configuring the LAN Interface

How to Enable an Option

Modes of Operation for All Models

Modes of Operation

Lists the primary operational modes available on the signal generator.

Swept Signal Mode

Analog Modulation Mode (AM, FM, M, and Pulse)

Describes the mode where the signal generator modulates a CW signal with an analog signal.

Digital Modulation Mode (N5172 B82 B RF Vector Models w Option 65 x Only)

Describes modes using I/Q modulation for N5172B/82B RF vector models with Option 65x.

Dual ARB mode

Front Panel Operation for All Models

Returning to a Known State with the Preset Key

Explains how to return the signal generator to a known state using the Preset or User Preset keys.

Viewing Key Descriptions with the Help Key

EnteringEditing Numbers and Text with Number and Arrow Keys

Explains how to use the numeric keypad and arrow keys for entering data and navigating.

Setting Frequency and Amplitude with FREQ and AMPTD Keys

Details how to set the frequency and amplitude of the signal using dedicated keys and softkeys.

Using Swept Signal Mode (Configuring a Swept Output)

Describes how to configure the signal generator for swept signal outputs.

Working with Files (ViewingStoringLoadingMoving)

Optimizing Performance for All Models

Using the Dual Power Meter Display (with USB U2000 A Series Power Sensors)

Details how to use the dual power meter display to show current frequency and power measured by power sensors.

Using the Power Meter Servo

Describes how the Power Meter Servo mode adjusts source output power for constant DUT power.

Using Flatness Correction

Explains how to digitally adjust RF output amplitude to compensate for external losses.

Creating a User Flatness Correction Array

Recalling and Applying a User Flatness Correction Array

Using Internal Channel Correction (N5172 B82 B Only)

Details the internal calibration routine for baseband and RF magnitude/phase errors.

Using External Leveling (N5173 B83 B Only)

Explains how to move the ALC feedback source closer to the DUT for better power accuracy.

Using Unleveled Operating Modes

Using an Output Offset, Reference, or Multiplier

Using Filters (N5162 A and N5182 A Only)

Using Pulse Modulation for All Models with Options UNU, UNW, 320

Pulse Characteristics

The Basic Procedure

Provides a step-by-step guide on configuring and using pulse modulation.

Pulse Train (Option 320 - Requires: Option UNW)

Describes the Pulse Train feature for specifying up to 2047 independent pulse cycles.

Basic Digital Operation for N5172 B82 B-No BBG Option Installed

IQ Modulation

Explains I/Q modulation and factors contributing to error vector magnitude.

Basic Digital Operation for N5172 B82 B with Options 653655656657

Waveform Files (Segments and Sequences)

Describes the two types of waveform files: segments and sequences.

Storing, Loading, and Playing a Waveform Segment

Details how to store, load, and play waveform segments using BBG media.

Waveform Sequence Softkeys

Saving a Waveforms Settings & Parameters

Using Waveform Markers

Explains how to use waveform markers to mark specific points on a segment.

Triggering a Waveform

Describes how to configure trigger settings for controlling data transmission.

Clipping a Waveform

Scaling a Waveform

Using IQ Modulation

Explains I/Q modulation and compensation for I/Q signal differences.

IQ Adjustments

IQ Calibration

Using the Equalization Filter

Using Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters in the Dual ARB Real-Time Modulation Filter

Details how FIR filters compress I/Q waveforms and define transitions.

Setting the Real-Time Modulation Filter

Multiple Baseband Generator Synchronization

Using Real-Time Applications Softkeys

Waveform Licensing

Enables licensing of waveforms for unlimited playback.

Using Custom Digital Modulation for N5172 B82 B with Option 431 and 653655656657

Using ARB Custom Modulation Softkeys

Explains how to use softkeys for custom modulation using ARB or Real-Time modes.

ARB Custom Modulation Mode

Describes built-in modulation formats and flexibility to modify digital formats.

Real-Time Custom Modulation Mode

Explains creating custom data formats using predefined modes or user-defined files.

Creating and Using Bit Files

Using Customized Burst Shape Curves

Using the Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Using Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters with Custom Modulation

Modifying a FIR Filter Using the FIR Table Editor

Using the Custom Real-Time IQ Baseband Generator

Describes creating unframed digital modulation with user-defined data and parameters.

Differential Encoding

Using Multitone and Two-Tone Waveforms for N5172 B82 B with Option 430 and 653655656657

Creating a Custom Multitone Waveform

Describes defining, modifying, and storing multitone waveforms using the Multitone Setup editor.

Using Multitone Softkeys

Shows how to perform tasks for multitone setup, tone configuration, and generation.

Creating a Custom Two-Tone Waveform

Explains defining and modifying user-defined two-tone waveforms using the Two-Tone menu.

Using Two-Tone Softkeys

Describes the two-tone mode and lists tasks for configuring it.

Minimizing Carrier Feedthrough

Adding Real-Time Noise to a Signal for N5172 B82 B with Option 403 and 653655656657

Adding Real-Time Noise (AWGN) to a Dual ARB Waveform

Explains applying Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) to a carrier in real time.

Using Real-Time AWGN Softkeys

Shows how to apply bandwidth noise and configure RF output.

Using Real-Time Phase Noise Impairments for N5172 B82 B with Option 432 and 653655656657

Using Real-Time Phase Noise Impairment Softkeys

Explains controlling phase noise performance by frequency points and amplitude.

Phase Noise Shape and Additive Phase Noise Impairments

Understanding the Phase Noise Adjustments

Using Real-Time Fading for N5172 B82 B with Option 660 and 653655656657

Using Real-Time Fading Softkeys

Explains how to open a menu to configure Real-Time Fading simulations.

To configure a Real-Time Fading simulation

Provides steps to configure a Real-Time Fading simulation.

Using Avionics VORILS Softkeys for N5171 B72 B and N5181 B82 B with Option 302

Using VOR [VHF Omnidirectional Range] Softkeys

Explains the VOR system for providing directional information for aircraft.

To set the VOR mode that produces a full or partial VOR signal

Details selecting VOR mode for full or partial signal output.

To set the VOR carrier frequency

To set the VOR bearing angle between the VAR signal and the REF signal

Using COMID Softkeys

Using ILS Localizer Softkeys

Explains ILS Localizer function for aircraft lateral/horizontal alignment.

To set the ILS Localizer mode to produce a full or partial signal

Details selecting ILS Localizer mode for full or partial signal output.

To set the ILS Localizer carrier frequency

To set the ILS Localizer DDM polarity to fly left or fly right

Using ILS Glide Slope Softkeys

Explains ILS Glide Slope function for vertical aircraft descent path alignment.

To set the ILS Glide Slope mode to produce a full or partial signal

To set the ILS Glide Slope DDM polarity to fly up or fly down

Using ILS Marker Beacon Softkeys

Explains ILS Marker Beacon function for alerting pilots to actions based on runway proximity.

To set the ILS Marker Beacon mode to off, inner, middle, or outer

To set the ILS Marker Beacon carrier frequency

Using Baseband Operating Mode for N5172 B82 B (Primary, BERT, or N5102 A)

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to BERT

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to N5102 A

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to Primary

Using BERT for N5172 B82 B with Option UN7

Bit Error Rate Test

Explains the Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) capability for digital communications equipment analysis.

Clock Gate Function

ClockGate Delay Function

Triggering

Verifying BERT Operation

Provides procedures to verify BERT operation and measurement validity.

Using the N5102 A Digital Signal Interface Module for N5172 B82 B with Option 003004 and 653655656657

Clock Timing

Describes clocking for digital data, including timing information and diagrams.

Clock and Sample Rates

Connecting the Clock Source and the Device Under Test

Operating the N5102 A Module in Output Mode

Details setting parameters for the N5102A module in the output direction.

Operating the N5102 A Module in Input Mode

Explains setting parameters for the N5102A module in the input direction.

Troubleshooting

Display

Signal Generator Lock-Up

Provides steps to resolve signal generator lock-up issues.

RF Output

Covers troubleshooting for RF output issues like no output, low power, or distortion.

Sweep

Preset

Error Messages

Explains error message types and how to interpret them.

Front Panel Tests

Self Test Overview

Contacting Keysight Technologies

Provides contact information and resources for Keysight support.

Returning a Signal Generator to Keysight

Working in a Secure Environment

How to Obtain the Security Features Document

Provides instructions to download the "Security Features and Document of Volatility" PDF.

Using Secure Display