Keysight Technologies X Series

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

Keysight Technologies X Series Specifications

General

Form Factor	Benchtop
Analysis Bandwidth	Up to 1 GHz
Phase Noise	-136 dBc/Hz
Connectivity	LAN, USB, GPIB
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW)	1 Hz to 10 MHz
Interface	Touchscreen
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)	-172 dBm (depending on the model)

Summary

Models, Options, and FrontRear Panels for All Models

N5171 BN5181 B RF Analog Signal Generators, Options and Features

Details the options and features available for Keysight N5171B/N5181B RF Analog signal generators.

N5172 BN5182 B RF Vector Signal Generators, Options and Features

Details the options and features available for Keysight N5172B/N5182B RF Vector signal generators.

N5173 BN5183 B Microwave Analog Signal Generators, Options and Features

Details the options and features available for Keysight N5173B/N5183B Microwave Analog signal generators.

Modes of Operation for All Models

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

Modulates a CW signal with analog signals like AM, FM, ΦM, and Pulse.

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

Utilizes I/Q modulation for N5172B/82B models with Option 65x installed.

ARB Custom Modulation mode

Creates single or multiple modulated carriers, calculated and generated before output.

Real-Time Custom Modulation mode

Creates single or multiple modulated carriers with calculation and generation before output.

Real-Time AWGN mode

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

Real-Time Phase Noise Impairment mode

Degrades phase noise performance by controlling frequency points and amplitude.

Baseband Operating mode (Primary, BERT w Option UN7, or N5102 A w Options 003 or 004)

Selects one of three ARB FPGA images, changing supported features.

Optimizing Performance for All Models

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

Displays current frequency and power measured by one or two power sensors.

Using the Power Meter Servo

Uses power meter readings to adjust source output power, maintaining constant DUT output power.

Using Flatness Correction

Allows digital adjustment of RF output amplitude to compensate for external losses.

Using Internal Channel Correction (N5172 B82 B Only)

Collects correction data for baseband and RF magnitude/phase errors over the frequency range.

Using External Leveling (N5173 B83 B Only)

Moves ALC feedback source closer to DUT to account for cabling and component uncertainties.

Using Unleveled Operating Modes

Explains operating modes that remove or distort automatic leveling for narrow pulses or IQ signals.

Using an Output Offset, Reference, or Multiplier

Allows outputting frequency or amplitude offset from the entered value.

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

Pulse Train (Option 320 - Requires: Option UNW)

Enables specification of up to 2047 independent pulse cycles with on/off times and repeat counts.

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

IQ Modulation

Explains I/Q modulation and its contribution to error vector magnitude.

IQ Adjustments

Provides adjustments and calibrations to compensate for I/Q signal differences or add impairments.

IQ Calibration

Using the Equalization Filter

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

Basic Digital Operation for N5172 B82 B with Options 653655656657

Storing, Loading, and Playing a Waveform Segment

Using Waveform Markers

Clipping a Waveform

Scaling a Waveform

Setting the Baseband Frequency Offset

Using IQ Modulation

Multiple Baseband Generator Synchronization

Sets up master/slave systems for synchronizing waveform playback.

Waveform Licensing

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

Using ARB Custom Modulation Softkeys

Custom Real-Time IQ Baseband

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

Differential Encoding

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

Creating a Custom Multitone Waveform

Creating a Custom Two-Tone Waveform

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

Using Real-Time AWGN Softkeys

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

Using Real-Time Phase Noise Impairment Softkeys

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

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

Using ILS Localizer Softkeys

Ensures lateral/horizontal alignment of aircraft with runway center.

Using ILS Glide Slope Softkeys

Ensures vertical descent path alignment of aircraft with runway.

Using ILS Marker Beacon Softkeys

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

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to BERT

Configures the signal generator for Bit Error Rate Test (BER) analysis.

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to N5102 A

Configures the signal generator for N5102A Digital Signal Interface Module features.

To set the Baseband Operating Mode to Primary

Using BERT for N5172 B82 B with Option UN7

Bit Error Rate Test

Performs bit error rate (BER) analysis on digital communications equipment.

Triggering a Waveform

Verifying BERT Operation

Provides procedures to verify the signal generator's BERT operation.

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

Clock Timing

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

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

Troubleshooting

Signal Generator Lock-Up

RF Output

Troubleshoots problems related to no RF output, power supply shutdown, modulation, power level, and distortion.

Sweep

Error Messages

Explains different types of errors and how to interpret them.