N5182B MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator
Manufacturers
Keysight
Other Recommendations
6GHz Vector Signal Generator, -146dBc/Hz Phase Noise, +27dBm Output for Advanced Receiver Testing
🔇-146dBc/Hz
@1GHz/20kHz offset (Source: Input description)
📶+27dBm
At 1GHz (Source: Input description)
📊160MHz
Factory-equalized RF bandwidth (Source: Input description)
| Core Parameter | Specification | Application Value |
|---|---|---|
| Spectral Purity | -146dBc/Hz phase noise, -96dBc spurious | Enables precise receiver sensitivity testing for satellite communications |
| Modulation Accuracy | 0.4% EVM (802.11ac/LTE) | Validates 5G NR 256QAM signals with margin for production testing |
| Memory Capacity | 1024MSa arbitrary waveform | Stores complex radar/chirp sequences for aerospace testing |
Core Application Scenarios
Satellite Receiver Testing — Ultra-low phase noise validates LNA noise figure in deep-space communication systems
5G Power Amplifier Characterization — +27dBm output drives PAs to compression for ACPR measurements (<-73dBc)
Technical Deep Dive
Precision Signal Generation Architecture
Features "Ultra-Low-Noise Synthesizer + High-Linearity Modulator" design: Direct digital synthesis achieves -146dBc/Hz phase noise at 20kHz offset (Source: Input description). High-power amplifiers deliver +27dBm output with <-96dBc spurious levels. 160MHz RF bandwidth supports wideband 5G NR signals. 1024MSa memory enables long-duration waveform playback. PathWave software integration simplifies LTE/802.11ac/Wi-Fi 6 signal creation with 0.4% EVM performance.
| Technical Dimension | N5182B MXG | Standard VSG | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase Noise Performance | -146dBc/Hz @20kHz offset | -130dBc/Hz typical | 16dB improvement for sensitive satellite receivers |
| Output Power | +27dBm at 1GHz | +20dBm typical | Eliminates external amplifiers for PA testing, saving $5k/test station |
5G Massive MIMO Base Station Test Workflow
Connection: Connect MXG to 64-antenna array inputs via RF matrix
Configuration:
- Load 5G NR FR2 waveform: 400MHz BW, 256QAM
- Set frequency: 28GHz, output power: +20dBm
- Enable beamforming profiles: 0°/30°/60° beam anglesTesting:
- Measure EIRP: >65dBm at peak beam
- Verify EVM: <3% across all spatial streams
- Test beam switching: <5μs transition timeAnalysis: Generate 3GPP compliance report with beam pattern data
Frequency Power Boundary
Output power decreases to +15dBm at 6GHz (Based on RF amplifier characteristics). Mitigation: ① Use at ≤4GHz for maximum +27dBm performance; ② Add external amplifier for mmWave testing.
