Keysight has launched a new vector generator that maintains a compact size and is suitable for complex wideband multichannel applications.

Keysight Technologies, Inc. today introduced the N5186A MXG, a new compact four-channel vector signal generator (VSG) capable of generating signals up to 8.5 GHz per channel (960 MHz modulation bandwidth).

The N5186A MXG is the next-generation, high-performance VSG in Keysight's X-Series signal generator portfolio, delivering complex multi-signal signals required for dense, wideband, multichannel applications.

The wireless communications and radar fields are demanding higher frequency ranges as technology evolves. To test these applications, signal generation equipment that maintains modulation quality over a larger bandwidth is needed. To accommodate higher frequencies, greater bandwidths, and more complex modulation schemes, network and design engineers typically require more bench space to accommodate additional test equipment and fixtures.

Keysight’s new N5186A MXG reduces external connections, simplifies complex setups by packing up to four channels in a compact 2U form factor, and addresses space constraints. The world’s first signal generator with a built-in reflectometer, the N5186A MXG delivers highly accurate signals to the device under test (DUT).

The N5186A MXG offers multi-channel in a 2U size with a compact design that reduces rack height by up to 75%. It features proprietary Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) digital-to-analog converter (DAC) technology that reduces signal distortion with a bandwidth range of up to 960 MHz, best-in-class Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) performance. It features a built-in reflectometer to provide accurate signals, reducing time to market and simplifying test setup, and generates high-quality signals with low phase noise to enable high-resolution radar system design and high-throughput next-generation communication systems.

According to Keysight, the N5186A MXG vector signal generator delivers consistent, repeatable results, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial and aerospace/defense applications. MXG’s custom DAC application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) provide precision signals using DDS to minimize distortion and meet evolving standards for component and module design. They also feature a built-in reflectometer, allowing rapid testing by quickly modifying the setup process to suit the DUT.

“The groundbreaking N5186A MXG vector signal generator represents a significant leap forward in performance and simplicity for design and network engineers,” said Joe Rickert, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s High Frequency Measurement business. “As the world’s first signal generator with a built-in reflectometer, the high-performance MXG delivers powerful, precision signals. When combined with PathWave signal generation software, the MXG delivers an ideal signal generator with superior performance in one easy-to-use solution.”