Keysight N5193A UXG Agile Signal Generator
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | N5193A UXG |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Keysight N5193A UXG Agile Signal Generator is a high-performance microwave signal source engineered for demanding defense, aerospace, and advanced wireless R&D applications. It operates across a continuous frequency range of 10 MHz to 40 GHz, delivering exceptional agility in frequency, amplitude, and phase—critical for emulating dynamic electromagnetic environments such as modern radar waveforms, electronic warfare (EW) threat scenarios, and multi-antenna MIMO channel modeling. At its core, the N5193A leverages Keysight’s proprietary direct digital synthesis (DDS) architecture combined with ultra-high-speed, high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) to achieve sub-250 ns switching times for frequency, amplitude, and phase transitions—without phase discontinuity or settling overshoot. This enables true phase-coherent signal generation across rapid parameter changes, supporting deterministic waveform sequencing required in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems and real-time radar signal injection.
Key Features
- Agile switching: ≤250 ns reconfiguration time for frequency, amplitude, and phase—maintaining phase coherence across transitions
- Ultra-narrow pulse generation: 5 ns minimum pulse width with <1 ns rise/fall times and ≥80 dB on/off ratio
- Wideband linear chirp: Sweep bandwidth up to 10–25% of carrier frequency (e.g., 4 GHz chirp at 16 GHz carrier)
- Advanced pulse modulation: Pulse descriptor word (PDW)-based sequencing with independent per-pulse phase, amplitude, and timing control
- Exceptional spectral purity: –126 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 GHz carrier, 20 kHz offset
- Compact 3U form factor: Designed for seamless integration into existing 19-inch rack systems—direct replacement for legacy signal generators
- Integrated local oscillator (LO) output: Enables coherent multi-channel stimulus setups without external synchronization hardware
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The N5193A UXG is designed for use in laboratories and production test environments subject to stringent regulatory and quality requirements. Its firmware and hardware architecture support traceable calibration workflows aligned with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited metrology practices. While not certified as a medical device or industrial safety instrument, it complies with CE, FCC Part 15 Subpart B, and RoHS directives. For defense contractors, the instrument supports configuration management under MIL-STD-454 and facilitates audit-ready documentation for DO-178C and DO-254 development traceability when integrated into validated test platforms. Optional security features—including role-based access control and encrypted firmware updates—assist compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 requirements.
Software & Data Management
Keysight PathWave Signal Generation software (formerly known as Signal Studio) provides native support for the N5193A UXG, enabling intuitive creation of complex radar, EW, and 5G NR waveforms via drag-and-drop modulation templates and MATLAB® script integration. The instrument supports SCPI command set over LAN (VXI-11/TCP-IP), USB, and GPIB interfaces, ensuring compatibility with LabVIEW™, Python (PyVISA), and TestStand™ automated test frameworks. All waveform uploads, parameter logs, and calibration metadata are timestamped and stored with SHA-256 hash integrity verification. Audit trail functionality—including user login history, command execution logs, and configuration change timestamps—meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GLP/GMP data integrity expectations when deployed in regulated validation environments.
Applications
- Radar system testing: Emulation of multi-target, multi-Doppler, and clutter-rich scenarios using PDW-based pulse trains
- Electronic warfare simulation: Generation of agile jamming signals, deceptive pulses, and frequency-hopping threats
- 5G mmWave component characterization: Stimulus for phased array antenna calibration and beamforming verification
- Satellite communications payload validation: Wideband chirp and OFDM-modulated stimuli for LNA and mixer linearity assessment
- Quantum computing RF control: Low-phase-noise, fast-switching tones for qubit gate pulsing and readout sequencing
- Automotive ADAS radar testing: Realistic FMCW and SFCW signal generation for 77/79 GHz sensor validation
FAQ
What is the minimum dwell time between frequency hops?
The N5193A supports stable output within 250 ns after a frequency, amplitude, or phase change—enabling dwell times down to 500 ns in closed-loop sequencing.
Does the N5193A support external trigger synchronization?
Yes—it accepts TTL/LVDS external triggers with programmable delay resolution of 100 ps and supports master-slave synchronization across multiple units via 10 MHz reference and PPS signals.
Can I generate arbitrary waveforms beyond built-in modulations?
Yes—via IQ waveform streaming over PCIe Gen3 interface (optional), supporting up to 2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth and 16-bit resolution.
Is phase noise performance specified across the full 40 GHz range?
Phase noise is characterized from 10 MHz to 40 GHz; typical values are –126 dBc/Hz @ 10 GHz/20 kHz, degrading to –110 dBc/Hz @ 40 GHz/20 kHz.
How is calibration maintained over temperature and time?
The unit includes internal temperature-compensated reference oscillators and supports automated self-calibration routines; recommended recalibration interval is 12 months or after 2000 operating hours.
