# Agilent N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

# Agilent N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Frequency coverage from 100 kHz to 3 GHz (Option 503) or 100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option 506)
-   Fast switching speeds with Option UNZ — as fast as 900 µs in list/step sweep mode
-   High output power with Option 1EA — up to +23 dBm from >50 MHz to 3 GHz
-   Internal baseband generator options: 30 MSa/s (651), 60 MSa/s (652), or 125 MSa/s (654) with 8 MSa standard memory; expandable to 64 MSa with Option 019
-   Single sideband phase noise at 1 GHz: ≤ -121 dBc/Hz typical at 20 kHz offset
-   LAN, USB 2.0, and GPIB (IEEE-488.2) interfaces standard; LXI Class C compliant
-   Optional analog modulation (UNT), pulse modulation (UNU), and narrow pulse modulation (UNW) for ATE and radar applications
-   Compatibility languages support commands from Agilent E4438C, ESG series, 8648, and Rohde & Schwarz SMU200A, SMIQ, and others

The Agilent N5182A MXG Vector Signal Generator is a benchtop RF vector signal source covering 100 kHz to 3 GHz (Option 503) or 100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option 506). The companion N5162A MXG ATE is a rear-panel-output variant of the same platform optimized for automated test environments. Both share the same RF performance, baseband generator architecture, and software ecosystem, and the datasheet positions the product as optimized for performance and speed — citing fast switching, industry-best ACPR, simplified self-maintenance, Signal Studio software support, and high output power as the headline attributes.

The datasheet identifies vector signal generators as stimulus instruments for digital wireless test applications including 3GPP W-CDMA (with HSDPA/HSUPA), 3GPP2 cdma2000/1xEV-DO, 3GPP LTE FDD, GSM/EDGE, 802.11 WLAN (a/g), 802.16e Mobile WiMAX, TD-SCDMA, T-DMB, broadcast radio, Bluetooth, and digital video — each supported by a dedicated Signal Studio waveform creation application. The instrument's EVM, ACLR, and ORFS performance tables in the datasheet document its use for transmitter characterization, amplifier ACLR/ACPR testing, and receiver stimulus across these wireless standards.

## Brand Heritage

Agilent Technologies emerged in 1999 when Hewlett-Packard separated its test, measurement, and chemical analysis businesses into a standalone company. In 2014, Agilent further divided when its electronic measurement business was spun off as Keysight Technologies, which is the current entity supporting Agilent-branded RF and microwave instruments like the N5182A MXG. The product itself was introduced under Agilent branding and is identified as such throughout the datasheet.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The MXG vector signal generator family consists of two form-factor variants on a shared RF and baseband platform. The N5182A MXG is the standard benchtop instrument with front-panel RF output and I/Q connectors. The N5162A MXG ATE relocates all primary connectors to the rear panel, which the datasheet identifies as the configuration intended for rack-mounted automated test systems.

Within each form factor, configuration is driven primarily by three choices: frequency range (Option 503 for 3 GHz or Option 506 for 6 GHz), performance enhancement options such as fast switching (UNZ), high output power (1EA), and low output power (1EQ), and vector-specific options including the baseband generator sample rate (651/652/654) and memory expansion (019). The same datasheet specifications apply to both N5182A and N5162A units at matched option configurations.

Each pre-owned model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. When evaluating between the N5182A and N5162A configurations, confirm the frequency option (503 vs. 506), the baseband generator option (651/652/654), and any installed performance enhancement options on the specific unit, since these determine measurement capability and cannot always be added in the field without manufacturer service.

The N5182A is the benchtop form factor with front-panel RF output and I/Q inputs. Option 1EM on the N5182A relocates the RF output and I/Q inputs to the rear panel, making it functionally equivalent to the N5162A MXG ATE for rack integration while retaining front-panel controls.

The primary physical difference between the N5182A and the N5162A is connector placement: the N5182A has front-panel RF and I/Q connectors by default, while the N5162A MXG ATE has all primary connectors on the rear panel for ATE rack mounting. The datasheet notes that the N5162A is intended for automated test applications and that Option 1EM on the N5182A approximates the same rear-panel layout.

Beyond form factor, the frequency option (503 for 3 GHz, 506 for 6 GHz) is the most significant capability differentiator, followed by the baseband generator sample rate (30, 60, or 125 MSa/s for Options 651, 652, 654 respectively) which determines the maximum modulation bandwidth available. The comparison table that follows summarizes the available frequency, baseband, and performance enhancement options across configurations in current ValueTronics inventory.

Model

Frequency Range

Form Factor

Max Output Power (Std)

**N5182A**

100 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz (Option 503/506)

Benchtop (front panel RF output)

+13 dBm (50 MHz to 3 GHz)

N5162A

100 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz (Option 503/506)

ATE (rear panel RF output)

+13 dBm (50 MHz to 3 GHz)

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Product Core & Specifications

Category

Specification

Value

Frequency

Range (Option 503)

100 kHz to 3 GHz

Frequency

Range (Option 506)

100 kHz to 6 GHz

Frequency

Minimum frequency

100 kHz

Frequency

Resolution

0.01 Hz

Frequency

Phase offset

Adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments

Frequency

Switching speed (Standard, Digital mod off, SCPI mode)

≤ 5 ms (typ)

Frequency

Switching speed (Option UNZ, Digital mod off, SCPI mode)

≤ 1.15 ms

Frequency

Switching speed (Option UNZ typ, Digital mod off, List/Step)

≤ 700 µs

Frequency

Internal time base aging rate

≤ ±5 ppm/10 yrs, < ±1 ppm/yr (nom)

Frequency

Temperature effects

±1 ppm (0 to 55 °C) (nom)

Frequency

Line voltage effects

±0.1 ppm (nom)

Reference

Reference output frequency

10 MHz

Reference

Reference output amplitude

≥ +4 dBm (nom) into 50 Ω load

Reference

External reference input (Standard)

10 MHz

Reference

External reference input (Option 1ER)

1 to 50 MHz (in multiples of 0.1 Hz)

Reference

Lock range

±1 ppm

Reference

Reference input amplitude

\> -3.5 to 20 dBm (nom)

Reference

Reference input impedance

50 Ω (nom)

Amplitude

Minimum output power (Standard)

\-110 dBm

Amplitude

Minimum output power (Option 1EQ)

\-127 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Standard, 100 kHz to 50 MHz)

+13 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Standard, >50 MHz to 3 GHz)

+13 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Standard, >3 GHz to 5.0 GHz)

+13 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Standard, >5.0 GHz)

+11 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Option 1EA, 100 kHz to 50 MHz)

+15 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Option 1EA, >50 MHz to 3 GHz)

+23 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Option 1EA, >3 GHz to 5.0 GHz)

+17 dBm

Amplitude

Max output (Option 1EA, >5.0 GHz)

+16 dBm

Amplitude

Resolution

0.01 dB (nom)

Amplitude

Step attenuator

0 to 130 dB in 5 dB steps (110 dB without Option 1EQ), electronic type

Amplitude

Connector

50 Ω (nom)

Amplitude

SWR (≤1.7 GHz)

1.4:1 (typ)

Amplitude

SWR (>1.7 to 3 GHz)

1.55:1 (typ)

Amplitude

SWR (>3 to 4 GHz)

1.7:1 (typ)

Amplitude

SWR (>4 to 6 GHz)

1.6:1 (typ)

Amplitude

Max reverse power (DC)

50 VDC (nom)

Amplitude

Max reverse power (100 kHz to 6 GHz)

2 W (nom)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 500 MHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -126 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -121 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 2 GHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -115 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 3 GHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -110 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 4 GHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -109 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

SSB phase noise @ 6 GHz, 20 kHz offset

≤ -104 dBc/Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

Residual FM (CW mode, 300 Hz to 3 kHz BW)

< N x 2 Hz (typ)

Spectral Purity

Harmonics (250 kHz to 3 GHz, <+4 dBm)

< -35 dBc

Spectral Purity

Harmonics (1EA, 250 kHz to 3 GHz, <+12 dBm)

< -30 dBc

Spectral Purity

Subharmonics (250 kHz to 3.0 GHz)

< -73 dBc

Analog Modulation

FM max deviation (Option UNT)

N × 10 MHz (nom)

Analog Modulation

FM 3 dB bandwidth (DC coupled)

DC to 7 MHz (nom)

Analog Modulation

Phase modulation max dev (Normal BW)

N × 5 radians (nom)

Analog Modulation

AM depth maximum

100%

**Important:** Maximum reverse power at the RF output: 2 W (nominal), 50 VDC (nominal). Maximum safe input at the external I/Q inputs: 1 Vrms, 5 Vpeak. Maximum safe input at the external modulation (AM, FM, pulse) inputs: ±5 V.**Important:** Recommended calibration cycle is 36 months. Agilent has verified that the stability of this product's architecture justifies a longer calibration interval of 3 years.**Important:** Maximum reverse power: 2 W (nom), 50 VDC max at RF output connector.**Important:** Pulse modulation specifications apply to frequencies > 500 MHz. Operable down to 10 MHz.**Important:** Performance below 250 kHz is unspecified except as indicated, for units with serial numbers ending with 4742xxxx or greater. Refer to the Archive Section for units with lower serial numbers.**Important:** Internal Channel Correction applies to firmware A.01.60 or greater with Option N5162/82AK-R2C.Recommended pairing: combine the N5182A with Signal Studio software (N7600B for W-CDMA, N7624B for LTE FDD, N7617B for WLAN, N7615B for WiMAX, and others listed in the datasheet ordering guide) to generate standards-compliant waveforms for transmitter and receiver test.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 0.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Agilent
- **Type:** Rf Gen
- **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Signal Generators, Updated Item Review

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 0.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- N5182A Agilent RF Generator

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/n5182a-agilent-rf-generator-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
