# Keysight N5181B MXG X-Series 6 GHz Analog Signal Generator (Pre-Owned) # Keysight N5181B MXG X-Series 6 GHz Analog Signal Generator (Pre-Owned) ## Key Features At A Glance - Available as the N5181B analog or N5182B vector signal generator within the MXG X-Series family - Frequency coverage from 9 kHz up to 3, 6, or 7.2 GHz depending on model and frequency options - 0.001 Hz frequency resolution with phase offset adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments - GPIB (IEEE-488.2), 1000BaseT LAN (LXI Class C), and USB 2.0 remote programming via SCPI for automated test systems - Optional analog modulation — AM, FM, and ΦM with Option UNT; narrow pulse modulation with Option UNW - Vector modulation, internal baseband generator, and Signal Studio support available on the N5182B - Optional enhanced single-sideband phase-noise performance via Option UNX or Option UNY - Type N 50 Ω RF output with electronic step attenuator (0 to 130 dB in 5 dB steps) The Keysight MXG X-Series comprises the N5181B analog and N5182B vector signal generators — RF sources covering 9 kHz to 3 or 6 GHz, extendable to 7.2 GHz on the N5182B with the N5182BX07 Frequency Extender. Keysight describes the MXG as a “golden transmitter” for R&D, fine-tuned to deliver phase noise, ACPR, and channel coding performance for engineers pushing for a linear RF chain or an optimized link budget. The MXG generates standards-based test signals for receiver and transmitter characterization. Distortion and EVM performance is documented for 3GPP W-CDMA, 3GPP LTE-FDD, GSM/EDGE, 3GPP2 cdma2000, 802.16e Mobile WiMAX, and 802.11a/g/ac formats. Avionics test signals — VOR, ILS localizer and glide slope, and marker beacon — are available with Option 302, and real-time cellular, navigation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), and video (DVB, ISDB-T) applications are supported through Signal Studio with the real-time baseband generator (Option 660). ValueTronics stocks instruments like the MXG X-Series in our own 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every pre-owned unit we sell is inspected and functionally verified in-house by our technicians before it ships, while new units leave factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer. That combination of real inventory and hands-on verification is what separates a stocking specialist from a listing aggregator. ## Brand Heritage Keysight Technologies traces its roots to the test and measurement business of Hewlett-Packard, which was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. Agilent's electronic measurement business was then established as Keysight Technologies in 2014, the brand under which this product line is offered today. ## Compare Other Models in This Series The Keysight MXG X-Series is offered in two models that share the same platform but serve different signal-generation needs: the N5181B is an analog signal generator, while the N5182B is a vector signal generator that adds I/Q modulation, an internal baseband generator, and arbitrary-waveform playback. Both cover a base range of 9 kHz to 3 or 6 GHz set by frequency options 503 and 506. Beyond the analog-versus-vector distinction, the family differentiates through options rather than separate hardware tiers. Frequency reach, output power, phase-noise performance, switching speed, and modulation capability are each governed by ordering options, allowing a configuration to be matched to the application. The N5182B uniquely supports extension to 7.2 GHz when paired with the N5182BX07 Frequency Extender. Each model below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing for the pre-owned unit you select. Choose the model that matches your required configuration, then review that page for its specifications and current availability. The N5182B is the vector member of the family: it adds the I/Q modulator, internal baseband generator (Options 656 and 657), arbitrary waveform memory, and the real-time and custom modulation options not present on the analog N5181B. It is also the only model in the series that can be extended to 7.2 GHz via the N5182BX07 Frequency Extender. The primary difference between the two models is modulation architecture: the N5181B provides analog modulation (AM, FM, and ΦM with Option UNT, pulse with Option UNW), while the N5182B adds full vector/I-Q modulation, baseband generation, and waveform playback on top of those analog capabilities. The comparison table below summarizes the capabilities that apply to each model. Within each model, frequency range is set by Option 503 (to 3 GHz) or Option 506 (to 6 GHz), output power can be raised with Option 1EA, and phase noise can be improved with Option UNX or UNY. The N5182B carries a higher maximum power draw (300 W versus 160 W) and slightly greater net weight, reflecting its added baseband and vector hardware. Refer to each model's row for the exact options it supports. Model Frequency Range Type Max Output Power (>10 MHz–3 GHz, Std) **N5181B** 9 kHz to 3 or 6 GHz Analog +18 dBm N5182B 9 kHz to 6 GHz (7.2 GHz w/ N5182BX07) Vector +18 dBm Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below. ## Product Core & Specifications Specification Value Frequency Frequency range (Option 503) 9 kHz (5 MHz I/Q mode) to 3 GHz Frequency range (Option 506) 9 kHz (5 MHz I/Q mode) to 6 GHz Frequency range (Option 506 + FRQ, N5182B only) 9 kHz (5 MHz I/Q mode) to 7.2 GHz Resolution 0.001 Hz Phase offset Adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments Frequency Switching Speed CW mode, SCPI (Standard) ≤ 5 ms, typical CW mode, SCPI (Option UNZ) ≤ 1.15 ms List/step sweep mode (Standard) ≤ 5 ms, typical List/step sweep mode (Option UNZ) ≤ 900 µs Frequency Reference Internal timebase aging rate < ± 1 x 10⁻⁷/year; < ± 5 x 10⁻¹⁰/day after 30 days Initial achievable calibration accuracy ± 4 x 10⁻⁸ or ± 40 ppb Adjustment resolution < 1 x 10⁻¹⁰ Temperature effects < ± 2 x 10⁻¹⁰, nominal Reference output frequency 10 MHz Reference output amplitude ≥ +4 dBm, nominal into 50 Ω load External reference input (standard) 10 MHz External reference input (Option 1ER) 1 to 50 MHz (in multiples of 0.1 Hz) Lock range ± 1 ppm Sweep Modes (Frequency and Amplitude) Operating modes Step sweep; List sweep Dwell time 100 µs to 100 s Number of points 2 to 65535 (step sweep); 1 to 3201 (list sweep) Triggering Free run, trigger key, external, timer, bus (GPIB, LAN, USB) Output Parameters Settable range (Standard) +19 to –144 dBm Settable range (Option 1EA) +30 to –144 dBm Resolution 0.01 dB Step attenuator 0 to 130 dB in 5 dB steps, electronic type Connector Type N 50 Ω, nominal Maximum Output Power (Standard / Option 1EA) 9 kHz to 10 MHz +13 dBm / +17 dBm (+18 dBm typ) \> 10 MHz to 3 GHz +18 dBm / +24 dBm (+26 dBm typ) \> 3 to 5 GHz +16 dBm / +19 dBm (+20 dBm typ) \> 5 to 6.0 GHz +16 dBm / +18 dBm (+19 dBm typ) Absolute Level Accuracy in CW Mode (ALC on, Max power to –60 dBm) () = typical 100 kHz to 5 MHz ± 0.8 dB (± 0.3) \> 5 MHz to 3 GHz ± 0.6 dB (± 0.3) \> 3 to 6 GHz ± 0.6 dB (± 0.3) SWR (measured CW mode, Bypass attenuator state) ≤ 1.0 GHz < 1.3:1 \> 1.0 to 2 GHz < 1.55:1 \> 2 to 3 GHz < 1.8:1 \> 3 to 4 GHz < 1.5:1 \> 4 to 6 GHz < 1.9:1 Maximum Reverse Power, nominal < 1 GHz 50 W \> 1 to 2 GHz 25 W \> 2 to 6 GHz 20 W Max DC voltage 50 VDC Trip level 2 W Standard Absolute SSB Phase Noise (dBc/Hz, CW, at 20 kHz offset) () = typical 5 MHz to < 250 MHz –129 (–133) 250 MHz –140 (–143) 500 MHz –135 (–139) 1 GHz –131 (–134) 2 GHz –124 (–127) 3 GHz –123 (–127) 4 GHz –118 (–122) 6 GHz –116 (–121) Option UNX Absolute SSB Phase Noise (dBc/Hz, CW, at 20 kHz offset) () = typical 5 MHz to < 250 MHz –140 (–143) 250 MHz –144 (–150) 500 MHz –143 (–150) 1 GHz –141 (–146) 2 GHz –135 (–141) 3 GHz –131 (–137) 4 GHz –118 (–122) 6 GHz –117 (–121) Harmonics (CW mode) 9 kHz to 3 GHz (Standard < +4 dBm) < –35 dBc \> 3 to 4 GHz (Standard < +4 dBm) < –35 dBc, typical \> 4 to 6 GHz (Standard < +4 dBm) < –53 dBc, typical 9 kHz to 3 GHz (Option 1EA < +12 dBm) < –30 dBc Spurious (CW mode) Residual FM (300 Hz to 3 kHz BW, CCITT, rms), 5 MHz to 6 GHz < N x 2 Hz (measured) Residual AM (0.3 to 3 kHz BW, rms, +5 dBm), 100 kHz to 3 GHz < 0.01% (measured) Analog Modulation (Option UNT) FM maximum deviation N × 4 MHz, nominal FM resolution 1 Hz, nominal FM deviation accuracy < ± 2% + 20 Hz (1 kHz rate, deviation is N x 50 kHz) Phase modulation maximum deviation, normal bandwidth N × 2 radians, nominal > **Important:** Maximum reverse power (nominal): 50 W below 1 GHz, 25 W from 1 to 2 GHz, and 20 W from 2 to 6 GHz. Maximum DC voltage: 50 VDC. Reverse power trip level: 2 W. > **Important:** 7.2 GHz frequency coverage is available only on the N5182B with Option 506 and the N5182BX07 Frequency Extender. > **Important:** Digital baseband input/output (Options 003 and 004) require the N5102A digital signal interface module to deliver or receive complex-modulated digital signals. > Recommended pairing: extend the N5182B to 7.2 GHz with the Keysight N5182BX07 Frequency Extender, which requires Option 506. ## About this Pre-Owned unit This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects. - 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). ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application. **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 - 560.0 USD - **Vendor:** Keysight Technologies - **Type:** Rf Gen - **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Keysight, Keysight Technologies, Manufacturers, Model 5181, N5181, N5181B, Pre-Owned, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Rf Gen, Signal Generators ## Variants | Variant | Price | Available | |---------|-------|-----------| | None | 0.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable | 455.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable with Full Data | 490.00 USD | In stock | | ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 560.00 USD | In stock | ## Images - N5181B Agilent RF Generator --- > Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/n5181b-agilent-rf-generator-used) > Updated: 2026-06-02