# RIGOL DSG815 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz RF Signal Generator

# RIGOL DSG815 9 kHz to 1.5 GHz RF Signal Generator

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz across the series, with model-dependent upper limit
-   Up to +20 dBm typical maximum output power (above 10 MHz)
-   SSB phase noise down to -112 dBc/Hz typical at 20 kHz carrier offset
-   Amplitude accuracy up to 0.5 dB typical
-   Standard AM/FM/ØM analog modulation and standard LF output
-   Optional pulse modulation, pulse generator and pulse train (Options DSG800-PUM/PUG)
-   LAN (LXI Core 2011), USB host and USB device interfaces for automated test systems
-   Electronic attenuator, digital ALC, and flexible frequency and amplitude sweep

The RIGOL DSG800 Series is a family of highly cost-effective, economical RF signal generators spanning the DSG815, DSG821, DSG821A, DSG830, DSG836, and DSG836A. The series delivers up to -112 dBc/Hz typical SSB phase noise, up to +20 dBm typical maximum output power, and amplitude accuracy as tight as 0.5 dB typical, combining superb signal stability with a compact, lightweight form factor that occupies minimal bench and rack space.

An RF signal generator produces a precise, controllable carrier at a specified frequency, power level, and modulation state, providing the known stimulus an engineer needs to characterize, align, or troubleshoot a receiver, component, or system. The DSG800 Series carries this role with a digital ALC circuit and an electronic attenuator, and supports complete AM/FM/ØM analog modulation and a standard LF output, with pulse modulation available as an option.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The DSG800 Series comprises six RF signal generator models — the DSG815, DSG821, DSG821A, DSG830, DSG836, and DSG836A — that share a common architecture, user interface, and modulation feature set while differing in maximum frequency and I/Q configuration. Every model starts at 9 kHz and uses the same digital ALC circuit, electronic attenuator, internal 10 MHz reference, and standard AM/FM/ØM analog modulation with LF output.

The upper frequency limit defines the principal step between models: 1.5 GHz for the DSG815, 2.1 GHz for the DSG821 and DSG821A, 3 GHz for the DSG830, and 3.6 GHz for the DSG836 and DSG836A. The 'A' models, the DSG821A and DSG836A, add I/Q modulation as a standard configuration together with an internal I/Q baseband generator.

Each new model linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, so you can select the exact frequency tier and configuration your application requires and review that model's specific availability and price.

When selecting within the series, the key decisions are maximum carrier frequency and whether vector (I/Q) modulation is required. The DSG815 covers to 1.5 GHz, the DSG821/DSG821A to 2.1 GHz, the DSG830 to 3 GHz, and the DSG836/DSG836A to 3.6 GHz; pulse modulation, the pulse generator, the pulse train generator, and the OCXO-B08 high-stable reference clock are available as options across the series.

I/Q modulation and the internal I/Q baseband generator are available on the DSG821A and DSG836A, which ship with I/Q modulation as a standard configuration. Refer to the comparison table that follows for the per-model frequency range and configuration differences.

Model

Frequency Range

Max Output Power

Phase Noise (typ.)

**DSG815**

9 kHz to 1.5 GHz

+20 dBm (typ.)

< -112 dBc/Hz (typ.)

DSG821

9 kHz to 2.1 GHz

+20 dBm (typ.)

< -112 dBc/Hz (typ.)

DSG821A

9 kHz to 2.1 GHz

+20 dBm (typ.)

< -112 dBc/Hz (typ.)

DSG830

9 kHz to 3 GHz

+20 dBm (typ.)

< -112 dBc/Hz (typ.)

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

## Accessories Supplied

-   Quick Guide (Hard Copy)
-   Power Cable

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Frequency

Frequency range (DSG815)

9 kHz to 1.5 GHz

Frequency range (DSG821 / DSG821A)

9 kHz to 2.1 GHz

Frequency range (DSG830)

9 kHz to 3 GHz

Frequency range (DSG836 / DSG836A)

9 kHz to 3.6 GHz

Frequency resolution

0.01 Hz

Setting time

< 10 ms (typ.)

Frequency Band (N factor)

Band 1: f < 227.5 MHz

N = 0.25

Band 2: 227.5 MHz ≤ f < 455 MHz

N = 0.125

Band 3: 455 MHz ≤ f < 910 MHz

N = 0.25

Band 4: 910 MHz ≤ f < 1820 MHz

N = 0.5

Band 5: 1820 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3600 MHz

N = 1

Internal Reference Frequency

Reference frequency

10 MHz

Temperature stability (0°C to 50°C, reference to 25°C)

< 2 ppm

Temperature stability with option OCXO-B08

< 5 ppb

Aging rate

< 1 ppm/year

Aging rate with option OCXO-B08

< 30 ppb/year

Internal reference frequency output

10 MHz, +5 dBm to +10 dBm

External reference frequency input

10 MHz, 0 dBm to +10 dBm, max. deviation ±5 ppm

Frequency Sweep

Sweep type

Step sweep (equally or logarithmically spaced frequency steps); List sweep (list with arbitrary frequency steps)

Sweep mode

Single, continuous

Sweep range

Full frequency range

Sweep shape

Triangle, ramp

Step change

Linear or logarithmic

Number of points (step sweep)

2 to 65535

Number of points (list sweep)

1 to 6001

Dwell time

20 ms to 100 s

Spectral Purity

Harmonic (CW mode, 1 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3.6 GHz, level ≤ +13 dBm)

< -30 dBc

Non-harmonic, 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 1.5 GHz (CW mode, level > -10 dBm, carrier offset > 10 kHz)

< -60 dBc, < -70 dBc (typ.)

Non-harmonic, 1.5 GHz < f ≤ 3.6 GHz

< -54 dBc, < -64 dBc (typ.)

SSB phase noise, 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 1.5 GHz (CW mode, carrier offset = 20 kHz, 1 Hz measurement bandwidth)

< -105 dBc/Hz, < -112 dBc/Hz (typ.)

SSB phase noise, 1.5 GHz < f ≤ 3.6 GHz

< -99 dBc/Hz, < -106 dBc/Hz (typ.)

Residual FM, 0.3 kHz to 3 kHz (CW mode, RMS value at f = 1 GHz)

< 10 Hz rms, < 5 Hz rms (typ.)

Residual FM, 0.03 kHz to 20 kHz

< 50 Hz rms, < 10 Hz rms (typ.)

Amplitude

Specification level range, 9 kHz ≤ f < 100 kHz

+5 dBm

Specification level range, 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 3.6 GHz

+13 dBm

Maximum output level, 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 3.6 GHz

+20 dBm

Minimum output level, 9 kHz ≤ f ≤ 100 kHz

\-110 dBm

Minimum output level, 100 kHz < f ≤ 3.6 GHz

\-110 dBm

Setting resolution

0.01 dB

Absolute level uncertainty, +13 dBm to -60 dBm (100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 3.6 GHz, 20°C to 30°C)

≤ 0.9 dB, ≤ 0.5 (typ.)

Absolute level uncertainty, -60 dBm to -110 dBm

≤ 1.1 dB, ≤ 0.7 (typ.)

VSWR (1 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3.6 GHz)

< 1.8 (typ.)

Level setting time (fixed frequency, 20°C to 30°C)

≤ 5 ms (typ.)

Max. reverse power - max. DC voltage

50 V

Max. reverse power, 1 MHz < f ≤ 3.6 GHz

1 W

Level Sweep

Sweep type

Step sweep (equally spaced level steps); List sweep (list with arbitrary level steps)

Sweep mode

Single, continuous

Sweep range

Full level range

Sweep shape

Triangle, ramp

Step change

Linear

Number of points (step sweep)

2 to 65535

Number of points (list sweep)

1 to 6001

Dwell time

20 ms to 100 s

Trigger mode

Auto, key, external, bus (USB, LAN)

Internal Modulation Generator (LF)

Waveform

Sine, square

Frequency range (sine)

DC to 200 kHz

Frequency range (square)

DC to 20 kHz

Resolution

0.01 Hz

Frequency error

The same with that of the RF reference source

Voltage range (AC)

0 to 3 Vp

Voltage range (DC)

\-3 V to 3 V

Voltage resolution

2 mV

Amplitude Modulation

Modulation depth

0% to 100%

Resolution

0.1%

Setting uncertainty (fmod = 1 kHz)

< setting value × 4% + 1%

Distortion (fmod = 1 kHz, m < 30%, level = 0 dBm)

< 3% (typ.)

Modulation frequency response (m < 80%, DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz)

< 3 dB (nom.)

Frequency Modulation

Modulation source

Internal, external

Max. deviation

N × 1 MHz (nom.)

Resolution

< 0.1% of the deviation or 1 Hz, take the greater one (nom.)

Setting uncertainty (fmod = 1 kHz, internal modulation)

< setting value × 2% + 20 Hz

Modulation source

Internal, external

Trigger mode

Auto, key, external, bus (USB, LAN)

> **Important:** Maximum reverse power: 1 W (1 MHz < f ≤ 3.6 GHz); maximum reverse DC voltage: 50 V.

> **Important:** I/Q Modulation and the I/Q Baseband Generator are only available on the DSG821A and DSG836A models.

> **Important:** The option DSG800-PUM (Pulse Modulation, Pulse Generator) will be installed automatically after the DSG800-PUG (Pulse Train Generator) option is installed.

> **Important:** SSB phase noise performance is available for software version 00.01.07 or above.

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:** 1994.05 USD
- **Vendor:** RIGOL
- **Type:** Rf Gen
- **Tags:** DSG815, Factory New, Inc., Manufacturers, Model 815, product_manual_group_1, Product_new, RF, Rf Gen, Rigol, RIGOL Technologies, Signal Generators, Updated Item Review

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 1994.05 USD | In stock |

## Images

- DSG815 Rigol RF Generator

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/dsg815-rigol-rf-generator-new)
> Updated: 2026-06-02
