# Keysight M8194A 120 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Pre-Owned) # Keysight M8194A 120 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Pre-Owned) ## Key Features At A Glance - Sample rate up to 120 GSa/s with 8-bit DAC vertical resolution - 45 GHz typical analog bandwidth; generates signal frequency components up to 50 GHz - Available in 1-, 2-, or 4-channel differential configurations, software-upgradeable per 1-slot AXIe module - 512 kSa waveform memory per channel, with independently sized waveforms across channels - Transition time (20%/80%): 6 ps typical corrected, 11 ps uncorrected - Built-in frequency and phase response calibration with digital pre-distortion compensation - Up to four modules synchronizable for as many as 16 channels - SCPI and MATLAB control over PCI Express and USB for automated test systems The Keysight M8194A is an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that Keysight positions as having the highest sample rate and widest bandwidth in its class, with up to four synchronized channels operating simultaneously in a single 1-slot AXIe module. It generates any waveform that can be described mathematically and downloaded directly to the instrument. The M8194A targets coherent optical applications such as 400G and 1 Terabit systems, where it is used to test optical components and systems ranging from optical power amplifiers to dual-polarization systems including optical modulators and optical receivers. It also addresses multi-level, multi-channel digital interfaces — for example high-speed backplane connections using PAM-4 or PAM-8 formats and technologies in the mobile application space. In physics, chemistry, and electronics research it generates ultra-short pulses down to 16 ps pulse width, along with short wideband RF pulses and chirps used to investigate chemical reactions and elementary particle excitation in live time. ValueTronics has specialized in new and used test-and-measurement equipment since 1992, stocking and holding its own inventory in a 20,000-square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house against the original manufacturer's specifications before it ships, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received. ## Brand Heritage Keysight Technologies traces its roots to Hewlett-Packard, whose test-and-measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999 and then established as Keysight Technologies in 2014. ## Accessories Supplied - Soft Front Panel application (instrument control software) - IQtools free MATLAB waveform-generation utility (included with the instrument software) ## Product Core & Specifications Specification Value General characteristics Sample rate 115.2 to 120.2 GSa/s; 107.2 to 112.2 GSa/s; 95.6 to 100.2 GSa/s DAC resolution 8 bits Number of channels per M8194A module 1, 2, or 4 (corresponds to Opt. 001, 002, and 004). Additional number of channels can be enabled via user-installable software license Frequency accuracy (at 1 GHz, at output) ±30 ppm Sample memory Sample memory 512 kSa per channel. The waveforms in each channel can have different length Waveform granularity 128 samples. The length of waveform segments must be a multiple of the granularity Minimum waveform length 128 samples Out 1, 2, 3, 4 Output type Single-ended or differential Analog bandwidth (3 dB, excl. sin(x)/x roll-off) 45 GHz (typ) Rise/fall time (20%/80%) 6 ps (typ) corrected / 11 ps (typ) uncorrected Impedance 50 Ω (nom) Amplitude 75 mVpp(se) to 0.8 Vpp (se) into 50 Ω; 150 mVpp (diff.) to 1.6 Vpp (diff.) into 50 Ω Amplitude resolution 400 µV (nom) DC amplitude accuracy ±(5% +10 mV) (typ) Voltage window –1.0 to +2.5 V single-ended into 50 Ω Offset resolution 400 µV (nom) DC offset accuracy ±20 mV (typ) Differential offset Adjustable Termination voltage window –1.5 to +3.5 V (low level -400 mV) to (high level +400 mV) Termination voltage resolution 300 µV (nom) Skew between any pair of outputs — within channel pairs 1/2 and 3/4 0 ps ±1 ps (typ) Skew between any pair of outputs — between channels 1/2 and 3/4 0 ps ±2 ps (typ) Skew between any pair of channels of different, synchronized modules Skew does not change across start/stop and pattern reload, provided that the sample rate is not changed. This allows the user to calibrate all channels of a synchronized system to zero skew relative to each other using in-system calibration. Skew between normal and complement 0 ps ±3 ps (nom) Random Jitter — within channel pairs 1/2 and 3/4 125 fsRMS (typ) Random Jitter — between channels 1/2 and 3/4 400 fsRMS (typ) Harmonic distortions 2nd harmonic \-35 dBc (typ), fout <= 20 GHz; -30 dBc (typ), fout > 20 GHz 3rd harmonic \-30 dBc (typ), fout <= 10 GHz; -25 dBc (typ), fout > 10 GHz SFDR (excluding harmonic distortions) \-35 dBc (typ), fout = DC…10 GHz; -30 dBc (typ), fout = 10 GHz…40 GHz; -25 dBc (typ), fout = 40 GHz…45 GHz Amplitude flatness (at RF output connector, compensated for sin(x)/x) +/- 1 dB (typ), fout = DC ... 5 GHz; +/- 2 dB (typ), fout = 5 GHz ... 40 GHz; +/- 3 dB (typ), fout = 40 GHz ... 45 GHz Total Harmonic Distortion 1.3 % (typ), fout = 1 GHz; 1.5 % (typ), fout = 2 GHz; 1.8 % (typ), fout = 5 GHz; 2.3 % (typ), fout = 10 GHz Connector type 1.85 mm (female) Sync B In (Ref Clk In) Input coupling AC Input impedance 50 Ohm Input levels 500 mVpp to 900 mVpp Input signal shape Square wave preferred; sine wave acceptable Frequency range 200 MHz … 300 MHz Lock range +/- 1% Connector type 3.5 mm Sync B Out (Ref Clk Out) Impedance 50 Ohm Output amplitude 800 mVpp (nominal) Frequency accuracy +/- 60 ppm Connector type 3.5 mm Instrument software Supported operating systems Windows 7, 8.1, 10, all 64 bit Required hard disk space 1 GB Interface to M8194A hardware PCI Express (see AXIe chassis specification); USB (see AXIe chassis specification) Application programming interfaces SCPI, MATLAB General Power consumption 50 W (nom) at 120 GSa/s Operating temperature 0 to 40°C Operating humidity 15% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing Operating altitude Up to 2000 m Storage temperature –40 to +70°C Stored states User configurations and factory default Form factor 1-slot AXIe Dimensions (W x H x D) 322.25 mm x 30 mm x 281.5 mm Weight 3.15 kg Safety designed to IEC61010-1, UL61010, CSA22.2 61010.1 tested EMC tested to IEC61326-1 Warm-up time 30 min Calibration interval 2 years recommended Cooling requirements When operating the M8194A choose a location that provides at least 80 mm of clearance at rear, and at least 30 mm of clearance at each side > **Important:** Unused outputs must be terminated with 50 Ω to ground. > **Important:** To be operational, the M8194A module requires an AXIe chassis plus either an embedded controller or an external PC/laptop, in addition to one or more M8194A modules (see http://www.keysight.com/find/AXIe). The chassis, controller and required cables/adapters are ordered separately. > **Important:** Up to four M8194A modules (16 channels) can be synchronized. Two modules require an M8194A-830 sync cable kit; three or four modules require additional M8194A-830 sync cable kits plus an M8197A sync module. Instead of the M8197A, an external clock source meeting the Sync B In specifications can be used. ## 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 - **Vendor:** Keysight Technologies - **Type:** Arb Gen - **Tags:** product_manual_group_3 ## Variants | Variant | Price | Available | |---------|-------|-----------| | Default Title | 0.00 USD | In stock | ## Images - Keysight M8194A 120 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator (Pre-Owned) --- > Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/m8194a-keysight-arbitrary-waveform-generator-used) > Updated: 2026-06-20