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.

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

Product Core & Specifications

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.