In summary, the Rigol DSG5202 is a 2-channel benchtop microwave signal generator covering 9 kHz to 20 GHz in a 2U rack-mountable form factor, designed to deliver high signal quality, accurate signal level, and a wide output power range across complex test scenarios including superconducting quantum computation, radar signal generation, MIMO, and EMS testing. It pairs channel-to-channel phase stability of < 1° at 10 GHz with SSB phase noise below -133 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz (10 kHz offset, typ.) and a fast 3 ms typical switching time, all controlled through a touch-screen interface, an HDMI-extended display, or remote SCPI operation over USB 3.0 and LAN (LXI-C).
What is the Rigol DSG5202 microwave signal generator used for?
The Rigol DSG5202 is used to generate high-quality, accurately-leveled microwave stimulus signals across 2 simultaneous output channels for complex multi-channel test setups. Typical applications include superconducting quantum computation (where coherent multi-channel microwave drive is required), MIMO transceiver characterization, radar signal generation, EMS/EMC immunity testing, and any multi-DUT or phased-array test scenario that demands tightly correlated channel-to-channel phase relationships within a single instrument.
Engineers reach for a 2-channel microwave generator like the DSG5202 when a single-channel CW generator no longer satisfies the test architecture — for example, when an MIMO antenna array needs simultaneous drive, when a quantum computing experiment requires multiple coherent microwave tones, or when a radar simulator must present multiple phase-controlled signals to a receiver under test. The 2-channel 20 GHz configuration is the practical answer to those test problems without resorting to multiple chassis, multiple PC controllers, and the synchronization complexity that comes with daisy-chained single-channel generators.
How does the Rigol DSG5202 compare to a single-channel microwave signal generator?
A single-channel microwave generator outputs one RF signal at a time; the DSG5202 outputs 2 independent signals simultaneously from one 2U chassis, each independently configurable for frequency, level, modulation, and sweep, while sharing a high-stability internal reference for tight inter-channel phase stability. The result is one instrument, one IP address, one calibration record, and one user interface in place of 2 separately-cabled generators — saving rack space, cabling, sync hardware, and the engineering time required to keep multiple chassis aligned.
Factual Grounding — Specifications and Industry Context
The Rigol DSG5202 delivers 9 kHz to 20 GHz frequency coverage with 0.01 Hz frequency resolution, <3 ms typical frequency setting time (CW mode, 20 ℃ to 30 ℃, to within 0.1 ppm of final frequency), and a maximum output setting level reaching +25 dBm in the 2 MHz to 10 GHz band. SSB phase noise is specified at <-130 dBc/Hz with <-133 dBc/Hz typical at 1 GHz (10 kHz offset, 1 Hz measurement bandwidth) and <-102 dBc/Hz / <-105 dBc/Hz (typ.) at 20 GHz. Channel-to-channel phase stability is specified at ±1° (10 GHz, temperature variation ≤ 1℃) with phase deviation adjustable in 0.01° steps over a ±180° range. Internal flash storage is 10 GB (nom.). The mainframe weighs <14 kg, fits a standard 2U rack opening (with RM2031 kit), draws <650 W with all options working, and is supported with a Three-year warranty (mainframe, excluding accessories).
Entity Authority — Rigol Technologies in the Microwave Generator Market
Rigol Technologies (founded 1998) sits in the value-tier of the global test & measurement market alongside Siglent and GW Instek, offering professional-grade instruments at a price point that disrupts the traditional premium-tier (Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu) microwave generator market. The DSG5000 series specifically targets multi-channel microwave test applications — superconducting quantum computation, MIMO, radar, EMS — that previously required either multiple single-channel generators from premium brands or a custom-integrated rack system. The instrument family conforms to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, IEC 61326-1: 2013 / EN 61326-1: 2013 (Class A), CISPR 11:2009+A1 Class A, and EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019 / IEC 61010-1:2010+A1:2016 / UL 61010-1: 2012 R7.19 / CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-12 + GI1 + GI2 (R2017) + A1 safety standards. LAN interface is LXI-C compliant; the instrument supports the standard SCPI command set over USB 3.0 and LAN, with integrations into Excel, LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and Visual C++ for batch automation.
Why customers choose the DSG5202 over alternatives
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2-channel integration in one 2U chassis: replaces 2 separate single-channel generators plus the cabling, synchronization, and rack space required to integrate them.
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Phase stability < 1° at 10 GHz across channels: tight enough for coherent multi-tone drive in quantum experiments and phased-array radar simulation, with 0.01° phase setting resolution.
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Fast switching (<3 ms typ.): meaningful in step- and list-sweep applications and in production test where dwell time directly affects throughput.
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High max output power (+25 dBm setting level, 2 MHz–10 GHz): can directly drive amplifiers, antennas, or DUTs without an external boost amplifier in many scenarios.
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Standard 2U rack form with front- and rear-panel ventilation: multiple DSG5000 units can be stacked in a single cabinet without thermal compromise — useful when scaling from 2 channels to 16, 24, or more.
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Touch screen + HDMI display extension + Web Control: the instrument has no physical keys on the front panel except the power key. Operate it locally on the touch screen, on an external monitor or projector via HDMI, or remotely through any web browser pointed at the instrument's IP address.
Accessories Supplied (Standard)
| Item |
Description |
| Power Cord |
AC power cord, region-appropriate |
Available Options (Ordered Separately)
| Option Order No. |
Description |
| DSG5000-PUL |
Pulse Modulation |
| DSG5000-PUG |
Pulse Train Generator |
| DSG5000-AMD |
Analog Modulation (AM / FM / PM) |
| OCXO-D08 |
High Stability Clock (OCXO) |
| RM2031 |
Rack Mount Kit |
The DSG5000 Series — Architecture and Design Intent
The DSG5000 series microwave signal generator can generate high quality signals, accurate signal level, and a wide output power range, capable of meeting the complex test scenarios such as superconducting quantum computation, radar signal generation, MIMO, and EMS. The architecture starts with 2 independent RF channels in this DSG5202 configuration, each channel independent of the others and independently controlled. Multiple DSG5000 chassis can be integrated in a rack-mount installation to scale the channel count further, saving space and the integration time that would otherwise be spent cabling and synchronizing single-channel generators.
The instrument is designed for multi-device cabinet deployment. Standard 2U rack size combined with the RM2031 rack mount kit lets a customer extend the channel count of a DSG5000-based test system by stacking additional units. Front- and rear-panel ventilation provides adequate cooling to ensure signal accuracy and stability even when multiple devices are stacked in a single cabinet — an important detail for production environments where instruments operate continuously. Every DSG5000 ships with a standard PC software configuration to realize integrated control of multiple instruments; the operator can run remote control and make global parameter configuration across multiple channels to meet integrated test application scenarios.
User-Friendly Operation — Touch, HDMI, Web, SCPI
The DSG5000 series is equipped with a touch screen, which enables operation and control of the instrument with touch-enabled gestures. The front panel has no physical keys to operate except the power key. For larger displays, the instrument allows external connection to a PAD, monitor, or projector via the HDMI interface for user-friendly viewing across the lab or production cell. For headless or rack-deep installations, entering the instrument's IP address into a web browser opens the Web Control software — the display in the web control page is consistent with that on the instrument itself, and the operator can click menus, set parameters, and modify network configuration entirely from a browser. For full automation, the standard SCPI command set is supported over USB 3.0 or LAN, with example integrations using Excel, LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and Visual C++ for batch command transmission.
Complete Specifications — Rigol DSG5202
Number of Channels & Frequency
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Frequency Range |
9 kHz to 20 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution |
0.01 Hz |
|
Setting Time (CW mode, 20℃ to 30℃, to within 0.1 ppm of final frequency) |
<3 ms (typ.) |
Frequency Band (N factor)
| Band |
Frequency Range |
N |
| 1 |
9 kHz ≤ f ≤ 1.5 GHz |
1 |
| 2 |
1.5 GHz < f ≤ 2.825 GHz |
0.25 |
| 3 |
2.825 GHz < f ≤ 5.65 GHz |
0.5 |
| 4 |
5.65 GHz < f ≤ 11.3 GHz |
1 |
| 5 |
11.3 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
2 |
N is a factor used to help define certain specifications in this manual.
Channel-to-Channel Phase Stability
| Conditions |
f = 10 GHz, temperature variation ≤1℃ |
| Channel-to-Channel Phase Stability |
±1° |
Frequency Reference
| Clock Reference Output |
| Frequency |
10 MHz |
| Initial Calibration Accuracy |
± 0.1 ppm |
±10 ppb (with option OCXO-D08) |
| Temperature Stability, temperature range 0℃ to 50℃, reference to 25℃ |
± 0.5 ppm |
±5 ppb (with option OCXO-D08) |
| Aging Rate (after 30 consecutive days of working) |
± 1 ppm/year |
±30 ppb/year (with option OCXO-D08) |
| Output Amplitude |
+5 dBm to +10 dBm |
| Interface |
BNC female |
| External Reference Input |
| Frequency |
10 MHz |
| Input Amplitude |
0 dBm to +10 dBm |
| Max. Deviation |
± 1 ppm |
| Interface |
BNC female |
| Sync Ref Frequency Output/Input |
| Freq |
4.8 GHz |
| Amplitude |
-3 dBm to +3 dBm |
| Interface |
SMA female |
Phase Setting
| Phase Deviation Range |
±180° |
| Phase Deviation Resolution |
0.01° |
Spectral Purity — Harmonic (CW mode, analog modulation disabled)
| Frequency / Condition |
Harmonic |
| 10 MHz ≤ f ≤ 4 GHz, output level ≤ +10 dBm |
<-30 dBc |
| 4 GHz < f ≤ 10 GHz, output level ≤ +10 dBm |
<-50 dBc |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz, output level ≤ +7 dBm |
<-30 dBc |
Spectral Purity — Sub-harmonic
| 11.3 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz (CW mode) |
<-60 dBm, <-70 dBc (typ.) |
Spectral Purity — Non-harmonic (CW mode, output level >-10 dBm, carrier offset >10 kHz; excludes frequency points related to 4800 MHz reference clock)
| 1 MHz ≤ f ≤ 1.5 GHz |
<-60 dBm, <-70 dBc (typ.) |
| 1.5 GHz < f ≤ 2.825 GHz |
<-70 dBm, <-75 dBc (typ.) |
| 2.825 GHz < f ≤ 5.65 GHz |
<-64 dBm, <-69 dBc (typ.) |
| 5.65 GHz < f ≤ 11.3 GHz |
<-58 dBm, <-63 dBc (typ.) |
| 11.3 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
<-52 dBm, <-57 dBc (typ.) |
SSB Phase Noise (CW mode, carrier offset = 10 kHz, 1 Hz measurement bandwidth)
| f = 1 GHz |
<-130 dBc/Hz, <-133 dBc/Hz (typ.) |
| f = 2 GHz |
<-120 dBc/Hz, <-123 dBc/Hz (typ.) |
| f = 4 GHz |
<-114 dBc/Hz, <-117 dBc/Hz (typ.) |
| f = 10 GHz |
<-108 dBc/Hz, <-111 dBc/Hz (typ.) |
| f = 20 GHz |
<-102 dBc/Hz, <-105 dBc/Hz (typ.) |
Wideband Noise (CW mode, amplitude +10 dBm, carrier offset = 10 MHz, 1 Hz measurement bandwidth)
| 50 MHz ≤ f ≤ 1 GHz |
<-140 dBc/Hz |
| 1 GHz < f ≤ 10 GHz |
<-135 dBc/Hz |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
<-130 dBc/Hz |
Output Level Setting Range
| Frequency |
Min Output Spec Level |
Min Output Setting Level |
Max Output Spec Level |
Max Output Setting Level |
| 9 kHz ≤ f < 100 kHz |
– |
-30 dBm |
– |
+10 dBm |
| 100 kHz ≤ f < 2 MHz |
-30 dBm |
-30 dBm |
+5 dBm |
+15 dBm |
| 2 MHz ≤ f ≤ 10 GHz |
-30 dBm |
-30 dBm |
+13 dBm |
+25 dBm |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 17 GHz |
-30 dBm |
-30 dBm |
+13 dBm |
+20 dBm |
| 17 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
-30 dBm |
-30 dBm |
+10 dBm |
+20 dBm |
Setting Resolution: 0.01 dB · Setting Time (CW mode, 20℃ to 30℃, fixed frequency, to within 0.1 dB of final level): <3 ms (typ.)
Absolute Level Uncertainty (Temperature range 20℃ to 30℃, output level -30 dBm to max. specification level)
| Frequency |
Specification |
Typical |
| 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 1.5 GHz |
±0.7 dB |
±0.5 dB |
| 1.5 GHz < f ≤ 10 GHz |
±0.9 dB |
±0.7 dB |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 17 GHz |
±1.1 dB |
±0.9 dB |
| 17 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
±1.3 dB |
±1.1 dB |
Channel-to-Channel Isolation (output level = 0 dBm)
| 9 kHz ≤ f < 4 GHz |
>85 dB (typ.) |
| 4 GHz ≤ f ≤ 10 GHz |
>80 dB (typ.) |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
>75 dB (typ.) |
VSWR (Temperature range 20℃ to 30℃, output level < 0 dBm)
| 10 MHz ≤ f ≤ 3 GHz |
≤1.8 (nom.) |
| 3 GHz < f ≤ 6 GHz |
≤2.0 (nom.) |
| 6 GHz < f ≤ 10 GHz |
≤1.8 (nom.) |
| 10 GHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
≤2.2 (nom.) |
Max. Reverse Power
| Max. DC voltage |
0 V |
| 10 MHz < f ≤ 20 GHz |
0.5 W |
Sweep — Frequency Sweep
| Sweep Type |
Step Sweep, List Sweep |
| Sweep Mode |
Single, Continuous |
| Sweep Range |
Within Full Frequency Range |
| Sweep Shape |
Triangle and Ramp |
| Step Change |
Linear or Log |
| Sweep Points |
2 to 1,001 |
| Dwell Time |
5 ms to 100 s |
| Trigger Type |
Auto, key, external, bus (USB and LAN) |
Sweep — Level Sweep
| Sweep Type |
Step Sweep, List Sweep |
| Sweep Mode |
Single, Continuous |
| Sweep Range |
Within Full Level Range |
| Sweep Shape |
Triangle and Ramp |
| Step Change |
Lin |
| Sweep Points |
2 to 1,001 |
| Dwell Time |
5 ms to 100 s |
| Trigger Type |
Auto, key, external, bus (USB and LAN) |
Modulation — Simultaneous Modulation Compatibility
|
AM |
FM |
PM |
Pulse |
| AM |
– |
○ |
○ |
△ |
| FM |
○ |
– |
× |
○ |
| PM |
○ |
× |
– |
○ |
| Pulse |
△ |
○ |
○ |
– |
○: compatible · ×: incompatible · △: compatible with AM performance reduced when pulse modulation is enabled. Specifications apply to Sine modulation source, 20℃ to 30℃, carrier frequency ≥ 1 MHz.
Amplitude Modulation (Option DSG5000-AMD)
| Modulation Source |
Internal, External |
| Modulation Depth |
0% to 100% |
| Resolution |
0.1% |
| Setting Uncertainty (fc ≤ 1.5 GHz, fmod = 1 kHz, m < 30%, level = 0 dBm) |
< 4% of setting + 1% |
| Distortion (same conditions) |
< 3% (typ.) |
| Modulation Frequency Response (m < 80%, DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz) |
<3 dB (nom.) |
Frequency Modulation (Option DSG5000-AMD)
| Modulation Source |
Internal, External |
| Max. Deviation (f ≤ 1.5 GHz) |
2 MHz (nom.) — settable max. for other bands is N × 2 MHz |
| Resolution |
<0.1% of deviation, or 1 Hz, whichever is greater (nom.) |
| Setting Uncertainty (f ≤ 1.5 GHz, fmod = 1 kHz, internal mode) |
< 2% of setting + 20 Hz |
| Distortion (f ≤ 1.5 GHz, fmod = 1 kHz, deviation = 50 kHz) |
< 2% (typ.) |
| Modulation Frequency Response (DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz, external mod, measured at 100 kHz offset) |
<3 dB (nom.) |
Phase Modulation (Option DSG5000-AMD)
| Modulation Source |
Internal, External |
| Max. Deviation (f ≤ 1.5 GHz) |
5 rad (nom.) — settable max. for other bands is N × 5 rad |
| Resolution |
<0.1% of deviation, or 0.01 rad, whichever is greater (nom.) |
| Setting Uncertainty (f ≤ 1.5 GHz, fmod = 1 kHz, internal mode) |
<1% of setting + 0.1 rad |
| Distortion (f ≤ 1.5 GHz, fmod = 1 kHz, deviation = 5 rad) |
< 1% (typ.) |
| Modulation Frequency Response (DC/10 Hz to 100 kHz, external mod, 5 rad deviation) |
<3 dB (nom.) |
Pulse Modulation (Option DSG5000-PUL)
| Modulation Source |
Internal, External |
| On/Off Ratio (f ≤ 6 GHz) |
>80 dB (typ.) |
| On/Off Ratio (6 GHz < f ≤ 11 GHz) |
>70 dB (typ.) |
| On/Off Ratio (f > 11 GHz) |
>60 dB (typ.) |
| Rise/Fall Time (10%/90%) |
<50 ns, 20 ns (typ.) |
| Pulse Repetition Frequency |
DC to 1 MHz |
Pulse Generator
| Operating Mode |
Single, Train (Train requires option DSG5000-PUG) |
| Pulse Period — Setting Range / Resolution |
40 ns to 170 s / 10 ns |
| Pulse Width — Setting Range / Resolution |
10 ns to (170 s − 10 ns) / 10 ns |
| Trigger Delay — Setting Range / Resolution |
10 ns to 170 s / 10 ns |
| Trigger Type |
Auto, external trigger, external gate, trigger key, bus (USB and LAN) |
Pulse Train Generator (Option DSG5000-PUG)
| Number of Pulse Patterns |
1 to 2,047 |
| On/Off Time Range |
20 ns to 170 s |
| Repetition Per Pattern |
1 to 256 |
Front Panel Connectors (independent of each other)
| RF Output |
50 Ω (nom.), 3.5 mm male |
| External Trigger Input |
1 kΩ (nom.), SMB male, 3.3 V TTL Level |
| Signal Valid Output |
SMB male, 0 V / 3.3 V (nom.) |
| Pulse Input or Output |
50 Ω (nom.), 0 V / 3.3 V (nom.), SMB male |
| Sweep Output |
SMB male, 0 V to 10 V (nom.) |
Rear Panel Connectors
| External Modulation Signal Input |
100 kΩ / 600 Ω / 50 Ω (nom.), AC/DC coupling, 1 Vpp for indicated depth (nom.), BNC female |
| 10 MHz IN (External Frequency Reference Input) |
50 Ω (nom.), BNC female |
| 10 MHz OUT (External Frequency Reference Output) |
50 Ω (nom.), BNC female |
| 4.8 GHz IN (Sync Reference Clock Input) |
50 Ω (nom.), SMA female |
| 4.8 GHz OUT (Sync Reference Clock Output) |
50 Ω (nom.), SMA female |
Communication Interface
| USB 3.0 HOST |
A plug, Protocol 3.0, Qty. 4 (2 on the front panel and 2 on the rear panel) |
| USB 3.0 DEVICE |
B plug, Supports TMC protocol |
| LAN |
RJ-45, 10/100/1000Base-T, LXI-C |
| HDMI |
A plug, HDMI 1.4 |
Display & Storage
| Display Type |
TFT LCD |
| Display Resolution |
480 × 320 |
| Display Dimensions |
3.5-inch |
| Display Extension |
Supports HDMI display extension |
| Mass Storage |
Flash non-volatile memory (internal); USB storage device (not supplied) |
| Internal Data Storage |
10 GB (nom.) |
EMC & Safety
| EMC |
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; IEC 61326-1: 2013 / EN 61326-1: 2013, EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1, EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019; CISPR 11:2009+A1 Class A; EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1 harmonic Class A; EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019 Voltage Flickers; EN61000-4-2:2009 (±4.0 kV contact / ±8.0 kV air); EN61000-4-3:2006+A1+A2 (10 V/m 80 MHz–1 GHz, 3 V/m 1.4–6 GHz); EN61000-4-4:2004+A1 (2 kV power line); EN61000-4-5:2006 (1 kV / 2 kV / 2 kV); EN61000-4-6:2009 (10 V, 0.15–80 MHz); EN61000-4-11:2004 (voltage dips and short interruptions) |
| Safety |
EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019; IEC 61010-1:2010+A1:2016; UL 61010-1: 2012 R7.19; CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-12 + GI1 + GI2 (R2017) + A1 |
Power, Environment, Physical
| Input Voltage Range, AC |
100 V to 240 V (nom.) |
| AC Frequency Range |
45 Hz to 440 Hz |
| Power Consumption (with all options working) |
<650 W |
| Operating Temperature Range |
0℃ to +50℃ |
| Storage Temperature Range |
-20℃ to +70℃ |
| Humidity Range |
≤90% RH (0–30℃), ≤75% RH (30–40℃), ≤45% RH (40–50℃) |
| Operating Altitude |
below 3,000 m |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
435 mm × 88 mm × 486.3 mm (without pads, with the connector); 459 mm × 112 mm × 511 mm (with pads) |
| Weight (Package Excluded) |
<14 kg |
| Recommended Calibration Interval |
18 months |
| Warranty Period |
Three years for the mainframe, excluding the accessories |
This webpage was written by a human with an A.I. "Intern", which may contain errors. Please review the Manufacturers 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.