The Keysight M8199A is an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that, per its at-a-glance summary, has the highest sample rate and the widest bandwidth in its class, with up to four synchronized channels operating simultaneously in a single 2-slot AXIe module. It is an integrated, ready-to-use instrument offering 128 GSa/s across four channels or 256 GSa/s across two channels with the interleaving option, paired with up to 70 GHz of nominal analog bandwidth. The instrument provides research engineers a high-performance signal source for arbitrary signals, enabling development of designs up to 140 GBd.

The M8199A is positioned for several research and test applications. In coherent optical applications, it addresses 800G and 1 Terabit systems, testing components from optical power amplifiers to dual-polarization systems such as optical modulators and optical receivers, and serving as a stress-signal source for signal-processor ASICs and algorithms. For multi-level and multi-channel digital signals, it supports research on advanced modulation formats such as PAM-3, PAM-6, and PAM-8 at data rates up to 128 GBd. In wireless and aerospace/defense work, it generates wideband RF signals for radar and wireless technologies requiring modulation bandwidths beyond 10 GHz, in some cases up to 30 GHz.

ValueTronics supports the M8199A from our own 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, where we stock and hold our inventory rather than sourcing each order on demand. Every pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house by our technicians before it ships, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer. That combination lets us match the right instrument and configuration to your application and stand behind what we send.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its roots to Hewlett-Packard, whose test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999. That operation was subsequently established as Keysight Technologies in 2014, the brand under which this instrument is produced.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The M8199A is offered in two base configurations distinguished by channel count: the M8199A-002 with 2 channels and the M8199A-004 with 4 channels, both running at 128 GSa/s in a 2-slot AXIe module. The number of channels is software upgradable, so a 2-channel unit can be moved to 4 channels through a license without returning hardware to the factory.

Across both configurations, the interleaving option (Opt. ILV) combines channels to double the sample rate to 256 GSa/s while halving the available channel count. The family is built to scale further through multi-module operation, synchronizing up to 16 channels at 128 GSa/s across four modules when driven by a shared clock source.

Each model below is its own dedicated product page with pre-owned-matched pricing. Select the channel configuration and options that fit your application; the comparison table that follows summarizes how the configurations differ so you can confirm the right page before ordering.

The primary difference within the family is channel count and the resulting sample-rate behavior under interleaving. The M8199A-002 provides 2 channels at 128 GSa/s, becoming a single 256 GSa/s channel with Option ILV; the M8199A-004 provides 4 channels at 128 GSa/s, becoming two 256 GSa/s channels with Option ILV. The interleaving hardware always combines four 128 GSa/s channels into two 256 GSa/s channels, which is why a 2-channel unit yields one interleaved channel.

Options and upgrades extend each configuration: M8199AU-004 is a software license that moves a 2-channel unit to 4 channels, while M8199AU-ILV adds the interleaving option and requires factory re-calibration of the module. The M8158A remote head is supported only with Option ILV, with one head needed per 256 GSa/s channel. See the comparison table below for the per-configuration channel, sample-rate, and option details.

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

Accessories Supplied

• All necessary clock cables (included with the M8199A module)
• IQtools MATLAB-based waveform generation utility (included with the instrument software)
• 1-year KeysightCare Assured

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Requires an M8008A clock generator module or an external synthesizer to operate the M8199A.

Important: To be operational, the M8199A requires an AXIe chassis plus either an embedded controller or an external PC/laptop, in addition to one or more M8199A modules (see http://www.keysight.com/find/AXIe).

Important: The M8158A remote head amplifier is only supported in conjunction with Option ILV; one M8158A is needed per 256 GSa/s channel.

Important: Upgrading the interleaving option (M8199AU-ILV) requires factory re-calibration of the M8199A module.

Important: RF cables for connecting the AWG outputs to the device under test (M8199A-801, 1.85 mm matched pair) are recommended accessories and are not part of the standard module delivery.

Important: When operating the M8199A in non-interleaved mode with fractional oversampling, the M8199A-820 anti-alias filter is recommended (one filter per single-ended channel, two filters per differential channel); for interleaved operation, no filters are needed.

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.