Agilent Technologies Inc. has launched new N5161A and N5162A MXG ATE analog and vector RF signal generators for the cost-sensitive automated test equipment (ATE) environment. In addition, the supplier has announced a series of enhancements to the MXG RF signal generators designed to deliver up to +23 dBm output power, extend the industry-leading distortion performance, and provide phase coherency support for MIMO and beamforming applications.

The MXG ATE RF signal generators provide the same industry-leading capabilities, performance and form factor of the popular MXG RF platform -- all at a reduced price, said Agilent. These signal generators have been streamlined for ATE needs with removal of the front-panel display and all connectors relocated to the rear panel for convenient and secure rack configurations, added the maker.

While the N5161A MXG ATE analog signal generator provides CW and analog modulation, the N5162A MXG ATE vector signal generator supports a multitude of digital modulation types up to 6 GHz.

According to Agilent, a key enhancement to the MXG is a hardware change that results in the best combination of high output power and low distortion performance. As a result, the output power is increased from +13 dBm to up to +23 dBm (20 MHz to 3 GHz), and from +11 dBm to +16 dBm (3 to 6 GHz) with option 1EA. With its best-in-class output power, the MXG RF signal generators are able to overcome losses and drive high-power devices without an external amplifier, thereby simplifying test setup, noted the manufacturer. Plus, it specifies ACPR performance of -71 dBc for single-carrier WCDMA up to +5 dBm.

Thanks to its new enhancements, the MXG RF signal generators now offer complete solutions for WLAN, WiMAX, and LTE MIMO test, in as little as four rack units. The MXG offers a compact, easy-to-use phase coherent test solution for 2 x N MIMO and beamforming, and also enables system expansion to support up to 4 x N. When combined with the flexibility of signal studio software for signal creation, engineers now have a lower price alternative for beamforming and MIMO applications, added Agilent.

The MXG RF signal generators, available in two rack units, offer scalable performance that can be tailored to meet the stringent test requirements for components and devices used in cellular communications and wireless networking, stated Agilent. With options for frequency range, modulation, enhanced dynamic range and an internal baseband generator up to 125 Msps, the MXG can be configured to fit needs in R&D and manufacturing. The N5181A comes in 1/3/6 GHz frequency ranges, while the N5182A, N5161A and N5162A come in 3/6 GHz ranges. The optional 100-MHz (125 Msps) bandwidth arbitrary waveform generator in the vector version supports W-CDMA/HSDPA, cdma2000, WLAN, LTE, WiMAX, GSM/EDGE, and more general and format-specific arbitrary waveforms.

The new enhancements to the MXG RF signal generators are now available. Pricing is as follows: N5161A MXG ATE analog signal generator starting price is $6,997. And N5162A MXG ATE vector signal generator’s starting price is $13,967. Additionally, option 1EA, high output power starting price is $2,500. and Option 012, phase coherency starting price is $1,500.

• www.agilent.com

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