Agilent Introduces Fast PXI Vector Signal Generator
September 4, 2012. Agilent Technologies Inc. today introduced the M9381A 1-MHz to 3- or 6-GHz vector signal generator in a PXI form factor. The instrument provides fast switching (as low as 10 µs), output levels to +15 dBm, and wide modulation bandwidth (up to 160 MHz).
Agilent designed the M9381A for applications such as testing and validating the design of wireless power amplifiers and transceivers, public safety and military radios, and cellular base stations (primarily picocell and femtocell). Agilent’s baseband amplitude and frequency tuning methodology provides frequency and amplitude switching speed as fast as 10 µs in list mode and 250 µs from its programming interface.
The versatile list mode helps increase speed and provides flexibility by allowing engineers to change 80 parameters, including frequency, power, and modulation, in as many as 3,201 list-mode points.
Engineers can use the Agilent M9381A VSG to test wideband power amplifiers, front-end modules, transceivers, and more at a standard 40-MHz RF bandwidth or optional 100-MHz or 160-MHz bandwidths with real-time corrections and ±0.1-, ±0.2-, and ±0.3-dB flatness, respectively.
The M9381A can be used at power levels up to +15 dBm with little degradation to adjacent channel power ratio performance. The M9381A delivers ACPR of up to -73 dBc (W-CDMA test model 1, 64 DPCH). The output power up to +19 dBm can be controlled precisely with accuracy of ±0.4 dB.
“The M9381A is the first PXI vector signal generator that delivers the speed and accuracy needed to reduce the cost of test in modern communication manufacturing,” said Mark Pierpoint, vice president and general manager of Agilent’s Software and Modular Solutions Division.
The Agilent M9381A PXIe vector signal generator simulates complex real-world communications signals through Agilent’s Signal Studio software. Signal Studio is a flexible suite of signal-creation tools that offers performance-optimized reference signals validated by Agilent to support standards such as LTE and 802.11ac.
Agilent’s calibration core exchange strategy maximizes system uptime by providing fast repairs.
Available now, the Agilent M9381A PXIe vector signal generator consists of the following: M9311A digital vector modulator, M9310A source output, M9301A synthesizer, and M9300A frequency reference. Pricing starts at $25,663 for the base configuration, with license key upgrades available for increased modulation bandwidth, frequency range, memory, output power, and faster switching. Four VSGs can be housed in a single 18-slot PXI chassis.
The M9380A PXIe CW source (a configuration without the M9311A digital vector modulator) is also available, starting at $19,000 for the base configuration, with license key upgrades for increased frequency range and output power. The Agilent M9018A all-hybrid PXI chassis and M9036A embedded controller complete both configurations.