Broadband source has broad appeal

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 4, 2008

Economy-class continuous-wave microwave signal generator is specifically designed to maximise uptime and reduce cost of ownership.

Agilent Technologies has developed a compact microwave analogue signal generator that offers frequency coverage to 20, 32 or 40GHz.

Featuring fast frequency switching speeds, high reliability and easy self-maintenance, this mid-performance signal generator provides manufacturing and R and D engineers working on broadband components and systems with the performance required to make a wide range of broadband measurements.

The Agilent N5183A MXG is an economy-class continuous-wave (CW) signal generator specifically designed to maximise uptime and reduce cost of ownership.

Its 900us (maximum) switching speed enables a dramatic increase in throughput.

A simple design delivers easy self-maintenance that reduces downtime to one working day, making it possible for users to maintain or repair the instrument in-house.

Not only does this capability maximise uptime, it also drives a lower cost of ownership.

With +18dBm to 20GHz output power, the Agilent N5183A MXG is able to overcome losses and drive high-power devices.

Additionally, it features a level accuracy, with optional step attenuator, of +/-0.6 to 0.8dB.

Other options to the Agilent N5183A MXG include analogue modulation and pulse modulation - all housed in a compact 2U package.

"Fast switching speed and lower cost of ownership are key requirements for today's broadband component manufacturing and R and D engineers", says Andy Botka, Vice President of Agilent's Signal Sources Division.

"With its available options and price/performance flexibility, the new Agilent N5183A MXG provides users with the capabilities they need to address these issues, while staying ahead of their competition".

Agilent's N5183A MXG offers a viable replacement to legacy HP/Agilent signal generators.

It is programming compatible with the 8340, 8360 and 8370 Series signal generators as well as the ESG, PSG and 8662A/8663A solutions.

Pricing begins at US $18,000.