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Vector Signal Generators
Stimulate your device or system with fundamental to complex wideband signals
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Analog Signal Generators
Discover our analog sources for general-purpose to metrology-grade signal generation
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Frequency Synthesizers
Explore our compact, pure frequency synthesizers for RF testing
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Agile Signal Generators
Accurately simulate complex signal scenarios for testing specific protocols
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Modular Signal Sources
Scale your system with compact multichannel signal generation
Vector Signal Generators
Keysight vector signal generators enable you to stimulate your device or system under test using complex, digitally modulated, realistic signals with high signal integrity. When paired with our signal generation software, you can perform rapid, accurate tests with predefined, standards-based waveforms for cellular communications like 5G New Radio (NR), wireless connectivity like wireless local area network (WLAN) 802.11, and navigation solutions like global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Select the signal generator performance you need based on maximum frequency, bandwidth, and channels, as well as phase noise. Explore our range of models from Essential to Pro performance grades to find the one that is right for your application.
Essential
Expert
Pro
Analog Signal Generators
Keysight analog signal generators deliver low-phase-noise signals with precise frequency control, flexible configurations, and fast switching speeds. Select the analog signal generator performance level you need based on frequency, max channels, phase noise, and output power. Explore our wide range of models from Essential to Pro performance levels to find the one that is right for your application.
Essential
Expert
Pro
Frequency Synthesizers
The Keysight FS Frequency Synthesizers are the FS1- and FS2-classes, which include the AP4001-AP4022A Frequency Synthesizers. They provide frequency synthesizers provide fast switching speeds, low phase noise, and high signal quality for a wide range of signals with precise frequency control. With single-channel and multichannel options and a variety of form factors available, our frequency synthesizers offer a scaled-down, affordable, compact option when the higher-level modulation capabilities of a signal generator are not required. Their compact size allows you to easily integrate them into your test system for various applications, including wireless communications, radar, electronic warfare, and quantum computing. Select the frequency synthesizer performance level you need based on max frequency, number of phase-coherent channels, phase noise, and switching frequency.
Agile Signal Generators
The Keysight agile signal generators simulate complex signal environments with an arbitrary waveform generator for testing specific protocols or unique communication formats for radar, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and antenna testing. Its rapid frequency, amplitude, and phase-switching capabilities allow for accurate emulation of multi-threat scenarios. Choose one of our popular configurations or configure one specific to your application.
Modular Signal Sources
Keysight modular analog and vector signal generators are built for applications that require multichannel measurement capabilities, measurement speed, and a small footprint. They provide you with the scalability and flexibility needed to create test systems with a shared processor, chassis, and other modular instruments. With models ranging from 6 GHz to 44 GHz with varying performance levels, select the modular signal generator that is right for your application.
Find the vector signal generator for your application in minutes
Find compatible software and accessories for your signal generator
Choose from a wide range of specialty software for the creation of complex test signals for various applications, general-purpose and waveform tools, or accessories like frequency extenders, cabling, calibration kits, and more.
Explore signal generator use cases
Signal generators support a wide range of applications, discover them all
Wireless Communication
How to Test RF Power Amplifiers with Digital Pre-Distortion
Evaluate power amplifier performance using a signal generator and signal analyzer with digital pre-distortion software.
Wireless Communications
How to Test 5G NR Base Station Receivers
Generate highly complex waveforms with a vector signal generator and signal generation software.
Wireless Communication
Generate an RF carrier signal using a metrology-grade signal generator.
Wireless Communication
How to Test GNSS Receiver Sensitivity
Emulate real-world global navigation satellite system (GNSS) transmitter scenarios from your bench.
Wireless Communication
Use a signal generator to automate the de-embedding and match-correction of test fixtures.
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Ensure your test system performs to specification and meets local and global standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Max frequency: The maximum frequency of a signal generator is critical because it indicates the highest frequency it can produce. This aspect is essential for ensuring compatibility with target applications. For instance, in wireless communications, radar, and 6G research, the signal generator must encompass the necessary frequency bands to accurately test and validate devices by simulating real-world conditions.
Modulation Bandwidth: Modulation bandwidth refers to the frequency range over which a signal can be effectively modulated to carry information in a communication system. Wider bandwidths are essential for testing modern communication systems, radar, and 6G applications, which require high data rates, complex modulation schemes, and wideband signals such as 5G NR, Wi-Fi 7, and ultra-wideband (UWB).
Number of channels: Multi-channel signal generators are essential for applications such as MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) testing, beamforming, radar simulations, and phase-coherent signal generation. Precise synchronization between channels is critical for accurate device characterization and system performance evaluation. For applications such as beamforming, the signal must be phase-coherent and time-aligned. For more information, please check out the following whitepaper.
Phase noise: Phase noise refers to the short-term, unwanted fluctuations in a signal’s phase, manifesting as jitter in the time domain and sideband noise in the frequency domain around the carrier signal. It is a crucial parameter in RF and microwave applications because high levels of phase noise can degrade signal integrity, modulation accuracy, and overall system performance in applications such as communication systems, radar, or any application requiring precise timing or synchronization.
Output power: The output power of an RF signal generator refers to the amount of RF energy delivered by an output port, measured in dBm (decibels relative to 1 milliwatt) or watts (W). It represents the strength of the RF signal that the generator produces. Key benefits of high output power include:
- Overcomes losses in test setups from cables, connectors, and attenuators.
- Extends the dynamic range of testing, where both weak and strong signals need to be accurately characterized.
- Improves the Signal-to-Noise Ratio by reducing noise influence and making measurements more precise. This assumes a constant noise floor.
- Tests high-power Devices Under Test (DUT), including power amplifiers, antennas, and transmitters that require higher input power to function properly.
The difference between a vector signal generator and an analog signal generator lies in their capabilities and the types of signals they produce, catering to distinct testing and application needs in RF engineering.
An analog signal generator produces continuous RF signals with basic parameters, including frequency, amplitude, and phase modulation. It generates sine waves or other straightforward waveforms. While analog signal generators are typically simpler to operate, they cannot replicate the advanced digital modulation techniques utilized in modern communication systems.
In contrast, a vector signal generator can generate complex, digitally modulated RF signals mimicking real-world communication signals, such as those used in wireless standards like LTE, Wi-Fi, or 5G. Vector signal generators control both the amplitude and phase of the signal (hence "vector"), producing intricate waveforms with specific modulation types (e.g., QAM, PSK, OFDM) and can introduce impairments like noise or fading for realistic testing. This makes them essential for designing, testing, and troubleshooting modern digital communication systems.
RF signal generators have a broad range of applications across various industries, utilizing their capability to generate controlled radio frequency signals for testing, development, and operational purposes. Here are some key applications:
1. Telecommunications Testing: RF signal generators simulate signals to test communication equipment such as mobile phones, base stations, and satellite systems. They help evaluate receiver sensitivity, signal quality, and performance under various modulation schemes (e.g., 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi).
2. Electronics Development and Calibration: Engineers utilize RF signal generators to design and troubleshoot RF circuits, including amplifiers, mixers, and filters.
3. Wireless System Validation: In the development of wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, IoT devices), signal generators produce complex modulated signals to assess system performance, interoperability, and compliance with industry standards.
4. Aerospace and Defense: RF signal generators simulate radar signals, electronic warfare scenarios, and communication links for testing radar systems, missile guidance, and military radios. They can introduce noise or interference to evaluate system robustness.
5. Automotive Industry: With the rise of connected vehicles, automotive radar (e.g., for adaptive cruise control) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems are tested with precise RF signals produced by signal generators.
In essence, RF signal generators are indispensable tools for simulating real-world RF environments. They enable the design, testing, and optimization of systems that rely on radio frequency technology across diverse sectors.
The best way to choose the right signal source is to match the source type, frequency range, modulation capability, phase noise, output power, and channel count to the requirements of your application.
RF and microwave testing: For general RF component, receiver, transmitter, and system testing, choose a signal source that covers the required carrier frequency, output power level, switching speed, and spectral purity. Analog signal generators and frequency synthesizers are often used when clean continuous-wave or swept RF signals are needed.
Wireless communication testing; For 5G, Wi-Fi, wireless local area network (WLAN), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), and other digitally modulated systems, choose a vector signal generator with enough modulation bandwidth to create realistic standards-based waveforms. Keysight Technologies vector signal generators are designed to stimulate devices and systems with complex digitally modulated signals and can be paired with signal generation software for standards-based cellular, WLAN, and GNSS testing.
Radar, aerospace, and defense testing: For radar, electronic warfare, antenna, and multi-threat simulation, prioritize low phase noise, fast frequency switching, wide frequency coverage, and phase-coherent multi-channel operation. Agile signal generators are well suited for simulating complex signal environments with rapid frequency, amplitude, and phase switching.
Digital and high-speed waveform generation: For digital, optical, and arbitrary waveform applications, consider waveform generation capability, sampling rate, analog bandwidth, memory depth, and synchronization. Modular or arbitrary waveform generator platforms may be better suited when scalability, high channel density, or tight timing alignment is required.
Automated and production test systems: For automated test environments, consider modular signal generators, peripheral component interconnect extensions (PXI)-based sources, local area network (LAN) / unversal serial bus (USB) / general-purpose interface bus (GPIB) control, software drivers, and integration with measurement workflows. Keysight modular signal generators are designed for applications that require multichannel capability, measurement speed, compact footprint, and scalable test-system integration.
The most important specifications when selecting a signal source are frequency range, modulation bandwidth, phase noise, output power, channel count, switching speed, harmonics, and software compatibility.
Frequency range: The signal source must cover the fundamental frequency bands and any harmonic, intermediate-frequency, or mmWave requirements of the device under test. For advanced RF, wireless, radar, and satellite applications, frequency coverage may extend into tens of GHz.
Modulation bandwidth: Modulation bandwidth determines whether the source can generate wideband signals used in 5G, Wi-Fi, radar, and high-data-rate communication systems. Higher modulation bandwidth enables more complex waveforms, wider channels, and advanced modulation formats.
Phase noise: Phase noise affects signal purity, receiver sensitivity measurements, adjacent-channel performance, error vector magnitude (EVM), and radar resolution. Lower phase noise is especially important for high-performance RF validation, radar, aerospace, and communication system testing.
Output power and level accuracy: Output power determines whether the source can drive the device under test directly or compensate for cable, switch, and fixture losses. Level accuracy and repeatability are important for reliable characterization and production test.
Number of outputs or phase-coherent channels: Multi-channel signal sources are required for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming, phased-array radar, antenna testing, and coherent receiver validation. Phase alignment and synchronization are critical when multiple signals must maintain precise timing relationships.
Frequency switching speed: Fast switching improves throughput in automated test systems and enables realistic simulation of hopping, pulsed, or agile signal environments.
Harmonics and spurious performance: Low harmonics and low spurious emissions help ensure that the generated signal does not introduce unwanted measurement errors or mask device performance.
Software and waveform support: Signal generation software, waveform libraries, and standards-based test applications help reduce setup time and improve repeatability. Keysight Technologies signal sources support a range of RF, microwave, wireless, radar, and automated test applications.
The most effective way to ensure high signal integrity and low phase noise is to select a signal source with strong spectral purity, use proper reference and cabling practices, and configure the output level, modulation, and test setup carefully.
Choose a source with low phase noise performance: Select a signal generator or frequency synthesizer with phase noise performance appropriate for your measurement offsets and carrier frequency. Keysight Technologies signal sources include vector, analog, and synthesizer options that emphasize low phase noise and high signal quality for RF and microwave testing.
Use a stable frequency reference: Use a high-quality internal reference or lock the signal source to a low-noise external 10 MHz reference when synchronizing multiple instruments. A stable reference improves frequency accuracy and reduces timing uncertainty across the measurement system.
Optimize output power level: Set the signal source output high enough to maintain dynamic range, but not so high that it compresses downstream components, overloads the device under test, or increases distortion.
Minimize cable and connector losses: Use high-quality RF cables, adapters, attenuators, and connectors rated for the target frequency. Poor cabling can introduce mismatch, loss, reflections, and repeatability issues.
Control harmonics and spurious signals: Use filtering, proper level planning, and clean source configurations to reduce unwanted harmonics and spurious content. This is especially important when testing receivers, mixers, radar systems, and high-dynamic-range RF devices.
Calibrate the test setup: Account for cable loss, switch loss, amplifier gain, and fixture effects at the device input. Calibration improves amplitude accuracy and helps ensure that the signal at the device under test matches the intended test condition.
Use phase-coherent sources when timing matters: For multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming, radar, and coherent receiver testing, use signal sources that support phase coherence, shared references, and synchronized triggering.
Signal sources are used in wireless communication testing to generate realistic, standards-based RF signals that stimulate devices, receivers, chipsets, modules, and systems under controlled conditions.
Generating standards-based waveforms: Vector signal generators create digitally modulated signals for wireless standards such as 5G new radio (NR), LTE, Wi-Fi, wireless local area network (WLAN) 802.11, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Keysight Technologies vector signal generators can be paired with signal generation software to perform rapid, accurate tests using predefined standards-based waveforms.
Receiver sensitivity testing: Engineers use signal sources to apply low-level modulated signals to a receiver and measure how well the device detects and demodulates signals under weak-signal conditions.
EVM and modulation quality validation: A high-quality signal source helps validate error vector magnitude, constellation quality, adjacent-channel behavior, and other modulation performance metrics in wireless devices.
MIMO and beamforming test: Multi-channel signal generators support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming, carrier aggregation, and phased-array validation by generating multiple synchronized RF paths with controlled timing and phase relationships.
Interference and coexistence testing: Signal sources can emulate blockers, adjacent-channel interferers, or complex coexistence scenarios to evaluate how a device performs in realistic RF environments.
Protocol and system-level validation: When combined with software, analyzers, channel emulators, and automated test workflows, signal sources help validate wireless performance from early R&D through design verification and manufacturing test.
The best way to integrate a signal source into an automated test system is to select a source with remote-control interfaces, software drivers, synchronization features, and the frequency, bandwidth, power, and channel performance required by the workflow.
Choose the right form factor: Benchtop signal generators are useful for R&D and flexible lab setups, while modular signal generators are often better for high-density, high-throughput automated test systems. Keysight modular signal generators are designed for multichannel measurement capability, measurement speed, compact footprint, and scalable system integration.
Confirm remote-control compatibility: Look for local area network (LAN), unversal serial bus (USB), general-purpose interface bus (GPIB), or peripheral component interconnect extensions (PXI) control, as well as programming support through standard commands for programmable instruments (SCPI) commands, interchangable virtual instrument (IVI) drivers, or automation environments used by the test team.
Synchronize instruments: Use shared frequency references, triggers, and timing signals to synchronize the signal source with analyzers, digitizers, oscilloscopes, switches, and device-control hardware.
Automate waveform creation and loading: Use signal generation software or application programming interfaces (APIs) to create, download, recall, and sequence waveforms. This reduces setup time and improves repeatability across R&D, validation, and production test.
Account for path loss and calibration: Build cable loss, switch loss, amplifier gain, and fixture correction into the automated workflow so that the power delivered to the device under test is accurate and repeatable.
Optimize for throughput: In production or high-volume validation, prioritize frequency switching speed, list mode, fast waveform recall, stable triggering, and reliable remote operation.
Scale as test needs grow: For multiport devices, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radios, phased arrays, or complex systems, choose signal sources that support multiple channels, phase coherence, and expansion across additional instruments or chassis.