Keysight M8100 Series Arbitrary Waveform Generators

Realistic Testing with Precision Arbitrary Waveform Generation

Keysight arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) are the source of greater fidelity, delivering high resolution and wide bandwidth simultaneously. This unique combination, coupled with our flexible form factors, allows you to create signal scenarios that push your design to the limit and bring new insight to your analysis.

For your most challenging situations, the M8100 family provides high-performance AWG solutions with sample rates as high as 256 GSa/s on 4 channels simultaneously.

Get bits and bandwidth and enhance your reality.

Benefits of Arbitrary Waveform Generators

Testing an electrical/electronic device or system implies applying the right stimuli to the device under test (DUT) and analyzing the resulting behavior. In some cases, stimuli come from the real world but in most situations, a set of signals must be supplied by appropriate instrumentation. These sources can generate a broad variety of stimuli so that the operating range of the DUT may be established and validated.

Ideally, it is best to test each module early in the development process in the most realistic conditions possible. In some cases, this can be accomplished using “golden” devices that provide the right signals that may be well characterized but are often difficult to control. An AWG has the potential to generate any signal, thus providing the ultimate customer solution.

Arbitrary waveform generator
M8199B Arbitrary Waveforn Generator Front Angle

Discover the M8100 Series AWG

The M8100 Series arbitrary waveform generator provides the versatility needed for complex real-world signal testing. From low-observable radar to high-density communications, the M8100 Series offers the precision signals needed to verify designs and stress test devices.

  • leverage up to 256 GS.a/s sample rates
  • reduce system footprint with AXIe form factor
  • debug designs with confidence using superior signal fidelity

Extend Your Capabilities With The Right Tools

Technology is constantly changing. So too are the requirements engineers face. Get more functionality out of your existing hardware today by complementing it with the right accessories to improve productivity and the right Keysight PathWave design and test automation software to accelerate your product development.

81199A Wideband Waveform Center Software

Test the latest wideband signal modulation formats with standards-compliant waveform generation

33503A BenchLink Waveform Builder Pro Software

Get advanced signal creation and editing capabilities without spending hours programming

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWG)

WHAT IS AN ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR (AWG)?

An arbitrary waveform generator is a classification of a signal generator that produces real-world waveforms to provide a wide range of stimulus signals. Common types of generated signals are those used for communications protocols to stress-test devices.

WHAT IS AN ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR USED FOR?

Digital developers use AWGs to generate test signals as a stimulus for a device under test (DUT) and use an oscilloscope to analyze the operation of the device.

HOW DO YOU USE AN ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR?

Arbitrary waveform generators enable test engineers to validate a circuit’s design in just a few steps: (1) Enable the output control; (2) Choose the waveform to be generated; (3) Attach the outputs to a device under test; (4) Verify the performance of the device under test using an oscilloscope.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR AND A FUNCTION GENERATOR?

A function generator has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it produces. In a function generator, it is possible to change the parameters of a waveform, such as frequency, amplitude, and offset, as well as the addition of any simple distortion. An arbitrary waveform generator is a more complex instrument that simulates real-world signals. Arbitrary waveform generators generate these waveforms based on stored digital data that describes the constantly changing voltage levels of a signal. Typically, arbitrary waveform generators produce custom compiled waveforms rather than pre-set common waveforms.

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