M8190A Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Enhance Your Reality

A better name for an advanced arbitrary waveform generator is a “signal scenario generator” or SSG.

This description signifies a level of versatility that enables you to set up complex real-world signals—whether you need precise sig­nals to characterize the performance of a design or need to stress a device to its limits. From low-observable radar to high-density communications, testing is more realistic with precision arbitrary waveform generation from an SSG.

Take reality to the extreme: A Keysight AWG is the source of greater fidelity, delivering high resolution and wide bandwidth—simultaneously. This unique combination lets you create signal scenarios that push your designs to the limit and bring new insights to your analysis. Get bits and bandwidth—and enhance your reality.

High-quality signal generation is the foundation of reliable and repeatable measurements. The Keysight M8190A ensures accuracy and repeatability with 14-bit resolution, up to 8 GSa/s sampling rate and up to 90 dBc SFDR. High dynamic range and excellent vertical resolution gives you confidence that you are testing your device, not the signal source.

As an example, a test setup that exhibits a high error vector magnitude (EVM) reading might prevent you from seeing problems within your device under test (DUT). The level of reality possible with the M8190A minimizes problems like this.

Versatile

Optimize the output to match your application

An AWG is the most versatile signal scenario generator possible. Capabilities such as easy switching between 14-bit output at 8 GSa/s and 12-bit output at 12 GSa/s help you handle multiple applications and measurement requirements.

Because every application calls for different signal character­istics, the Keysight M8190A also contains three amplifiers that are optimized for I/Q signals, IF/RF output, or clean time-domain signals. You can switch between them as needed through software commands. Some applications call for Multi-channel support. The M8192 AXIe module can be plugged into the chassis ensuring alignment up to 12-channels.

Memory

Highly realistic testing often requires long play times and long signal scenarios

For example, 2 GSa of memory combined with advanced sequencing capabilities allow you to use the memory efficiently and effectively.

Direct access to individual memory segments is possible in real time through the dynamic sequence control input. You can create waveforms and download them into the M8190A using software applications such as Signal Studio Pulse Builder, Multi-tone and WLAN; SystemVue, MATLAB, LabView or your own routines written in C++, C# or Visual Basic.

For sensitive applications, memory storage is not persistent: Memory contents are volatile and are erased when power is turned off.

Multi-Level Signals

Jitter and noise cause misalignment of edges and levels, resulting in data errors.

The M8190A is equipped to ensure flexible modifications to fit new distortion requirements by simply adapting the waveform itself. You can easily mimic analog imperfections that occur in real-world environments by using mathematical description in tools such as MATLAB. This minimizes the need for additional hardware while preserving the ability to create realistic signal simulation

Scenarios

In aerospace and defense, technology is evolving to wider bandwidths without compromising on resolution.

The foundation is digital technology, which is becoming more prevalent because it provides advantages such as reduced size, lower power requirements, better calibration and faster volume scans.

When developing radar systems, real-life testing is very expen­sive. Simulations with highly realistic signals help reduce the cost of system testing. The Keysight M8190A addresses these needs with three key capabilities: wide bandwidth, high resolution and long play times.

Real-time digital signal processing with Keysight proprietary ASIC

Digital up-conversion takes testing one step further. The wide bandwidth allows generating the IF signal directly. The IQ data will be upconverted digitally in hardware which gives you best signal quality in the desired frequency range. The frequency resolution is very precise with sample clock down to the picosec­ond range. In addition efficient memory usage allows to extend the playtime by up to 1 million times. For example for a radar signal the waveform needs to be stored only once and amplitude, frequency and phase are stored independently. Precise carrier frequency, phase and amplitude settings is possible in real-time under sequencer control. Even complex operations such as frequency sweep are possible. Streaming functionality is available for infinite playtime. Endless scenarios can be played.