What are the types of signal generators?

There are various types of signal generators: Analog Signal Generator Vector Signal Generator Arbitrary Waveform Generator Radio Frequency (RF) Signal Generator Function Generator Pulse Generator Digital Pattern Generator

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Signal Generators and Signal Sources

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Keysight m9384b vxg vector signal generation with unmatched purity and precision

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Whether you are working on general-purpose or industry-specific applications such as 5G, automotive, or aerospace and defense, our signal generator platforms enable you to:

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Compact Signal Generators

9 kHz to 54 GHz

Accelerate your RF product development with portable, general-purpose, analog signal generators that deliver outstanding output power range, signal purity, and switching speed.

AP4005A FS2 Frequency Synthesizer, front view

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8 kHz to 40 GHz

Generate signals for a wide variety of applications using single- and multi-channel frequency synthesizers with multiple compact form factors for easy system integration.

X‑Series Signal Generators — MXG, EXG, and CXG

9 kHz to 40 GHz

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Keysight m9384b vxg rf vector signal generation

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1 MHz to 110 GHz

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Keysight PSG rf signal generators and signal sources

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100 kHz to 67 GHz

The industry’s most trusted microwave signal generators. With metrology-grade performance and evolving capabilities, they can serve your test needs now, and in the future.

Keysight X-Series Agile rf Signal Generators and signal sources

X-Series Agile Signal Generators — UXG

10 MHz to 40 GHz

Advanced signal generators delivering unmatched performance in areas such as switching speed and phase control, enabling you to accurately simulate multi-emitter scenarios for radar, EW, and antenna test

Keysight PXI rf signal generators and signal sources

PXI Signal Generators

1 MHz to 44 GHz

A flexible, scalable modular platform that equips you with fast amplitude and frequency switching to reduce test time. Optimized for RF or microwave design validation and manufacturing test environments.

Keysight FieldFox handheld analyzer with built-in pulse generator

Handheld Signal Generators

3 kHz to 54 GHz

Create various pulses, such as standard pulses, FM chirps, FM triangles, AM pulses, and user-defined pulse sequences. Generate continuous-wave (CW) signals including AM/FM modulations, FSK, and BPSK.

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PathWave Signal Generator Software

PathWave Signal Generator software is a flexible suite of signal-creation tools that will reduce time spent on signal simulation. Its performance-optimized reference signals, validated by Keysight, enhance the characterization and verification of your devices.

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Pathwave signal generation software for vector signal generator

Make a difference with a reliable signal source, waveform signals with binary

Eliminate Uncertainties From Your Test Results with a Reliable Signal Source

In the race to get to market faster, you need test results you can trust. Selecting the right, reliable instrument for the job can make a difference.

A Keysight test expert describes the fundamentals of signal generators in the white paper, below. It will help you make an informed choice when selecting your next RF source.

Related use cases

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Automotive SerDes receiver testing requires various physical layer tests to meet the current MIPI A-PHY receiver specifications. Learn how to verify and characterize automotive SerDes receivers in the noisy environment of a car.

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Verifying the performance of a 6G neural receiver requires the use of AI / ML. Learn how to compare channel simulation results with real-world systems.

How to Test CRPA-Enabled GNSS Receivers

Testing CRPA-enabled GNSS receivers requires a real-time baseband GNSS emulation coupled with the ability to present time-synchronized, phase-coherent signals to the device under test. Learn how to troubleshoot and verify solutions used to mitigate GNSS interference, jamming, and spoofing.

How to De-embed Fixtures and Correct Mismatch Errors

Minimizing the uncertainty in your measurement setup requires delivering predictable and repeatable signals to your device under test (DUT). Learn how to easily de-embed and match correct test fixtures with a signal generator and an embedded reflectometer.

How to Test a Digital Wideband Transceiver

Testing digital wideband transceivers requires a hybrid solution combining a signal generator and a network analyzer. Learn how to perform digital RF stimulus response tests while achieving digital-integrated RF front-end characterization.

How to Generate an RF Carrier Signal

Generating an RF carrier signal requires an RF signal generator that provides frequency stability and low phase noise and is free of other spurious noises. Learn how to set up an RF signal generator for a carrier signal and optimize the noise settings.

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Extend Your Signal Generator Capabilities With The Right Tools

Get more functionality out of your test instrument today by pairing it with the right accessories to improve productivity and the right Keysight PathWave design and test automation software to accelerate your product development.

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PathWave Signal Generation

Signal creation for a wide range of general purpose or standards-based signals

PathWave SystemVue software for system design

PathWave System Design (SystemVue)

Electronic design automation environment for wireless and communications systems physical layer

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Featured Resources

Catalogs 2024.10.01

Signal Generation Solutions Catalog

Keysight offers a wide range of instruments to help you generate the signals required to effectively test your device. Meet your design objectives with our selection of analog, RF, and leading-edge microwave signal generators and software.

2024.10.01

Brochures 2023.09.21

PathWave Signal Generation

Signal Studio reduces the time you spend on signal generation with Keysight's performance optimized signals and signal creation software. Learn more in this brochure.

2023.09.21

Technical Overviews 2024.09.12

Selecting a Signal Generator

This guide provides an overview and side-by-side comparisons to help determine which signal generator is right for you.

2024.09.12

White Papers 2024.09.05

The Essential Signal Generator Guide Building a solid foundation in RF — Part 2

Navigating the numerous specifications and features of signal generators can be challenging. This white paper series helps by explaining various modulation schemes, the importance of spectral purity, and the impact of distortion. Additionally, it explores how application software can enhance productivity. Signal generators are essential for meeting customer requirements for robust and reliable high-speed wireless connections, which are crucial for business success. To address market demands, selecting the right signal generator is vital. Complex modulation schemes, necessary for increasing spectral efficiency and achieving higher data rates, rely on accurate and stable signal generators. Signal generators can be either digital (vector) or analog. Vector signal generators produce complex, digitally modulated signals, while analog signal generators produce continuous wave signals with basic modulation. The choice depends on the specific application and testing requirements. Generating an RF signal requires a metrology-grade signal generator with excellent distortion and spurious characteristics to ensure high spectral purity. The frequency accuracy of a signal generator depends on the stability of the reference oscillator and the time since the last calibration. Overall, signal generators are indispensable for evaluating applications that rely on radio frequencies, such as GNSS, 5G, avionics, and radar, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.

2024.09.05

Application Notes 2019.05.20

How to Minimize the Measurement Uncertainty in RF Signal Generation

Test equipment characterizes design performance and verifies devices under test function as expected. To be effective, test equipment must outperform the device under test. Minimizing measurement uncertainty attributed to test equipment requires careful consideration of all components in the testbed.

2019.05.20

White Papers 2023.09.14

Basics of Vector Signal Generators Part 2: Waveform playback mode

Vector signal generators offer precise and stable test signals for receiver tests and RF component characterization. Knowing the basics of vector signal generators is the first step.

2023.09.14

Application Notes 2020.05.12

Receiver Test: Overcoming Five Fundamental Challenges

Learn how to address five fundamental challenges in the development of wireless receivers.

2020.05.12

Application Notes 2024.08.26

Understanding Phase Noise Needs and Choices in Signal Generation

This application note first discusses the fundamentals of phase noise before moving on to a closer look at architectural choices and the effects of various functionality alternatives. The discussion then moves on to an overview of Keysight Technologies, Inc. signal generators and the built-in capabilities they offer to enhance or selectively degrade phase noise performance.

2024.08.26

Application Notes 2018.01.25

Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF Communications Receiver Designs

This application note covers the fundamental measurement principles involved in testing and troubleshooting digital communications receivers, particularly those used in digital RF cellular systems. Measurement setups are provided for receiver performance tests and troubleshooting tips are given.

2018.01.25

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Frequently Asked Questions – Signal Generators

Engineers use a signal generator to create repeated waveforms to design, test, and manufacture systems and individual components. A signal generator is a generic term for a wider family of instruments. Other common names are signal sources, sources, and sig gens.

Learn about signal generator specifications in our blog Learn the Basics of Signal Generator Accuracy

There are various types of signal generators:

Analog Signal Generator
Vector Signal Generator
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Radio Frequency (RF) Signal Generator
Function Generator
Pulse Generator
Digital Pattern Generator

RF signal generators create the waveforms needed for testing applications that use radio frequencies. One type of RF signal generator is an analog signal generator (ASG), that creates amplitude modulated (AM), frequency modulated (FM), phase modulation, and pulse modulation signals. As signal modulation becomes more complex, you need a vector signal generator (VSG) to create intricate digital signals. Popular modulation formats for vector signal generators are quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and binary phase shift keying (BPSK).

Signal generators are great instruments to use for evaluating applications that rely on radio frequencies to operate. Some examples in use daily are Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), 5G, avionics, and radar. They also give the flexibility of testing for real-world impairments and receiver fading.

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