Keysight AP5041A/504/LN1 Vector Signal Generator

The Keysight AP5041A/504/LN1, housed in a 2U enclosure, is a high-performance G3 Vector Signal Generator (VSG) designed for advanced RF and microwave testing. Covering a frequency range from 100 kHz to 4 GHz, it delivers exceptional versatility for aerospace, defense, and telecommunications applications.

Featuring a single-channel, the AP5041A offers precise signal control alongside broad frequency coverage and ultra-low phase noise—down to -150 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz with a 20 kHz offset—ensuring superior signal purity and long-term frequency stability.

This instrument series supports a wide array of analog and digital modulation formats via its internal I/Q modulator, including dedicated schemes such as avionics modulation. Its fast frequency switching and agile hopping capabilities make it ideal for dynamic environments like satellite communications, radar simulation, electronic warfare (EW) systems, MIMO signal generation, and product validation. Its blend of precision, flexibility, and reliability makes it a powerful asset for engineers and researchers working on cutting-edge RF technologies.

Specifications

• Single-channel

• (504) Frequency range: 100 kHz to 4 GHz

• (LN1) Ultra-low close in phase noise and long-term frequency stability

• Type-N (f) RF output connector

Features

• Ultra-Low Phase Noise: Exceptional signal purity with phase noise as low as –150 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz and 20 kHz offset.

• Internal I/Q Modulator: Enables complex modulation schemes including AM, FM, PM, Pulse, FSK, PSK, ASK, QAM.

• Standard 400 MHz Modulation Bandwidth: Supports wideband applications and advanced modulation formats.

• Fast Switching & Hopping: Ultra-fast frequency hopping and CW sweeping for agile signal generation.

• Pulse Capabilities: Supports ultra-narrow pulse trains (<5 ns) and chirped pulses for radar and EW testing.

• Keysight Signal Studio and IQTools Waveform Creation Support.

Front Panel Tour

1. Touch Display

2. Rotary Button

3. RF 50 Ohm

Rear Panel Tour

1. REF Input

2. REF Output

3. I Input

4. Q Input

5. MF1 Input

6. MF1 Output

7. MF2 Input

8. MF2 Output

9. USB-B

10. LAN

11. AC Power

12. Ground Screw

13. GPIB (option GPB)

14. RF OUT (50 ohm impedance)

15. CLK IN

16. CLK OUT

17. SYNC connectors

18. Fast Control Port (option FCP)

19. SD Card (option 006)

G3 Series Vector Signal Generators

The G3 Series signal generators offer analog and vector models with ultra-low phase noise, fast switching, and phase-coherent multi-channel support. The AP5041A benchtop version offers phase-coherent, ultra-fast switching and ultra-low phase noise analog signal generators with a frequency range up to 12, 20, 40, or 54 GHz. They are ideally suited for a wide range of applications where good signal quality, accurate and wide output power ranges, and very stable phase coherence among all channels are required. Benchtop (AP5041A) and rack-mountable (AP5042A) versions available.

Series Application Uses

• Generation of wireless communication signals (5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GNSS) with Keysight Signal Studio software
  - AP5042A for MIMO signal generation; analog multi-channel sources as RFLOs in MIMO ransceiver front-end testing; For validation of beamforming testing algorithm

• Radar, Electronic warfare (EW)
  - AP5042A for radar signal generation; Phase Calibratable Mode is a unique function; Fast switching sources for generation of jamming signals

• Avionics modulation, AP5041A or AP5042A (option 302)

• EMC testing: multi-carrier with user-definable carrier modulation

• Quantum Computing: Generation of QuBit manipulation signals
  - AP5042A for multi-channel analog sources as RFLOs, and as pumping sources for parametric amplifiers; APVSG-X for generation of Qubit manipulation signals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the AP5041A

1. What is the frequency range of the AP5041A?
The AP5041A covers a wide frequency span from 100 kHz to 40 GHz, making it suitable for a broad range of RF and microwave applications.

2. What modulation formats does it support?
It supports both analog (AM, FM, PM w/option UNT, and Pulse w/option PMR) and custom digital modulation schemes (option 431), and I/Q modulation. It also enables intra-pulse modulation and advanced pulse shaping.

3. Can it generate ultra-narrow pulses and chirped signals?
Yes, it can produce pulse widths under 5 ns and supports both linear and non-linear frequency chirps, ideal for radar and aerospace testing.

4. What is the phase noise performance?
The AP5041A delivers exceptionally low phase noise, reaching as low as -150 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz with a 20 kHz offset, ensuring high signal purity.

5. Does it support additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) injection?
Absolutely. The AP5041A allows direct AWGN injection (option 403) into the signal path for realistic signal simulation and stress testing.