Keysight AP5042A/001/520/LN2 Vector Signal Generator

The Keysight AP5042A/001/520/LN2, housed in a 2U rack-mount chassis, is a high-performance G3 Vector Signal Generator (VSG) designed for advanced RF and microwave testing. Covering a frequency range from 100 kHz to 20 GHz, it delivers exceptional versatility for aerospace, defense, and telecommunications applications.

Featuring a single-channel configuration, the AP5042A offers precise signal control alongside broad frequency coverage and ultra-low phase noise—down to –145 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

• (001) Single-channel configuration

• (520) Frequency range: 100 kHz to 20 GHz

• (LN2) Enhanced ultra-low close in phase noise and long-term frequency stability

• LAN 1000BaseT LAN interface, USB Version 2.0

• SMA (f) RF output connector

Features

• Ultra-Low Phase Noise: Exceptional signal purity with phase noise as low as –145 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. Power LED

2. Ready LED

3. Remote LED

4. RF LED (1 through 4)

5. RF OUT (1 through 4) - impedance is 50 ohms

Rear Panel Tour

1. Fast control port (Option FCP)

2. MF1 Input -BNC(f) connector

3. MF1 Output -BNC(f) connector

4. CLK IN multi-instrument
   sync port

5. CLK OUT multi-instrument
   sync port

6. REF IN -BNC(f) connector

7. REF OUT -BNC(f) connector

8. GPIB (Option GPB)

9. LAN

10. USB-B

11. Fuse Holder

12. AC Power

13. ON/Off Switch

14. Ground Screw

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 AP5042A vector signal generators deliver fast-switching signal output across a frequency span from 100 kHz to 40 GHz. They excel in high-speed continuous wave (CW) frequency sweeps, chirped signals, intra-pulse modulation, and advanced pulse shaping—all while maintaining exceptionally low phase noise. Equipped with a high-performance internal I/Q modulator, these generators support tailored waveform creation and a wide range of specialized modulation formats. 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

Interested in a multi-channel AP5042A? Our experts at TestEquity are here to help. Ask us anything, or request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the AP5042A

1. What does the /LN2 option provide?
The /LN2 configuration enhances the generator with enhanced ultra-low close in phase noise and long-term frequency stability.

2. What modulation formats are supported?
It supports both analog and digital modulation formats including AM, FM, PM, Pulse, FSK, PSK, ASK, and QAM, thanks to its internal I/Q modulator.

3. Can it generate wideband signals?
Yes, it offers up to 400 MHz modulation bandwidth, ideal for wideband applications like radar and electronic warfare simulation.

4. Is this product upgradeable or serviceable?
Absolutely. Its modular design allows for easy calibration, upgrades, and servicing, making it a future-proof investment.

5. What kind of pulse capabilities does it have?
It can generate ultra-narrow pulse trains (<5 ns) and chirped pulses, which are essential for radar and EW testing.