Signal Generators and Signal Sources

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.