Advanced Test Equipment Corp.
www.atecorp.com | 800-404-ATEC (2832)
N5186A MXG Vector Signal Generator
CONFIGURATION GUIDE
Introduction
This configuration guide contains information to help you configure your N5186A MXG vector signal generator to meet your requirements. Ordering optional capabilities at the time of purchase provides the lowest overall cost of ownership.
The image displays two units of the N5186A MXG Vector Signal Generator. The top unit shows a screen displaying signal parameters such as "802.11 be 320M" and "AVION OT", along with various control buttons and knobs. The bottom unit appears to be identical.
Configure Hardware
Select number of channels
| Configuration | Required options | Descriptions | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| One channel | N5186A-001 | Add channel one | Required for all configurations |
| Four channels | N5186A-001 N5186A-002 N5186A-003 N5186A-004 | Add channel one Add channel two Add channel three Add channel four | Required for all configurations |
Select connector configuration
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-1EM | Move all connectors to rear panel |
Select channel features (ordered once per channel)
Frequency options (must select one; option will be duplicated on all channels)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-503 | Frequency range, 9 kHz to 3 GHz | |
| N5186A-506 | Frequency range, 9 kHz to 6 GHz | |
| N5186A-508 | Frequency range, 9 kHz to 8.5 GHz |
Bandwidth options (must select one; option may be different on each channel)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-B2X | RF bandwidth, 250 MHz with 256 MSa | |
| N5186A-B5X | RF bandwidth, 500 MHz with 256 MSa | |
| N5186A-B9X | RF bandwidth, 960 MHz with 256 MSa |
Memory options (optionally select one; option may be different on each channel)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-M05 | Baseband generator memory upgrade to 512 MSa | |
| N5186A-M10 | Baseband generator memory upgrade to 1 GSa | |
| N5186A-M20 | Baseband generator memory upgrade to 2 GSa |
Phase noise options (optionally select one; option will be duplicated on all channels)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-EP3 | Low phase noise | Not compatible with EP4 |
| N5186A-EP4 | Enhanced low phase noise | Not compatible with EP3 |
High output power options (optionally select; option will be duplicated on all channels)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-1EA | High output power from 9 kHz to 3, 6, or 8 GHz |
Vector system feature options (optionally select; option may be different on each channel)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-403 | AWGN and CW interferer |
General performance feature options (optionally select; options will be duplicated on all channels)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-099 | Expanded license key upgradability | Option 099 is required for anyone considering future upgrades. Option 099 simplifies the upgrade process by enabling upgrades via a license key for options 1EA, 1EQ, and UNV. |
| N5186A-1EQ | Low specified power (< -110 dBm) | |
| N5186A-UNV | Enhanced dynamic range |
Embedded reflectometer options (optionally select; option will be duplicated on all channels)
| Option | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| N5186A-V08 | Embedded reflectometer from 9 kHz to 3, 6, or 8.5 GHz | E7653APPC is recommended with option V08. |
Configure Software
Included software
The N5186A MXG base configuration includes the following software tools.
Description
Sample waveforms
PathWave General Purpose Signal Generation
Embedded PathWave software tools
Embedded PathWave software tools can be used to create and playback waveforms through the MXG touch-optimized graphical user interface. Optionally select any models. One software license per instrument is required.
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| E7608APPC | PathWave Signal Generation for custom IQ modulation |
| E7621APPC | PathWave Signal Generation for basic multitone |
| E7642APPC | PathWave Signal Generation for IQ based AM, FM, phase modulation |
| E7653APPC | PathWave automatic channel response correction and S-parameter de-embedding (includes instrument nonlinear correction) |
Additional PathWave software tools and MATLAB
These PathWave software tools can be used to create and playback waveforms through file-export based waveform playback. Real-time signal creation is not supported. Only node-locked licenses are available. Optionally select any models. One software license per instrument is required. For additional information, see the PathWave Signal Generation Brochure.
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Cellular communications | |
| N7600EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for W-CDMA/HSPA+ |
| N7601EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for cdma2000/1xEV-DO |
| N7602EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for GSM/EDGE/Evo |
| N7612EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for TD-SCDMA/HSPA |
| N7624EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for LTE/LTE-Advanced/LTE-A Pro FDD |
| N7625EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for LTE/LTE-Advanced TDD |
| N7626EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for V2X |
| N7631EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for 5G NR |
| N7632EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for NR-V2X |
| Wireless connectivity | |
| N7606EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for Bluetooth |
| N7610EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for IoT |
| N7615EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for Mobile WiMAX |
| N7617EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for WLAN 802.11 |
| Audio/video broadcasting | |
| N7611EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for broadcast radio |
| N7623EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for digital video |
| N7640EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for LMR |
| General RF and Microwave | |
| N7608EMBC | PathWave Signal Generation for custom modulation |
| N6171A | MATLAB software (for standalone PC use) |
Select Accessories
| Model | Description | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
| 1CM110A | Rackmount flange kit | |
| 1CN106A | Front handle kit | |
| 1CP104A | Rackmount flange and front handle kit |
KeysightCare Coverage
One year of KeysightCare Assured is included with your new N5186A MXG Vector Signal Generator for priority access to technical experts and optimized uptime to mitigate project risk. Multiyear upgrade options to KeysightCare Enhanced add calibration coverage for full performance verification and accelerated turnaround times.
Obtain multi-year KeysightCare upfront to lock in the service pricing of today and operate with a planned spending profile and eliminate the need for yearly requests for maintenance budget. Plus, you benefit from secured service for 2, 3, or 5 years.
| Service | Function |
|---|---|
| KeysightCare Enhanced | |
| R-55B-001-1 | KeysightCare Enhanced – Upgrade 1 year |
| R-55B-001-2 | KeysightCare Enhanced – Extend to 2 years |
| R-55B-001-3 | KeysightCare Enhanced – Extend to 3 years (Recommended) |
| R-55B-001-5 | KeysightCare Enhanced – Extend to 5 years (Recommended) |
| R-55B-001-3CC | KeysightCare Enhanced – Extend to 3 years (China only) 2 |
| R-55B-001-5CJ | KeysightCare Enhanced – Extend to 5 years (Japan only) |
| KeysightCare Assured | |
| R-55A-001-2 | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 2 years |
| R-55A-001-3 | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 3 years |
| R-55A-001-5 | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 5 years |
| R-55A-001-3CC | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 3 years (China only) |
| R-55A-001-5CC | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 5 years (China only) |
| R-55A-001-5CJ | KeysightCare Assured – Extend to 5 years (Japan only) |
| Start-Up Assistance | |
| PS-S20 | Startup assistance, daily |
| PS-X10 | Custom Services |
1 Available in select countries. R-55B-001-2/3/5 must be ordered with R-55B-001-1. For details, please view the KeysightCare datasheet.
2 Contact Keysight for 5-year coverage.








