Keysight (Agilent) M3201A PXIe Arbitrary Waveform Generator

The Keysight M3201A is a 4-channel PXIe arbitrary waveform generator delivering 500 MSa/s output speed with 16-bit resolution across a DC to 200 MHz bandwidth. Built for high-fidelity signal generation in aerospace, defense, automotive, communications, and semiconductor test environments, the M3201A combines onboard waveform storage of up to 2 GB with advanced modulation capabilities including amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation. The instrument achieves 64 dBc spurious-free dynamic range at 80 MHz and noise density down to –145 dBm/Hz.

– Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: 1-slot PXIe
• Channels: 4
• Output Speed: 500 MSa/s (16-bit); 4 GSa/s aggregated (16-bit); 2 GSa/s aggregated (32-bit)
• Output Resolution: 16 bits
• Bandwidth: DC to 200 MHz
• Onboard Memory: Up to 2 GB (approximately 1 Gsamples)
• Clock Frequency: 500 MHz
• Frequency Resolution: 45-bit (approximately 5.68 µHz)
• Phase Resolution: 24-bit (approximately 21.5 µdeg)
• SFDR: Approximately 64 dBc @ 80 MHz (typical)
• Average Noise Density: Approximately –145 dBm/Hz (typical)

– Key Features

• Sinusoidal, triangular, square, and DC waveform generation
• Amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation
• Real-time sequencing with Hard Virtual Instrumentation (HVI) technology for time-deterministic execution
• Waveform queue system supporting cycles, delays, and prescalers
• Up to 8 reconfigurable I/Os for advanced triggering and marking
• Optional graphical FPGA programming via PathWave FPGA Design Environment (KF9000A)
• Multi-instrument synchronization and control through PathWave Test Sync Executive (KS2201A)

– Typical Applications

• Aerospace and defense signal generation
• Automotive test and validation
• Communications system characterization
• Semiconductor device testing
• Broadband and IF signal synthesis

– Compatibility & Integration

• Operating System: Windows 10
• Programming Support: C, C++, Visual Studio, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python (HVI with Python 3.7)
• Software: Keysight SD1 3.x with Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Multi-Module Control: Enabled via PathWave Test Sync Executive