Keysight AP5001A 9 kHz to 2 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator

Key Features At A Glance

• RF analog signal generation from 9 kHz to 2, 4, or 6.1 GHz depending on the selected frequency option
• Frequency resolution of 0.001 Hz and phase resolution of 0.1 degrees
• AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation run simultaneously (FM and phase modulation cannot be combined)
• SSB phase noise of -130 dBc/Hz typical at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset from the carrier
• Ethernet 100BaseT LAN and USB 2.0 host/device control via SCPI 1999.0 for automated test systems
• Linear, logarithmic, and random frequency sweeps plus generalized list sweep up to 20,000 points
• Optional 1E1 step attenuator extends the output level range down to -120 dBm
• Field-installable license-key upgrades for frequency range and the step attenuator option

The Keysight AP5001A is an RF analog signal generator that produces continuous-wave and modulated signals across a frequency range beginning at 9 kHz and extending to 2, 4, or 6.1 GHz depending on the configured frequency option. An RF signal generator supplies a known, controllable stimulus — a defined frequency, amplitude, and modulation — that an engineer uses to exercise a device under test and observe its response. The AP5001A delivers this stimulus from a compact, DC-powered chassis weighing 2.5 kg or less, with an N-type RF output on the front panel and a full complement of modulation, sweep, and trigger interfaces on the rear.

As a stimulus source, the AP5001A is built around flexible modulation and sweep capability. It supports amplitude, frequency, phase, and pulse modulation, and these can be enabled simultaneously — for example, AM and FM can run concurrently and modulate the output RF — with the single restriction that frequency and phase modulation cannot be combined. For frequency-agile testing, the instrument performs linear, logarithmic, and random frequency sweeps, as well as a generalized list sweep that allows individual setting of frequency, power, dwell-time, and off-time for each of up to 20,000 points. A trigger-out synchronization mode allows multiple sources to be coordinated together.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, so the instruments we list are equipment we actually keep on hand. That combination of held inventory and hands-on verification of used equipment is what lets us stand behind both the condition and the availability of what we sell.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its origins to the test-and-measurement business of Hewlett-Packard. That business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and in 2014 Agilent's electronic measurement division was established as the independent Keysight Technologies.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The AP5001A is offered as a single instrument platform configured by frequency option. All variants share the same 9 kHz lower frequency limit, the same modulation and sweep architecture, the same LAN and USB control interfaces, and the same compact chassis; they differ in the upper end of their frequency coverage. The frequency option is selected at order time as the -502, -504, or -506, corresponding to upper limits of 2.0, 4.0, and 6.1 GHz respectively.

Beyond the base frequency option, the platform supports the 1E1 step attenuator option and a set of license-key upgrades. The frequency ceiling can be raised in the field — from 2 GHz to 4 GHz, 2 GHz to 6.1 GHz, or 4 GHz to 6.1 GHz — and the step attenuator can likewise be added by license key, so a unit's configuration can evolve without returning hardware.

Each model below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Whether you select a new unit at one frequency tier or another, the configuration and pricing shown apply to that specific model and condition, so choose the page that matches the frequency option and condition you need.

The primary difference across the family is frequency coverage: the -502 reaches 2.0 GHz, the -504 reaches 4.0 GHz, and the -506 reaches 6.1 GHz, all sharing the 9 kHz lower limit. The comparison table below lists each option's upper frequency limit alongside the shared specifications so the right tier can be matched to the highest frequency the application requires.

A second axis of difference is output level range. In the standard configuration, output power spans -30 dBm to +17 dBm; adding the 1E1 step attenuator (Option 1E1) lowers the minimum settable level to -120 dBm for applications that require low-level signals. Because the frequency tiers and the step attenuator are both available as license-key upgrades, a model's capabilities can be extended after purchase, as reflected in the comparison table.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Mains adapter supplied: 100-240 VAC in / 6 V 6.0 A DC out

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Reverse power protection is rated to a maximum of 5 V DC and +27 dBm of RF.

Important: Sweeps can be performed with combined internal or external AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation running. With modulation enabled, the minimum step time increases to 2 ms.

Important: All modulation types (FM, PM, AM, and pulse modulation) may be enabled simultaneously except that FM and phase modulation cannot be combined.

Important: Specifications describe the warranted performance for 23 ± 5 °C after a 30-minute warm-up period (unless otherwise stated).

About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.