Contents

Data Questionable Modulation Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Data Questionable Calibration Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Data Questionable BERT Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

5 Creating and Downloading Waveform Files

Overview of Downloading and Extracting Waveform Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Waveform Data Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Understanding Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Bits and Bytes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 LSB and MSB (Bit Order) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Little Endian and Big Endian (Byte Order). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Byte Swapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 DAC Input Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 2’s Complement Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 I and Q Interleaving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Waveform Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

File Header. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Marker File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

I/Q File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Waveform Phase Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Phase Discontinuity, Distortion, and Spectral Regrowth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Avoiding Phase Discontinuities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Waveform Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Memory Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Memory Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Commands for Downloading and Extracting Waveform Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Waveform Data Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 File Transfer Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 SCPI Command Line Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Commands and File Paths for Downloading and Extracting Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . 206 FTP Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Creating Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 Code Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Downloading Waveform Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Using Simulation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Using Advanced Programming Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Loading, Playing, and Verifying a Downloaded Waveform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Loading a File from Non- Volatile Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Playing the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

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Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide

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Agilent Technologies N5183A MXG, N5181A/82A, E8663B manual Creating and Downloading Waveform Files

N5183A, N5183A MXG, E8663B, N5181A/82A specifications

Agilent Technologies is renowned for its innovative solutions in electronic test and measurement equipment. Among its offerings are several signal generators including the N5181A, N5182A, E8663B, and N5183A MXG. These models are distinguished not only by their performance but also by their versatility across various applications in communications, aerospace, and electronics.

The Agilent N5181A and N5182A, part of the MXG family, are highly versatile signal generators known for their exceptional frequency performance and flexibility. The N5181A operates from 100 kHz to 6 GHz, while the N5182A extends that range up to 12 GHz. They provide high fidelity signals with low phase noise, making them ideal for the development and testing of RF components and systems. These generators support a wide variety of modulation formats, including AM, FM, PM, and pulse modulation, catering to diverse application needs.

The E8663B, meanwhile, is designed for the range of 250 kHz to 3 GHz and is also recognized for its high-performance features. Its built-in capabilities for modulation make it effective for testing wireless devices, ensuring that signals can be simulated accurately in both laboratory and field environments. It is especially beneficial for users requiring a straightforward and efficient solution with high reliability.

The N5183A MXG signal generator enhances the lineup with frequency coverage up to 6 GHz and advanced capabilities. It integrates various modulation capabilities while ensuring high signal integrity. Its architecture is tailored for both production test environments and research applications, providing users with the flexibility to adapt to changing testing requirements.

Common characteristics across these models include a user-friendly interface that simplifies configuration and operation. They are often equipped with LAN and USB interfaces for easy remote control and integration into automated test systems. The robustness of these generators allows them to perform reliably in challenging environments, making them essential tools in laboratories, manufacturing floors, and field testing scenarios.

In summary, Agilent's signal generators, including the N5181A, N5182A, E8663B, and N5183A MXG, represent a blend of advanced technology, flexibility, and precision. These instruments are vital in facilitating the evolution of cutting-edge communication technologies, ensuring that designers and engineers can confidently meet the demands of modern electronics.