TECHNICAL

OVERVIEW

PathWave Vector Signal Analysis

(89600 VSA) Basic Vector Signal Analysis
and Hardware Connectivity
Option 89601200C (Replaced the 89601B/BN/BK-200 and BHL)

Key Features
• Measure and analyze signals in the time, frequency and modulation domains
• Support two different mode as synchronous or sequenced for carrier aggregation or multi-
measurements
• Analyze data from over more than 400 supported hardware model numbers, or use in
simulation tools to verify design
• Characterize power amplifier behavior with complex stimulus-response measurements
• Configure, execute and display multiple measurements simultaneously or sequentially with
unlimited number of traces and markers
• Record and playback signals for thorough analysis
• Support event-based action to define VSA actions like pause the measurement or run a Macro

• Automate tests using .NET language (full coverage) or SCPI (partial coverage)

Basic vector signal analysis (Option 89601200C) provides the foundation of the tools and
user interface that make up PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software. Explore
virtually every facet of today’s most complex signals with views of time, frequency and
modulation domains. Benefit from the flexible GUI capabilities: arbitrary arrangement and
sizing of unlimited display traces, each with unlimited markers. Powerful display formats,
signal recording and playback, and detailed Help text provide the insight needed for
analyzing signals.

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Use PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) in simulation with sink and source
components providing real-time, interactive analysis of results. Co-simulation is
available with Keysight Technologies. Keysight EEsof EDA Advanced Design System
Try Before You Buy!
(ADS) and SystemVue ESL as part of Option 89601200C.
Download PathWave
Hardware connectivity, now part of Option 89601200C, allows PathWave Vector Vector Signal Analysis
(VSA) software and use it
Signal Analysis (VSA) to be linked to over 45 Keysight instruments. Choose the right
free for 30 days to make
instrument for your application and apply vector signal analysis across your mixed measurements with your
signal design. Use the 89600 VSA software for consistent, comparable results at analysis hardware, or use
simulation, prototype and design-validation stages of development. our recorded demo signals
by selecting File > Recall
Power spectrum measurement, previously provided as Option 89601B-SSA, is > Recall Demo > Signals
also part of Basic VSA Option 89601200C. When used with PXIe VSA M9393A or > on the software toolbar.
Request your free trial
M9391A, users can perform fast spectrum measurement. (Refer 5991-4582EN for
license today:
more details.)
www.keysight.com/
These options work together to provide a comprehensive set of tools for find/89600_trial
demodulation and vector signal analysis. These tools enable you to explore virtually
every facet of a signal and optimize your most advanced designs. As you assess
the tradeoffs, PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) helps you see through the
complexity.

Vector signal analysis

Today’s wide-bandwidth, vector-modulated (also called complex or digitally
modulated), time-varying signals benefit greatly from the capabilities of FFT analysis
and other DSP techniques. Vector signal analysis offers fast, high-resolution
spectrum measurements, demodulation, and advanced time-domain analysis. It is
especially useful for characterizing burst, transient, or modulated signals used in
communications, video, broadcast, radar, and ultrasound imaging applications.

PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) is fundamentally a digital system that uses
data and mathematical algorithms to perform analysis. All it requires is sampled data
from an instrument, software, or digital bus. As a larger portion of wireless designs
becomes digital, PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software is uniquely suited to
provide signal analysis for these complex systems.

PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) running on a PC uses a measurement “front-

end” or data acquisition subsystem to provide formatted sampled data. The front-
end performs the following functions: connection to the device under test, signal
digitizing, signal capture capability, and data transfer to the PC in a sequential stream
of data blocks. Once the data blocks are available, PathWave Vector Signal Analysis
(VSA) software is able to perform all vector and modulation analysis functions.

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Analysis and Troubleshooting
Find the root cause of signal problems with advanced troubleshooting tools
Quantify spectral performance with high-resolution FFT-based measurements and a rich
set of markers. Analyze time domain signal quality using pulse-timing features, robust
trigger controls, CCDF, and more. Use analog demodulation to characterize AM, FM and
PM behavior.

Complex stimulus-response measurements enable plotting of one signal versus another

for results like AM/AM, AM/PM and gain compression. Automatic time alignment,
amplitude normalization and phase error compensation greatly simplify measurement
setup. As the industry’s only solution to correlate baseband and RF signals, the 89600
VSA software is ideal for characterizing envelope tracking power amplifier and power
supply designs.

Complex stimulus-response measurements analyze envelope tracking power amplifier and power
supply signals together, providing envelope/RF time alignment and shaping information.

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Catch short-lived signal events using sophisticated displays and triggering
The digital persistence, cumulative history and spectrogram displays are useful for
viewing signal amplitude and frequency behavior over time and identifying infrequently
occurring events. Capture elusive signals with flexible magnitude and external triggers,
as well as frequency mask trigger (FMT) with real-time enabled UXA, PXA and MXA
signal analyzers. Initiate measurements or recordings based on trigger conditions to
analyze and thoroughly characterize dynamic signals. Time qualified trigger may be
combined with FMT and IF magnitude triggers.

Powerful visualization and triggering tools highlight subtle and transient events like this radio
turn-on event.

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Display unlimited traces simultaneously to gain greater clarity
Pinpoint problems with arbitrary arrangement and sizing of trace windows. You can
assign any measurement to any trace, as well as unlimited markers per trace. Optimize
the trace window shape to see the most data in each trace. A docking manager tool
lets you position traces anywhere within PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) display
window. Multiple display windows can be created to manage a large number of results
or take advantage of multiple monitors.

Show unlimited traces, each with unlimited markers, wherever and however you need them. Overlay
related traces or hide them. Undock a window and place it anywhere on your desktop using the
docking manager tool.

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Record and analyze your signals in detail
Especially useful in early R&D, you can capture transient events, compare signal
outputs after design iterations, or share the signal for collaborative analysis with remote
colleagues. Additional tools, like overlap processing, let you effectively “slow down” the
apparent measurement for more in-depth analysis.

PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) lets you record signals. Using familiar recording controls, you
can replay and analyze the signal as though it were a live measurement.

Multi-measurement and Acquisition Mode

PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) provides the multiple measurement which can
enable you to measure carrier aggregation or DSS (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) for 5G
NR coexistence with LTE. With PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA), you can achieve
three different levels of acquisition concurrency with two acquisition modes.

• Phase-synchronous or time-synchronous is supported with synchronous mode

• Non-synchronous is supported with sequenced mode in PathWave Vector Signal
Analysis (VSA) 2020 release or above.

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Make use of sophisticated tools with an easy-to-use GUI
PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software features many time-saving GUI
features. Hover your mouse over a display “hot spot” to bring up a special cursor
and a helpful message. To change a value, you can choose from a drop-down menu,
scroll using the mouse, or type in a numeric value, depending on the parameter. Right-
clicking in the trace display brings up a menu of often-used tools, such as Y-autoscale.
PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) toolbar includes one-button selection of other
common tasks, such as auto-range, record, start/stop, special markers selection,
macros, and more.

Marker tool (click on trace

to position marker) Trace context menu (right-click
in grid area)
Trace data menu
(click dropdown
button or right-click)

Y-axis top scale* Y-value for active marker

Trace format*
Y-axis/division
scale*
Y-axis/bottom scale*
Measurement span*
Center frequency* Main time length*
Resolution Buttons for selecting a
bandwidth* trace tab in a tab set and
*Trace hotspots for closing a trace
(double-click to edit)

Trigger delay*
Y-axis context menu
Trigger level*

Trigger channel*

Markers readout

Measurement status messages X-axis context menu Calibration status messages

GUI tools let you easily set up your measurements and customize your work area. Hover your mouse
over the many “hot spots” on the display, shown highlighted here. Use them to easily change any
parameter value without accessing the menus. In addition, you can right-click in the display to bring up
a menu of frequently-performed tasks, like auto-scaling the trace.

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Learn about PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA)—the fast way
Dynamic Help lets you access detailed information on the product and its applications.
Place your mouse over any trace or menu and the pertinent Help text automatically
appears - this is particularly useful when setting up complex new modulation schemes.
Help text includes information on using PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software,
setting up measurements, and application information for the specific modulation schemes.

Click in a trace (to make it active) or hover your mouse over a menu and Dynamic Help will provide
you with an instant display of user documentation. The content can be locked to show your desired
information, and the Help window detached and placed anywhere on your workspace.

Develop automated tests easily

Create design verification tests using familiar SCPI or any supported .NET language.
Use macro recording to capture key-strokes and automate repetitive tasks. The macros
toolbar can be displayed for easy macro selection.

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Automate tests using programs written in SCPI or any supported .NET language. The 89600 VSA
software also supports macros developed with C# and other languages.

Connect to over 45 instrument platforms

You can choose from signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, modular
instruments, and more. The same GUI is used to control measurements, no matter what
hardware platform is used, minimizing the learning curve. Connect to the instruments
via GPIB, LAN, USB, PXI interface, or embedded PXI controller. Or, run it inside the
instrument itself if it is PC-based. For a list of currently supported products, go to
www.keysight.com/find/89600_hardware. A configuration menu simplifies the
instrument detection and validation process.

Whether you’re making measurements using a logic analyzer, oscilloscope, or signal analyzer, the UI
and measurement algorithms are the same. Safely compare results from baseband to RF and evaluate
against your error budget.

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Make measurements anywhere in your design process
Use PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software in simulation environments to
analyze and visualize simulated results. When device prototypes are ready, select the
measurement hardware best suited to your task and apply the same PathWave Vector
Signal Analysis (VSA) measurement science to your physical device under test. Access
analog and digital baseband; IF and RF signals, comparing signal quality parameters,
like EVM, from one signal block to the next, from simulation to implementation.

Simultaneously create, configure, and execute multiple measurements

The new, innovative multi-measurement capability is now standard PathWave Vector
Signal Analysis (VSA) software. The multi-measurement capability allows you to
configure, execute and display several measurements at once, simplifying and speeding
analysis of multi-carrier or multi-format devices, simultaneous uplink and downlink
signals, or single signals compared at multiple test points (baseband, IF, RF). When all
signals are spaced to fit within an instrument’s analysis bandwidth, measurements are
perfectly simultaneous. For wider frequency coverage, the VSA software can coordinate
two or more independent instruments to acquire all desired signals. You can also
configure the data acquisition mode from synchronous (default) or sequenced to speed
up measurement switching time from one to another.

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Multi-measurements in action: Traces A and B provide a composite spectrum overlaid with the CCDF
statistics for the combined waveform. Traces C and F show a GSM signal. Traces D and G outline a
W-CDMA downlink signal and Traces E and H analyze an LTE downlink signal.

Channel configuration wizard lets you view and map hardware channels to multiple measurements.

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Software Features
Basic VSA (Option 89601200C)
Note: The following features are independent of hardware platform used, unless otherwise noted.

Time and waveform

Time record characteristics In PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA), measurements are based on time records. A
time record is a block of samples of the signal waveform from which time, frequency, and
modulation domain data is derived.
Data mode Two signal processing modes, baseband and zoom, affect the appearance and the duration of
input waveforms displayed.
Zoom Measurements are made with non-zero start frequency. Time domain display shows a complex
envelope representation of the input signal, i.e. the magnitude and phase of the signal relative to
the analyzer’s center frequency.
Baseband Measurements begin at 0 Hz. The input signal is directly digitized and the waveform display
shows the entire signal (carrier plus modulation), much as an oscilloscope would.
Time record length (main time) (Number of frequency points – 1)
Span with RBW mode set to arbitrary, auto-coupled
Time sample resolution 1/(k x span)
Where:
k = 2.56 for time data mode set to baseband
k = 1.28 for all other modes (default) including zoom
Span = Currently selected frequency span
Time recording characteristics In recording (time capture) mode the incoming waveform is captured gap-free into high-speed
time capture memory. This data may then be replayed at full or reduced speed, saved to mass
storage, or transferred to another software application.
When time analyzing the captured waveform, users may adjust measurement span and center
frequency in order to zoom in on a signal, as long as the new measurement span lies entirely
within the originally captured span.
Time recording memory size Memory size is dependent on the hardware used. See hardware specifications for more
information.
Resolution bandwidth (RBW)
RBW values The range of available RBW choices is a function of the selected frequency span and the number of
calculated frequency points. Users may step through the available range in a 1-3-10 sequence or directly
enter an arbitrarily chosen bandwidth.
Range < 1 Hz to > 0.287 x Max span
RBW shape factor The window choices below allow the user to optimize the RBW shape as needed for best amplitude
accuracy, best dynamic range, or best response to transient signal characteristics.
Selectivity Passband flatness Rejection
Flat top 0.41 0.01 dB > 95 dBc
Gaussian top 0.25 0.68 dB > 125 dBc
Hanning 0.11 1.5 dB > 31 dBc
Uniform 0.0014 4.0 dB > 13 dBc
Blackman-harris 0.26 0.83 dB > 92 dBc
Kaiser-bessel 0.26 0.83 dB > 89 dBc
Gaussian 0.22 0.83 dB > 73 dBc

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 Measurement display and control
Input
Channels Up to 8 (hardware dependent)
Format Individual; I+jQ (ch1 + jch2); dual I+jQ (ch1 + jch2, ch3 + jch4)
Range Selectable, or one-shot auto-range which sets full scale input range of the hardware
Applies to current active or all channels
Coupling AC, DC
Connection Single-ended; differential (balanced)
Triggering
Trigger types All trigger types are not available for all hardware
Free run Measurements run continuously without waiting for any trigger condition
Channel Level-based trigger used with baseband signals only
IF magnitude Trigger on in-band energy, where trigger bandwidth is determined by the measurement span. For
zoom data. Time criteria is available when wideband digital IF is installed on UXA, PXA or MXA signal
analyzers.
External Trigger signal provided to hardware through external trigger port
Periodic Available only for PSA Option 122 measurement hardware
Frequency mask trigger Frequency selective trigger, initiates measurement based on frequency mask and trigger criteria.
Only available with real-time enabled UXA, PXA, or MXA signal analyzer. May be combined with time
criteria.
Event trigger Allow users to define VSA measurement actions based on event trigger like pause the measurement or
run a Macro
Playback trigger Trigger on recorded data during playback using free run, channel or magnitude triggers
Trigger delay Allows pre-trigger (negative) and post-trigger (positive) delay. Delay value range is hardware
dependent.
Trigger hold-off Prevents re-triggering until a full hold-off period has elapsed
Trace data For up to 8 channels, each channel displayed individually
Autocorrelation Autocorrelation for the selected input channel, used to determine if the signal repeats within itself, as
in multipath
CCDF Complementary cumulative distribution function
CDF Cumulative distribution function
Correction Shows the correction data derived from calibration data
Gate time Portion of the main time record marked by the gate, when time gating is on
Instantaneous main time Unaveraged time data
Instantaneous spectrum Unaveraged spectrum data
Main time Corrected, resampled time data
PDF Probability density function
PSD Power spectral data
Raw main time Raw time series data
Spectrum Frequency spectrum computed from time trace data
Graph
• AM/AM Response signal magnitude vs stimulus signal magnitude
• AM/PM Response signal phase vs stimulus signal magnitude
• Gain compression Gain vs stimulus signal magnitude
• Stimulus time Stimulus signal after compensation and time alignment
• Response time Response signal after compensation and time alignment
• Delta EVM time Magnitude of the differental error vector between the stimulus and response signals vs time

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 Measurement display and control (continued)
Trace data (continued) For up to 8 channels, each channel displayed individually
Marker Displays ACP or OBW tabular data
Math Displays computed data in math register
Channel N x M (where M<N) cross channel data
Coherence Indicates similarity between two signals
Cross correlation Determines time delays of a common signal between two different paths
Cross spectrum Cross power spectrum of ch N vs ch M
Frequency response Frequency response of ch N vs ch M
Impulse response Inverse of frequency response for ch N vs ch M
Trace math
Uses Trace math can be used to manipulate data on each measurement. With multi-measurements,
trace math can be done between results from different measurements. Applications include user-
defined measurement units, data correction, and normalization.
Operands Measurement data, data register, constants, jw
Operations +, –, x, /, conjugate, magnitude, phase, real, imaginary, square, square root, FFT, inverse FFT,
windowing, logarithm, exponential, peak value, reciprocal, phase unwrap, zero, cross correlation,
differentiate, smoothing, sine, cosine, tangent, power operator, constants
Graphs Perform complex stimulus-response measurements with modulated signals
Graph settings Stimulus and response data selection (auto or manual)
Compensation (amplitude normalization, time alignment, phase error compensation)
Polynomial order of curve-fit line
Graph results Differential error vector magnitude, averaged over all time points
Average gain of response data over stimulus data
Delay between stimulus and response data
Average stimulus power
Average response power
Coefficients for curve-fit line
Trace appearance
Trace formats Log mag (dB or linear), linear mag, real (I), real (Q), wrap phase, unwrap phase, I-Q, constellation,
I-eye, Q-eye, trellis-eye, group delay
Trace layouts Unlimited traces, displayed on detachable grids with user-determined layout
Number of colors User-definable color palette
Special visualization displays Unique visual tools providing ways of looking at time-varying signals
Adjustable parameters
Color mapping Color normal, color reverse, grey normal, grey reverse, user-defined
Enhance Determines how colors are distributed
Threshold Sets threshold value for currently selected visualization display type
Display types Cumulative history, digital persistence, spectrogram
Averaging
Types RMS (video), RMS (video) exponential, peak hold, time, time exponential
Number of averages, maximum > 108
Overlap processing 0 to 99.99%

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 Measurement display and control (continued)
Time gating
Features Time-selective frequency domain analysis on any input or analog demodulated time-domain data.
Independent gate delays can be set for each input channel
Gate length, maximum Main time length
Gate length, minimum Window shape/(0.3 x frequency span) where window shape is:
Flat top 2.2
Hanning 1.5
Uniform 1
Blackman-Harris 2.0044
Kaiser-Bessel 2.0013
Gaussian 2.0212
Gaussian Top 2.215
Markers
Number available Unlimited markers per trace
Types Normal, delta, fixed, OBW, ACP, spectrogram
Search Peak, next peak left, next peak right, peak lower, peak higher, minimum
Copy marker to > Start freq, stop freq, center freq, ref level, despread chan, analysis TS/FS, delta to span, counter to
center frequency, centroid to center
Marker functions Peak signal track, frequency counter, band power, couple
Band power Can be placed on any time, frequency, or demodulated trace for direct computation of band power,
rms square root (of power), C/N, or C/No, computed within the selected portion of the data.
Occupied bandwidth (OBW) Placed on spectrum traces only to dynamically compute the bandwidth required to provide x% of
power in the band. User selectable from 0 to 100%
OBW results Total power in span
Power in OBW
Power ratio (OBW/Span)
OBW lower frequency
OBW higher frequency
OBW
Centroid frequency
Offset frequency (measurement center freq – centroid freq)
Adjacent channel power Placed on spectrum traces only
User-settable parameters Center frequency and bandwidth of the carrier channel
Offset frequency and bandwidth of each offset channel
Reference offset allows offset channel to be centered anywhere on screen
ACP results Pass/fail limits for each offset (applied to both lower and upper result)
Carrier band power
Power in both lower and upper offset bands for each frequency offset
Power in both lower and upper offset bands for each frequency offset, relative to the carrier (ACPR)
Worst case (of the upper and lower offsets) ACPR for each frequency offset
Pass/fail condition relative to user supplied thresholds
Limit lines
Limit tests Collection of limit lines applied to trace data. Defined by user or from save trace.
Marker results Pass/fail status for limit and margin; worst-case failed point, or smallest-margin point if no failure;
limit test status for all traces, limit line table with tabular results
Settable line parameters Upper, lower limit; limit margin
Export/import from frequency mask
Limit programming All features controllable via .NET
Limit test failure Generates measurement status event

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 Software interface
Programming and macros Fully encapsulates all access to the front-end measurement hardware. Direct programmatic access
to the measurement hardware is not required and not supported by any of these interfaces.
Remote programming
.NET .NET is the primary remote interface. Software development environments capable of interacting with
.NET remoting include Microsoft Visual Studio and others.
SCPI The SCPI remote interface allows SCPI-based instrument controllers full access to a subset of 89600
VSA software features. Compatible SCPI software development environments include Keysight VEE and
Keysight Command Expert. MATLAB users should consider using SCPI for their remote programming
needs.
Macro language Supports macro-recording with a built-in editor using C# and VB.NET. Also, macros can be developed
using any supported .NET language. Full-featured code editor complete with syntax coloring allows copy
and paste into Microsoft Visual Studio for editing and debugging. Macros developed for the 89601A
using VBA can only access features that are part of the COM compatibility interface.
Remote displays To operate the 89600 VSA software or view its display from a remote location, the use of commercially
available remote PC software is recommended.
File formats1 For storage and recall of measured or captured waveforms, spectra and other measurement results.
ASCII Tab delimited (.txt), comma delimited (.csv)
Binary Keysight standard data format (.sdf, .cap, .dat), Keysight E3238 search system time snapshot (.cap),
time recording (.cap) files under 2 GB in size. Keysight N5110 or N5106 signal generator files (.bin) can
be over 2 GB with the 89600 VSA 2020 release or above
MATLAB 4 and later MAT-file (.mat)
MATLAB 2006 and later MAT-file (.mat) and HDF5 file format (.hdf, .h5)
Simulation environments
Supported software Keysight EDA SystemVue and ADS, MathWorks Simulink (only available with VSA version 7.00 to 17.20)

1. With VSA 2018 and later, accessible file size is increased up to 2^63 samples per channel to recall recording in SDF and HDF5
formats. File size is not increased with other file formats such as MAT-file (.mat), ASCII (.txt, .csv) or Binary (.bin).

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Key Specifications
This technical overview provides nominal performance specifications for the software when making measurements
with the specified platform 1. Nominal values indicate expected performance, or describe product performance
that is useful in the application of the product, but is not covered by the product warranty. For a complete list of
specifications refer to the measurement platform literature.

Basic VSA (Option 89601200C)

X-Series signal analyzers
General UXA PXA MXA EXA CXA
performance
The specifications in this table represent a summary of the performance of the instruments indicated and apply for cases where the 89600 VSA
software is installed inside the instrument as well as when it is used with an external PC controller connected via LAN.
See the I/Q analyzer section of the respective X-Series signal analyzer data sheets for more information
Literature number 5992-0090EN 5990-3952EN 5989-4942EN 5989-6529EN 5990-4327EN
5992-1822EN 5992-1317EN 5992-1255EN 5992-1256EN 5992-1274EN
Frequency
Minimum frequency
AC coupled 10 MHz 10 MHz 10 MHz 10 MHz 9 kHz
(Option 503/507)
10 MHz
(Option 513/526)
DC coupled 2 Hz 2 Hz 10 Hz 10 Hz 9 kHz
(Option 513/526)
Maximum frequency
Option dependent Up to 50 GHz Up to 50 GHz Up to 26.5 GHz (N9020B) Up to 44 GHz Up to 26.5 GHz
(N9040B) (N9030B or N9032B) Up to 50 GHz (N9021B)
Up to 110 GHz
(N9041B or
N9042B+ V3050A)
Center frequency tuning
Resolution 10 μHz 10 μHz 1 mHz
Frequency span
Option dependent Up to 1 GHz Up to 510 MHz (N9030B) Up to 160 MHz (N9020B) Up to 40 MHz Up to 25 MHz
(N9040B, N9041B) Up to 2 GHz (N9032B) Up to 510 MHz (N9021B)
Up to 4 GHz (N9042B)
Frequency span Baseband IQ (Option BBA)
I+jQ BW 1 ch BW 2 ch BW I+jQ BW 1 ch BW 2 ch BW
Standard 20 MHz 10 MHz 10 MHz 20 MHz 10 MHz 10 MHz
Option B25 50 MHz 25 MHz 20 MHz2 50 MHz 25 MHz 20 MHz2
Option B40 80 MHz 40 MHz 20 MHz2 80 MHz 40 MHz 20 MHz2
Frequency points per span
Calibrated points 51 to 409,601
Displayed points 51 to 524,288

1. Data subject to change.

2. Values are for baseband measurements; values increase to match 1 ch BW for zoom measurements. Select baseband/zoom in
the 89600 VSA software by clicking on MeasSetup>Frequency (tab)>Time Data> then either baseband or zoom.

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 General performance UXA PXA MXA EXA CXA
Input Full scale, combines attenuator setting and ADC gain
Range
Without preamp –22 dBm to +30 dBm (2 dB steps) –20 dBm to 30 dBm –20 dBm to 20 dBm (10 dB steps)
(2 dB steps)
With Option FSA or EA3 –20 dBm to 22 dBm (2 dB steps)
With preamp, f < 3.6 GHz –42 dBm to +30 dBm (2 dB steps) –40 dBm to 30 dBm –40 to 20 dBm (10 dB steps)
(2 dB steps)
With Option FSA or EA3 –40 to 22 dBm (2 dB steps)
With preamp, f > 3.6 GHz –56 dBm to +30 dBm (2 dB steps) –50 to 20 dBm (10 dB steps)
With Option FSA or EA3 –54 to 22 dBm (2 dB steps)
Option BBA (50 ohm input) –8 dBm to 10 dBm
Option BBA (1 Mohm input) –14 dBm to 4 dBm
ADC overload +2 dBfs

General performance UXA PXA MXA

Amplitude accuracy
Absolute amplitude accuracy ± 0.19 dB < 3.6 GHz
± 0.19 dB ± 0.23 dB
Display scale fidelity 0.12 dB
Linearity N/A ± 0.10 dB ± 0.04 dB (typical) ± 0.10 dB
(input mixer level, ML) (—18 dBm ≤ ML ≤ (—80 dBm ≤ ML ≤
—10 dBm) —10 dBm)
± 0.07 dB (ML < ± 0.02 dB (typical) ± 0.15 dB
—18 dBm) (ML < —80 dBm)
Dynamic range
DANL (Displayed Average —153 dBm (10 MHz to —155 dBm typical (10 MHz to 1.2 —154 dBm typical (10 MHz to 2.1
Noise Level) typical 1.2 GHz, GHz, 0 dB input GHz, 0 dB input
0 dB input attenuation) attenuation)
Preamp off
attenuation)
Preamp on —164 dBm typical —166 dBm typical (10 MHz to 2.1 —166 dBm typical (10 MHz to 2.1
(10 MHz to 2.1 GHz) GHz, 0 dB input GHz, 0 dB input
attenuation, attenuation,
requires option P0x) requires option P0x)
Third-order intermodulation Two —16 dBm TOI for all frequency Two —30 dBm TOI for all frequency
distortion (TOI) tones at input mixer options tones at input mixer options
with tone separation with tone separation
Preamp off
> 5 times IF > 5 times IF
prefilter bandwidth prefilter bandwidth
10 to 150 MHz +16 dBm typical 10 to 100 MHz +17 dBm typical
150 to 600 MHz +21 dBm typical 100 to 400 MHz +20 dBm typical
0.6 to 1.1 GHz +22 dBm typical 400 MHz to 1.7 GHz +20 dBm typical
1.1 to 3.6 GHz +23 dBm typical 1.7 to 3.6 GHz +19 dBm typical
3.6 GHz to 26.5 +18 dBm typical
GHz
Preamp on 10 to 500 MHz +4 dBm nominal 10 to 500 MHz +4 dBm nominal
(Two —45 dBm
tones)
500 MHz to 3.6 GHz +4.5 dBm nominal 500 MHz to 3.6 GHz +5 dBm nominal
(Two —45 dBm
tones)
3.6 GHz to 26.5 -15 dBm nominal 3.6 to 26.5 GHz —15 dBm nominal
GHz (Two —50 dBm (Two —45 dBm
tones) tones)

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 General performance EXA CXA
Amplitude accuracy
Absolute amplitude accuracy 2.0 to 3.0 GHz
± 0.27 dB ± 0.60 dB
Display scale fidelity
Linearity ± 0.15 dB ± 0.15 dB
(input mixer level, ML) (—80 dBm ≤ ML ≤ (—80 dBm ≤ ML ≤
—10 dBm) —15 dBm)
± 0.25 dB ± 0.30 dB ± 0.30 dB (typical)
(ML < -80 dBm) (—15 dBm ≤ ML ≤
—10 dBm)
Dynamic range
DANL (Displayed Average Noise —150 dBm typical (10 MHz to 2.1 GHz, —150 dBm typical (10 MHz to 1.5 GHz,
Level) 0 dB input attenuation) 0 dB input attenuation)
Preamp off
Preamp on —163 dBm typical (10 MHz to 2.1 GHz, —163 dBm typical (10 MHz to 1.5 GHz,
0 dB input attenuation, 0 dB input attenuation,
requires option P0x) requires option P0x)
Third-order intermodulation Two —30 dBm tones TOI with RF/MW (option Two -20 dBm tones at TOI with RF
distortion (TOI) at input mixer with tone 503/507/513/526) input mixer with tone (option 503/507)
separation > 5 times IF separation 10 kHz, 0 dB
Preamp off
prefilter bandwidth attenuation
100 to 400 MHz +17 dBm typical 10 to 400 MHz +14 dBm typical
400 MHz to 3.6 GHz +18 dBm typical 400 MHz to 3 GHz +17 dBm typical
3.6 GHz to 13.6 GHz +18 dBm typical 3.0 to 7.5 GHz +15 dBm typical
13.6 GHz to 26.5 GHz +16 dBm typical
Preamp on 30 MHz to 3.6 GHz 0 dBm nominal 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz —8 dBm nominal
(Two —45 dBm tones) (Two —45 dBm tones
spaced by 100 kHz,
0 dB attenuation)
3.6 GHz to 26.5 GHz —18 dBm nominal
(Two —50 dBm tones )

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 -120 1000

-125

Noise density (dBfs/Hz)

Capture length (sec)

100
-130
32-bit packing
Span=10 MHz
Span=25 MHz 64-bit packing
Span=40 MHz -135
Span=160 MHz 10

-140

-145 1
0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 1 10 100 1000
Range (dBm) Measurement span (MHz)

PXA noise density (nominal, 1.8 GHz). Capture length vs. span for MXA/EXA (with DP2, MPB, B40 or
wider bandwidth) and PXA.

MXA/EXA with Option B25 1000

extends range to 25 MHz
100000
Maximum caputure length, seconds

10000
Capture length (sec)
1000 100

100

10
10
1

0.1

0.01 1
10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 10000000 100000000 1 10 100
Frequency span, Hz Measurement span (MHz)

Capture length vs. span for MXA/EXA (without DP2, MPB, B40 PXA and MXA (BBIQ mode) capture length vs. span.
or wider bandwidth).

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 Time and waveform UXA PXA MXA EXA CXA
capture
Max capture size
Complex samples 4 Msa (standard) 4 Msa (standard) 4 Msa (standard)
(B40 with DP2) 512 MSa (32-bit) 512 MSa (32 bits) 512 MSa (32 bits) 1 512 MSa (32 bits) 2

256 MSa (64-bit) 256 MSa (64 bits) 256 MSa (64 bits) 1 256 MSa (64 bits) 2

(B85/B1X/B2X/B5X with DP4) 1073 MSa (32-bit) 1073 MSa (32-bit) 2147 Msa (32-bit)
536 MSa (64-bit) 536 MSa (64-bit) 1073 MSa (64-bit)
(H1G) 838 MSa (32 bit)
R10/R15/R20 4 GSa (32-bit) 4 GSa (32-bit)
R40 4 GSa (32-bit)
Analog baseband samples 500 MSa (Opt BBA) 500 MSa (Opt BBA)
Maximum capture time (at (Complex samples, 32 bit)
max. span with RF)
10 MHz 40 sec 40 sec 266.6 msec 266.6 msec 266.6 msec
25 MHz 16 sec 16 sec 88.8 msec 88.8 msec 88.8 msec
40 MHz (B40) 10 sec 10 sec 10 sec 10 sec
85 MHz (B85) 4.9 sec (DP2) 4.9 sec (DP2) 4.9 sec
9.8 sec (DP4) 9.8 sec (DP4)
125 MHz (B1A) 3.3 sec (DP2) N/A 3.3 sec
6.6 sec (DP4)
160 MHz (B1X) 2.6 sec (DP2) 2.6 sec (DP2) 2.6 sec
5.2 sec (DP4) 5.2 sec (DP4)
255 MHz (B2X) 7.1 sec (DP4) 7.1 sec (DP4) 3.57 sec (DP4)
510 MHz (B5X) 3.55 sec (DP4) 3.55 sec (DP4) 3.56 sec (DP4)
1 GHz (H1G) 665 msec
1 GHz (R10) 1660 msec 1660 msec
1.5 GHz (R15) 830 msec 830 msec
2 GHz (R20) 830 msec
4 GHz (R40) 429 msec
System requirements with PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) and X-Series signal analyzer
PC to analyzer interface PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software can run both inside and X-Series signal analyzer or on an external PC
connected to the analyzer via LAN. Installing the 89600 VSA software into the analyzer enables its use with a connected
mouse and keyboard via USB. When the software is running in a remote PC, use of a LAN crossover cable, LAN hub, or
LAN switch is required and allows to transfer the data from the signal analyzer.
PC requirements www.keysight.com/find/89600-pc

Note: When running the 89600 VSA software inside most of the X-Series signal analyzers, you can gain immediate, direct access to
all of the signal analyzer’s features by pressing [Mode] on the analyze, using Control > Disconnect on the 89600 VSA software’s
command toolbar, or closing the 89600 VSA software. When running the 89600 VSA software on a remote PC connected to the
analyzer, you can use the same disconnect command or close the 89600 VSA software to release the data acquisition.

1. With Option MPB, DP2, B40, B85, B1A or B1X.

2. With Option MPB, DP2 or B40.

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Hardware Connectivity
For a complete list of specifications refer to the measurement platform literature.

For a complete list of currently supported hardware with the latest version of PathWave Vector Signal Analysis
(VSA), go to www.keysight.com/find/89600_hardware

Description Models Input Baseband MIMO Analysis Frequency EVM performance1, Applications
supported channels (I/Q) bandwidth1 range1 2

X-Series signal N9000A/B, 1, 2 if Yes, 2x2 MIMO with Up to 510 MHz; Up to 50 GHz 0.50% rms to Low cost to high
analyzers N9010A/B, N9010A or optional dual N9010A/B 25 MHz max for 1.5% rms3 performance
N9020A/B, N9020A or N9020A/B controlled units baseband, RF,
N9021B controlled analyzers, time 2-ch MIMO
N9030A/B together4 synchronous only4
N9032B 1 RF No No Up to 2 GHz Up to 50 GHz TBD mmWave, 5G
N9040B 1 RF No No Up to 1 GHz Up to 50 GHz 0.16~0.89% (nom) mmWave, 5G
N9041B 1 RF No No Up to 1 GHz (int.) Up to 110 GHz 0.29~0.89% (nom) mmWave, 5G
Up to 4 GHz (ext.)
N9042B 1 or 2 RF No No Up to 4 GHz (int.) Up to 50 GHz TBD 5G, Satellite
Up to 11 GHz (ext.) Up to 110 GHz Comm
with V3050A
UXM Wireless E7515A 2 RF, 2 No No 100 MHz 300 MHz to Not available Signaling test,
Test Set digital 6 GHz 2G/3G/4G
MXE EMI N9038A 1 RF No No Up to 85 MHz Up to 44 GHz Not available CISPR compliance
receiver testing
CXA-m PXIe M9290A 1 RF No No Up to 25 MHz Up to 26.5 GHz Not available Modular, low cost
signal analyzer
PSA spectrum E4440A, E4443A, 1, 2 if 2 units No 2x2 MIMO, time Up to 80 MHz; Up to 50 GHz 0.50% rms to High performance
analyzer7 E4445A, E4446A, controlled synchronous only 8 MHz max for 1.5% rms5 RF
E4447A, E4448A together controlled units
Wideband E7760A 1 RF No No 2 GHz 2 to 18 GHz, Not available WLAN 802.11ad,
transceiver 55 to 68 GHz compact
Wireless E6680A, 1 to 4 RF No 4x4 MIMO Up to 800 MHz Up to 7.3 GHz Not available WLAN
Device Set E6680E 802.11ax/11be
FieldFox N99xxA/B 1 RF No No Up to 120 MHz Up to 50 GHz Not available Handheld, field
handheld (spectrum, use, I&M
analyzers combination
analyzer)

Infiniium S-Series 1, 2, 3, 4 Yes, Up to 4x4, 61 GHz 61 GHz Not available Wide bandwidth;
oscilloscopes including including (62.5 GHz with (62.5 GHz with baseband;
V-Series dual I+jQ, baseband reduced alias reduced alias economic MIMO
Z-Series and quad protection) protection) analysis
I+jQ
9000 Series
90000A Series
90000 X-Series7
90000 Q-Series7
9000 H-Series7
UXR Series
UXR Series Up to 4 ch Up to 4x4 up to 110 GHz up to 110 GHz
MXR Series Up to 8 ch Up to 8x8 up to 6 GHz up to 6 GHz
EXR Series Up to 8 ch Up to 8x8 up to 2.5 GHz up to 2.5 GHz
1. Depending on model/option.
2. On QPSK signal; full scale signal, fully contained in the measurement span; random data sequence; start frequency ≥ 15 % of
span; alpha/BT ≥ 0.3; symbol rate ≥ 1 kHz; averaging = 10; Requires Option AYA. Data provided for comparison purposes only.
3. Frequency < 3.6 GHz; range ≥ —30 dBm.
4. Option B40 is not supported (i.e. if any analyzer has Option B40, it cannot be used together with another analyzer).
5. Frequency < 3 GHz; range ≥ —24 dBm.
6. Frequency between 30 MHz and 3 GHz; range ≥ —20 dBm.
7. Discontinued but currently supported.

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Description Models Input Baseband MIMO Analysis Frequency range1 EVM performance1, 2 Applications
supported channels (I/Q) bandwidth1
Streamline P50xxA, Up to 50 No Yes Up to 29 MHz Up to 53 GHz Not available Modular, cost
vector P50xxB ports effective
network
analyzer
PNA vector E5221B, E5222B, Up to 4 No Yes Up to 33 MHz Up to 67 GHz Not available DPD of amplifiers,
network E5224B, E5225B, ports EVM on frequency
analyzer E5227B, E5241B, converters, OTA
E5242B, E5244B, measurements
E5245B, E5247B, of phased-array
E5249B antennas
ENA vector E5080B Up to 4 No Yes Up to 33 MHz Up to 53 GHz Not available DPD of amplifiers,
network ports EVM on frequency
analyzer converters, OTA
measurements
of phased-array
antennas
InfiniiVision 1000 X-Series 1, 2, 3, 4 Yes, for all Up to 4×4 Up to 1 GHz Up to 1.5 GHz Not available Wide bandwidth;
oscilloscopes 3000T X-Series depending 2-channel baseband; economic
4000 X-Series on model scopes; dual baseband MIMO
and options I+jQ with analysis
4-channel
models
Logic analyzer 16800/16900; 1-4 channel No No Up to 1.5 GHz Up to 1.5 GHz Not applicable Digital bus and FPGA
RDX3 analysis analysis, all apps
PXIe vector M9421A, 8 No Up to 8x8 Up to 160 MHz 60 MHz to 6 GHz Not available Modular, cost
tranceiver M9420A (WLAN) effective, WLAN,
MIMO
Up to 4x4
(5G NR)
M9410A, 4 No Up to 4x4 Up to 1.2 GHz 380 MHz to 6 GHz Not available Modular, wide
M9411A bandwidth, 5G,
WLAN, MIMO
M9415A 4 No Up to 4x4 Up to 1.2 GHz 380 MHz to 12 GHz Not available Modular, wide
bandwidth, 5G, WLAN
PXIe vector M9393A Up to 4 per No Up to 4x4 Up to 160 MHz 9 kHz to 50 GHz Not available Modular, high
signal chassis performance, fast,
analyzers MIMO
M9391A Up to 4 per No Up to 4x4 Up to 160 MHz 1 MHz to 6 GHz –42 dB to –47.5 dB Modular, wide
chassis (nominal)4 bandwidth, fast,
MIMO
M9393A + Up to 4 per No Up to 4x4 Up to 1 GHz 9 kHz to 50 GHz Not available Modular, wide
M9203A chassis bandwidth, fast
PXIe vector M980xA Up to No Yes Up to 29 MHz Not available Modular, cost
network 50 ports effective
analyzer
S9100A M1740A + 1 No No Up to 1.2 GHz FR1: 380 MHz to 6 GHz < 0.3% (Sub-6 GHz) 5G Base Station
E7770A + Manufacturing
FR2: 24.25 to 43.5 GHz < 1.0% (28 GHz)
M9410A
< 1.2% (39 GHz)

1. Depending on model/option.
2. On QPSK signal; full scale signal, fully contained in the measurement span; random data sequence; start frequency ≥ 15 % of
span; alpha/BT ≥ 0.3; symbol rate ≥ 1 kHz; averaging = 10; Requires Option AYA. Data provided for comparison purposes only.
3. Discontinued but currently supported.
4. Measurement made with a 256QAM signal and a 160 MHz analysis bandwidth (802.11ac).
5. 89600 VSA also supports the source control with the M9383B/M9384B VXG, M9381A PXIe VSG, N5171B/N5172B/N5181B/
N5182B X-Series signal generator, E8257D/E8267D PSG.

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Description Models Input Baseband MIMO Analysis Frequency range1 EVM performance1, 2 Applications
supported channels (I/Q) bandwidth1
PXIe digitizer M9203A 2 Yes Up to 8x8 1 GHz DC to 2 GHz Not available Multi-channal, wide
bandwidth, baseband
M8131A 4 Yes Up to 4x4 Up to 12.5 GHz DC to 12.5 GHz Not available Multi-channal, MIMO
wide bandwidth,
multi-antenna, RF &
baseband
M3102A 4 Yes Up to 4x4 Up to 200 MHz DC to 200 MHz Not available Multi-channel,
baseband, Baseband I/Q
AXIe high M9703A3, 8 Yes Up to 8x8 1 GHz DC to 1.6 GHz –44 dB and –47 dB Multi-channel, wide
speed M9703B (nominal)4 bandwidth, baseband,
digitizer M9710A 4 Yes Up to 4x4 2.5 GHz DC to 2.5 GHz Not available multi-antenna, MIMO

PCIe high U5303A 8 Yes Up to 8x8 1 GHz DC to 1.6 GHz Not available Multi-channel, wide
speed bandwidth, baseband,
digitizer multi-antenna, MIMO
RF sensor N6841A 1 No No Up to 20 MHz 20 MHz to 6 GHz Not available Outdoor weatherproof,
cost effective

1. Depending on model/option.
2. On QPSK signal; full scale signal, fully contained in the measurement span; random data sequence; start frequency ≥ 15 % of
span; alpha/BT ≥ 0.3; symbol rate ≥ 1 kHz; averaging = 10; Requires Option AYA. Data provided for comparison purposes only.
3. Discontinued but currently supported.
4. Measurement made with a 256QAM signal and a 160 MHz analysis bandwidth (802.11ac).

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Ordering Information
Software licensing and configuration
Flexible licensing and configuration

• Perpetual: License can be used in perpetuity.

• Time-based: License is time limited to a defined period, such as 12-months.
• Node-locked: Allows you to use the license on one specified instrument/computer.
• Transportable: Allows you to use the license on one instrument/computer at a time.
This license may be transferred to another instrument/computer using Keysight’s
online tool.
• Floating: Allows you to access the license on networked instruments/computers
from a server, one at a time. For concurrent access, multiple licenses may be
purchased.
• USB portable: Allows you to move the license from one instrument/computer to
another by end-user only with certified USB dongle, purchased separately.
• Software support subscription: Allows the license holder access to Keysight
technical support and all software upgrades

Basic vector signal analysis and hardware connectivity (89601200C)

Software License Type Software License Support Subscription
Node-locked perpetual R-Y5A-001-A R-Y6A-001-z2
Node-locked time-based R-Y4A-001-z1 Included
Transportable perpetual R-Y5A-004-D R-Y6A-004- z2
Transportable time-based R-Y4A-004-z1 Included
Floating perpetual (single site) R-Y5A-002-B R-Y6A-002-z2
Floating time-based (single site) R-Y4A-002-z1 Included
Floating perpetual (regional) R-Y5A-006-F R-Y6A-006-z2
Floating time-based (regional) R-Y4A-006-z1 Included
Floating perpetual (worldwide) R-Y5A-010-J R-Y6A-010-z2
Floating time-based (worldwide) R-Y4A-010-z1 Included
USB portable perpetual R-Y5A-005-E R-Y6A-005-z2
USB portable time-based R-Y4A-005-z1 Included

1. z means different time-based license duration. F for six months, L for 12 months, X for 24 months,
and Y for 36 months. All time-based licenses have included the support subscription same as the
time-base duration.
2. z means different support subscription duration. L for 12 months (as default), X for 24 months, Y
for 36 months, and Z for 60-months. Support subscription must be purchased for all perpetual
licenses with 12-months as the default. All software upgrades and KeysightCare support are
provided for software licenses with valid support subscription.

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Additional Information
Literature
• PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) Software, Brochure, literature number You can upgrade!
5990-6553EN All PathWave
• PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) Software, Configuration Guide, literature Vector Signal
number 5990-6386EN Analysis
(VSA)
• Keysight Vector Signal Analysis Basics, Application Note, options can be added after
literature number 5990-7451EN your initial purchase and
• Exploring Signal Interactions with Multi-Measurements in the are license-key enabled.
86900 VSA Software, Application Note, literature number 5991-1620EN For more information please
refer to www.keysight.com/
Web find/89600_upgrades

• www.keysight.com/find/89600vsa
• www.keysight.com/find/eesof-systemvue
• www.keysight.com/find/eesof-ads

Keep your PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software up-to-date

With rapidly evolving standards and continuous advancements in signal analysis, PathWave
Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software with valid 89601200C KeysightCare support
subscription can offers you the advantage of immediate access to the latest features and
enhancements available for PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software. Refer the 89600
VSA Configuration Guide (5990-6386EN) for more details.

Learn more at: www.keysight.com

For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services,
please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus

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This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2019 - 2022, Published in USA, July 12, 2022, 5992-4210EN