N5186A 

MXG Vector Signal Generator

Security Features and 

Document of Volatility

This document describes instrument memory types and security features. It provides a statement regarding the volatility of all memory
types, and specifies the steps required to declassify an instrument through memory clearing, sanitization, or removal.

SECURITY GUIDE
Notices KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A
SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT
documentation. No additional
government requirements beyond
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2023 WITH WARRANTY TERMS those set forth in the EULA shall
COVERING THE MATERIAL IN THIS apply, except to the extent that
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Technologies, Inc. as governed by The hardware and/or software
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Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos DFARS 227.7102, the U.S.
are trademarks owned by U.S. Government Rights government acquires no greater
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licensed to Keysight Technologies, The Software is “commercial FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5
Inc. computer software,” as defined by (c), as applicable in any technical
Federal Acquisition Regulation data.
Manual Part Number (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursuant to FAR
12.212 and 27.405-3 and
N5186-90005 Department of Defense FAR Safety Notices
Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202,
Edition the U.S. government acquires
Edition 1, September 2023 commercial computer software
under the same terms by which the
software is customarily provided to
Published by: the public. Accordingly, Keysight A CAUTION notice denotes a
Keysight Technologies provides the Software to U.S.
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the like that, if not correctly
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Warranty performed or adhered to, could
License Agreement (EULA), a copy
of which can be found at result in damage to the product
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS or loss of important data. Do not
http://www.keysight.com/find/swe
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Where to Find the Latest Information
Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about this instrument, including firmware
upgrades, application information, and product information, click the website link below.
https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/N186A
To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the following URL:
http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight
Information on preventing analyzer damage can be found at:
www.keysight.com/find/PreventingInstrumentRepair

Is your product software up-to-date?

Periodically, Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and incorporate product enhancements.
To search for software updates for your product, go to the Keysight Technical Support website at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/techsupport

3
4
 Contents

. Safety Information
Product Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Contacting Keysight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Where to Find the Latest Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Is your product software up-to-date? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Contacting Keysight Sales and Service Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

. Memory Declassification Procedure

Security Terms and Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Memory Sanitization Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Solid State Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
User-Modifiable Volatile Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Memories not requiring sanitization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Memory Components in N5186A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Processor Module, P0700-63003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
M.2 SSD Assembly, 0950-6498 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Motherboard PCA,N5186-63001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Midplane PCA, N5186-63002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Supply Interface PCA, N5186-63004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rear Panel Channel 1 PCA, N5186-63005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8 GHz Output PCA, N5186-63010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Vector ARB PCA, N5186-63014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Analog I/Q Output PCA (Option DIQ), N5186-63015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sync PCA (Option SNC), N5186-63016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CPU Interface PCA, N5383-63023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Reference PCA, N5186-63127. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Front Panel Interface PCA, N5383-63020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Front Panel Keyboard PCA, N5383-63021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assemblies without memory components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Keysight N5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 5

Contents

6 Keysight N5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Keysight N5186A VXG
Signal Generator

Security Guide

Safety Information

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product
and any associated instrumentation. This product is intended for use by
qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the
safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all
installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product.

If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment could be
impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in which all means for protection
are intact) only.
The types of product users are:
—Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of
equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is operated within its specifications and
operating limits, and for ensuring operators are adequately trained.
—Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety
procedures and proper use of the instrument.They must be protected from electric shock
and contact with hazardous live circuits.
—Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating
properly (for example, setting the line voltage or replacing consumable materials).
Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation.The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only
by service personnel.
—Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair
products.Only properly trained service personnel may perform installation and service
procedures.

7
 Safety Information

Operator is responsible to maintain safe operating conditions. To ensure safe operating

conditions, assemblies should not be operated beyond the full temperature range specified in
the Environmental and physical specification. Exceeding safe operating conditions can result in
shorter lifespans, improper assembly performance and user safety issues. When the
assemblies are in use and operation within the specified full temperature range is not
maintained, assembly surface temperatures may exceed safe handling conditions which can
cause discomfort or burns if touched. In the event of a assembly exceeding the full temperature
range, always allow the assembly to cool before touching or removing assemblies from chassis.
Keysight products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Measurement
Category I and Measurement Category II, as described in the International Electro-technical
Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data I/O signals are
Measurement Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage
sources with high transient over-voltages. Measurement Category II connections require
protection for high transient over-voltages often associated with local AC mains
connections.Assume all measurement, control, and data I/O connections are for connection to
Category I sources unless otherwise marked or described in the user documentation.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on
cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states
that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak, or 60VDC
are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible
body must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection
point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact. Product
operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of
electric shock. If the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000V, no conductive part of the
circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be
used with impedance limited sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains.
When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to limit fault current
and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly grounded
power receptacle. Inspect the connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear,
cracks, or breaks before each use.
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack
mounting, a separate main input power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity
to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while
power is applied to the circuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system
and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing
or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing
jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit
under test or power line (earth) ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while
standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and
operating instructions, or the safety of the equipment may be impaired.

8 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Safety Information

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the
specifications and operating information, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels,
or switching card.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued
protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as
safety earth ground connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under
test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid interlock.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits -
including the power transformer, test leads, and input jacks - must be purchased from
Keysight. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals may be used if the rating
and type are the same. Other components that are not safety related may be purchased from
other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected
parts should be purchased only through Keysight to maintain accuracy and functionality of the
product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call an Keysight
office for information.

No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. To prevent

electrical shock do not remove covers. For continued protection against fire hazard, replace
fuse with same type and rating.

Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 9

 Safety Information
Product Markings

Product Markings

Symbol Definition

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.

Australian Communication and Media Authority mark to indicate regulatory compliance as a

registered supplier.

This symbol indicates product compliance with the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard (ICES-001). It also identifies the product is an Industrial Scientific and Medical Group 1
Class A product (CISPR 11, Clause 4).

South Korean Class A EMC Declaration. This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and
is for use in electromagnetic environments outside of the home.

This product complies with the WEEE Directive marketing requirement. The affixed product label
(above) indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste. Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive
Annex 1, this product is classified as “Monitoring and Control instrumentation” product. Do not
dispose in domestic household waste. To return unwanted products, contact your local Keysight
office, or for more information see
http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml

This symbol indicates the instrument is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD can damage
the highly sensitive components in your instrument. ESD damage is most likely to occur as the
assembly is being installed or when cables are connected or disconnected. Protect the circuits
from ESD damage by wearing a grounding strap that provides a high resistance path to ground.
Alternatively, ground yourself to discharge any builtup static charge by touching the outer shell of
any grounded instrument chassis before touching the port connectors.

This symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of danger. You should refer to the operating
instructions located in the user documentation in all cases where the symbol is marked on the
instrument.

This symbol indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are
expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the
product.

10 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Safety Information
Contacting Keysight

Contacting Keysight

Where to Find the Latest Information

Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these
products, including instrument software upgrades, application information,
and product information, see the following URLs:
https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/N186A
Information on preventing instrument damage can be found at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/PreventingInstrumentRepair

Is your product software up-to-date?

Periodically, Keysight releases software updates to fix known defects and
incorporate product enhancements. To search for software updates for your
product, go to the Keysight Technical Support website at:

http://www.keysight.com/find/techsupport

Contacting Keysight Sales and Service Offices

Assistance with test and measurement needs, and information to help you find
a local Keysight office, is available via the internet at,
http://www.keysight.com/find/assist. If you do not have internet access,
please contact your designated Keysight representative.
In any correspondence or telephone conversation, refer to the instrument by its
model number and full serial number. With this information, the Keysight
representative can determine whether your unit is still within its warranty
period.

Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 11

 Safety Information
Contacting Keysight

12 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Keysight N5186A VXG
Signal Generator

Security Guide

Memory Declassification Procedure

Some test equipment users have a need to “declassify” or “sanitize” their

instruments for security purposes. This involves following a procedure to clear
all user data from the instrument’s memory. The result is a sanitized instrument
that can be removed from a secure area without any chance of classified data
being recovered from it.
This document details the internal memory locations of the N5186A. It
describes instrument security features and the steps necessary to declassify
the products through memory sanitization or removal.
For additional security information, the Keysight Instrument Security Database
may be accessed here: www.keysight.com/find/security.
For general information, the Keysight Aerospace and Defense web page may
be found at www.keysight.com/find/ad.
What you will find in this section:
— “Security Terms and Definitions” on page 14
— “Memory Sanitization Methods” on page 15
— “Memory Components in N5186A” on page 17

13
 Memory Declassification Procedure
Security Terms and Definitions

Security Terms and Definitions

Term Definition

Clearing Clearing is the process of eradicating the data on media before reusing the media in an
environment that provides an acceptable level of protection for the data that was on the media
before clearing. Hence, clearing is typically used when the instrument is to remain in an
environment with an acceptable level of protection.

Instrument A term that refers to procedures that must be undertaken before an instrument can be removed
Declassification from a secure environment (aka controlled area), such as is the case when the instrument is
returned for calibration. Declassification procedures include memory sanitization or memory
removal, or both.

Sanitization Sanitization is the process of removing the data from media before reusing the media in an
environment that does not provide an acceptable level of protection for the data that was in the
media before sanitizing. Hence, instrument sanitization is typically required when an instrument is
moved from a controlled to a non-controlled area, such as when it is returned to the factory for
calibration.
Keysight memory sanitization procedures are designed for customers who need to meet the
requirements specified by the US Defense Security Service (DSS). These requirements are
specified in the “Clearing and Sanitization Matrix” in Section 14.1.16 of the ODAA Process Manual
for the Certification and Accreditation of Classified Systems under the NISPOM.

Secure Erase Secure Erase is a term that is used to refer to either the clearing or sanitization features of Keysight
instruments.

Abbrevations The terms gigabyte, megabyte, and kilobyte are abbreviated as GB, MB, and KB. Other quantitative
terms for memory capacity are not abbreviated.

References
Some items below provide links to non-Keysight URLs. Please note that such
links are subject to deletion or change without notice. In case of the failure of
any such link, please contact the specified third party.

Defense Security Service (DSS) Assessment and Authorization Process

Manual (DAAPM)
Defense Security Service. Version 2.0, May 6, 2019
May be downloaded in PDF format.

NIST SP 800-88, Revision 1, Guidelines for Media Sanitization

National Institute of Standards and Technology. December 17, 2014
May be downloaded in PDF format.

14 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Sanitization Methods

Memory Sanitization Methods

Methods of sanitization depend upon the type of memory component involved.

Solid State Drive

This method pertains specifically to the M.2 SSD Assembly, which holds
non-volatile content which the user can modify. Sanitization requires complete
removal of the component from the instrument.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic

components. All work on electronic assemblies should be performed at a
static-safe workstation. Refer to the documentation that pertains to your
instrument for information about static-safe workstations and ordering
static-safe accessories.

1. Turn the instrument off and remove the AC power cord.

2. Remove the screws as shown in the figure below. Use a T10 Torx driver if
necessary.

3. Pull on the handle to unseat the SSD and remove the SSD.
4. To reinstall the drive later, align the SSD PC board edges with the card
guides. Insert the SSD completely, and tighten the screws to no more than
9 in-lbs.

The life expectancy of both the connector on the removable SSD and the
mating connector internal to the instrument is 100 cycles. If this is
exceeded, it is very likely that a failure will occur between these
connections. Keysight highly recommends that this cycle limit not be
exceeded, to prevent a failure of this kind.

Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 15

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Sanitization Methods

User-Modifiable Volatile Memories

This method pertains specifically to volatile memory components which the
user can modify.
For these devices, it is sufficient to turn off instrument power and disconnect
the AC line cord.

Memories not requiring sanitization

Most of the memory components in the instrument are not user-modifiable,
and these do not require sanitization.
See also: “Assemblies without memory components” on page 29.

Additional Information
Information on the instrument security features and the instrument volatility
can be found at:
http://www.keysight.com/find/security

16 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Components in N5186A

Memory Components in N5186A

This section contains information on the types of memory used in the N5186A.
It explains the size of memory, how it is used, its location, volatility, and the
sanitization procedure.
Memory components are listed under the assemblies that contain them; the
designation PCA indicates a printed circuit assembly.
— “Processor Module, P0700-63003” on page 18
— “M.2 SSD Assembly, 0950-6498” on page 18
— “Motherboard PCA,N5186-63001” on page 19
— “Midplane PCA, N5186-63002” on page 19
— “Power Supply Interface PCA, N5186-63004” on page 20
— “Rear Panel Channel 1 PCA, N5186-63005” on page 20
— “8 GHz Output PCA, N5186-63010” on page 21
— “Vector ARB PCA, N5186-63014” on page 22
— “Analog I/Q Output PCA (Option DIQ), N5186-63015” on page 23
— “Sync PCA (Option SNC), N5186-63016” on page 24
— “CPU Interface PCA, N5383-63023” on page 25
— “Reference PCA, N5186-63127” on page 27
— “Front Panel Interface PCA, N5383-63020” on page 28
— “Front Panel Keyboard PCA, N5383-63021” on page 28
— “Assemblies without memory components” on page 29

Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 17

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Components in N5186A

Processor Module, P0700-63003

Main Processor RAM

Function: Volatile memory for main instrument control processor

Memory Type: DRAM Memory Size: 4 GB
User Modifiable? Yes Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: Power off instrument and remove AC line cord

Main Processor Boot Flash EEPROM

Function: None (the component is present within the module, but this product does not use it)
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 8 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Main Processor Boot SSD

Function: Nonvolatile storage of bootloader, Linux OS, and instrument firmware

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 16 GB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

M.2 SSD Assembly, 0950-6498

User Data Storage SSD

Function: nonvolatile user data storage (waveform data, instrument state data, list sequence data on Vector
configurations)
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 GB
User Modifiable? Yes Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: Remove SSD from instrument (see “Solid State Drive” on page 15)

18 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Components in N5186A

Motherboard PCA,N5186-63001

Instrument Identification EEPROM

Function: Instrument serialization & licensing

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 4 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Midplane PCA, N5186-63002

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 128 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

FPGA Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 64 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Midplane FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~16 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide 19

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Components in N5186A

Power Supply Interface PCA, N5186-63004

FPGA Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 16 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Power Supply Interface FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~64 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Rear Panel Channel 1 PCA, N5186-63005

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

20 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

 Memory Declassification Procedure
Memory Components in N5186A

8 GHz Output PCA, N5186-63010

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

FPGA Configuration/Calibration Data EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 64 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

RF Output Main FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~315 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

RF Output Secondary FPGA

Function: Nonvolatile storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 296 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

RF Output Secondary FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: 23.625 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

Vector ARB PCA, N5186-63014

FPGA Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 64 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Vector Arb RAM

Function: Runtime storage of user-supplied waveform data, list sequences, and internal instrument data
Memory Type: DRAM Memory Size: 16 GB
User Modifiable? Yes Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: Power off instrument and remove AC line cord

Vector Arb FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~16 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

Analog I/Q Output PCA (Option DIQ), N5186-63015

Calibration Data EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of hardware calibration data

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 32 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

Sync PCA (Option SNC), N5186-63016

Sync Management Unit Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of Sync Management Unit configuration

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 128 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

FPGA Configuration/Calibration Data EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 16 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Sync FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~141 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

CPU Interface PCA, N5383-63023

PCIe Switch Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of PCIe switch configuration

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 64 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 128 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

FPGA Configuration EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 32 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

CPU Interface FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~596 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

System Power Control FPGA

Function: Nonvolatile storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 11.7 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

System Power Control FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM, battery backed Memory Size: 11.7 KB (2 bits
addressable by CPU)
User Modifiable? (see note below) Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (see note below)

The FPGA is used primarily for runtime storage of gate array configurations.
However, two user-addressable bits are used to store the user’s preference for
intstrument power-up behavior when AC line power is applied (return to previous
power state, turn power on, or stay powered off). 

Because the user has no direct access to the addressable bits, no memory erase
procedure is needed.

User Data Storage SD Card

Function: Nonvolatile user data storage (instrument state data, list sequence data on Analog configurations)
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 32 KB
User Modifiable? Yes Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: Remove SD card from instrument

This PCA also includes a card slot for a User Data Storage SD Card (a 32 GB
Flash memory). In Model N5186A, the SD card slot is empty, and therefore no
memory erase procedure is needed.

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Memory Components in N5186A

Reference PCA, N5186-63127

FPGA Configuration/Calibration Data EEPROM

Function: Nonvolatile storage of FPGA configuration bitstream & hardware calibration data
Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 16 MB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Reference FPGA

Function: Runtime storage of gate array configuration

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: ~64 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

Front Panel Interface PCA, N5383-63020

Display Identification EEPROM

Function: Front Panel Display Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 256 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 128 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Keypad Microcontroller

Function: Nonvolatile storage of keypad firmware

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 37 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Keypad Microcontroller

Function: Runtime storage of keypad firmware

Memory Type: SRAM Memory Size: 4 KB
User Modifiable? No Volatile? Yes
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

Front Panel Keyboard PCA, N5383-63021

Printed Circuit Assembly Identification EEPROM

Function: PCA Serialization & Identification

Memory Type: Flash Memory Size: 128 Bytes
User Modifiable? No Volatile? No
Memory Erase Procedure: N/A (not user-modifiable)

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Memory Components in N5186A

Assemblies without memory components

The following assemblies do not contain any memory components:
— Card Cage Backplane PCA, N5186-63003
— Rear Panel Channel 2/3/4 PCAs, N5186-63006 (up to 3 boards)

— Front Panel USB/Power PCA, N5383-63022

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Memory Components in N5186A

30 Keysight M5186A Signal Generator Security Guide

This information is subject to change
without notice.
© Keysight Technologies 2023
Edition 1, September 2023

N5186-90005

www.keysight.com