Sweepers

Synthesized sweepers cover broad microwave frequency bands to accommodate different test setups. For millimeter-wave and high-frequency applications, models like the Keysight 83650B and Keysight 83650A span from 10 MHz up to 50 GHz. The Keysight 83640B and Keysight 83640A cover up to 40 GHz, while instruments such as the Keysight 83630B, Keysight 83630A, and Keysight 8340B operate up to 26.5 GHz. Other models, including the Keysight 83620B, Keysight 83752A, Keysight 83752B, and Keysight 8341B, provide frequency coverage up to 20 GHz. Specific application-focused models also exist; for example, the Keysight 83751A operates starting from 2.0 GHz to 20.0 GHz, and the Keysight 83621B covers 45 MHz to 20 GHz.\n\nFrequency resolution varies by model and options. While standard versions of the 8360B series (such as the Keysight 83620B, Keysight 83630B, and Keysight 83650B) provide a default resolution of 1 kHz, this can be refined to 1 Hz using Option 008. Native 1 Hz resolution is standard on specialized models like the Keysight 83752A, Keysight 83752B, and Keysight 83621B.

The available output power of a sweeper determines its suitability for driving passive components or high-loss signal paths. High-power models, such as the Keysight 83623B and Keysight 83623A, deliver a maximum leveled power of +17 dBm. Standard models, like the Keysight 83620B and Keysight 83620A, provide up to +13 dBm, whereas the Keysight 83650A yields +10 dBm up to 26.5 GHz, dropping to +2.5 dBm above 40 GHz.\n\nTo test sensitive receivers or components, engineers require low minimum output levels. Many models feature standard minimum powers of -15 dBm or -20 dBm (such as the Keysight 83751A or Keysight 83620B). Integrating a step attenuator, such as Option 001 on the Keysight 83650B, Keysight 83640B, Keysight 83620B, Keysight 83630B, Keysight 83620A, and Keysight 83630A, extends the minimum settable output power down to -110 dBm. Similarly, the Keysight 83751A supports Option 1E1 to drop minimum leveled output power to -85 dBm.

Modern sweepers support multiple sweeping methods to fit different test methodologies. Synthesized sweepers provide analog ramp sweep, stepped sweep, list sweep, and manual control modes. In analog sweep mode, instruments like the Keysight 8340B feature sweep times from 10 ms to 100 s. For digital stepped sweeps, the Keysight 83640B supports step sweep configurations ranging from 2 to 801 points. Timebase stability is critical for sweeping accuracy; the Keysight 83623A offers a daily timebase aging rate of less than 5 %D7 10^-10 per day.\n\nModulation capabilities further expand the utility of these instruments. Standard modulations include Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and Pulse Modulation. For instance, the Keysight 83620B has a pulse modulation system with an on/off ratio greater than 80 dB and a minimum pulse width of 50 ns. The Keysight 8341B also supports pulse operation with a minimum leveled pulse width capability of 1 %B5s. Dedicated options, such as Option 002 on the Keysight 83630A, add an internal modulation generator to the instrument.