The Keysight (Agilent/HP) 83621B is a high-performance synthesized sweep generator designed specifically as a dedicated source for the Agilent 8510 series microwave vector network analyzers. Operating over a broad frequency range of 45 MHz to 20 GHz with a precise 1 Hz resolution, it combines the speed and versatility of a sweep oscillator with the frequency accuracy of a synthesizer. To reduce system costs, it features a simplified design without a front panel keyboard, display, or modulation circuitry, with complete control managed via the HP 8510 system bus.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2), HP 8510 System Bus |
| Display | None (No front panel display or keyboard; fully automated dedicated source) |
| Warm-up Time | 36 hours to meet aging rate specs, 1 hour for standard operation |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 VAC (48 to 440 Hz) / 198 to 264 VAC (48 to 66 Hz), 400 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm × 178 mm × 648 mm |
| Weight | 27 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 45 MHz to 20 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 1 Hz |
| Frequency Switching Time | < 15 ms (to within 100 Hz) |
| Internal Reference Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Timebase Aging Rate | < 1 × 10^-9/day (after 30 days warm-up) |
| Timebase Temperature Stability | < 1 × 10^-8 over 0 to 55 °C |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 10 MHz (± 100 Hz) |
| External Reference Input Level | -3 to +20 dBm (nominal) |
RF Output Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Leveled Power | +10 dBm |
| Minimum Leveled Power | -20 dBm (without step attenuator) |
| Power Level Resolution | 0.1 dB |
| Power Flatness (45 MHz to 2 GHz) | ±0.5 dB |
| Power Flatness (2 to 20 GHz) | ±0.7 dB |
| Source Impedance | 50 ohms (nominal) |
| Source SWR (45 MHz to 2 GHz) | < 1.5:1 |
| Source SWR (2 to 20 GHz) | < 2.0:1 |
| Output Connector | Precision 3.5 mm (male) |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics (45 MHz to 2 GHz) | < -30 dBc |
| Harmonics (2 to 20 GHz) | < -50 dBc |
| Non-Harmonic Spurious (45 MHz to 2 GHz) | < -50 dBc |
| Non-Harmonic Spurious (2 to 20 GHz) | < -60 dBc |
| Subharmonics | None (45 MHz to 20 GHz) |
| Single-Sideband Phase Noise (10 GHz, 10 kHz offset) | -85 dBc/Hz |
| Single-Sideband Phase Noise (10 GHz, 100 Hz offset) | -70 dBc/Hz |
| Single-Sideband Phase Noise (10 GHz, 1 kHz offset) | -78 dBc/Hz |
| Single-Sideband Phase Noise (10 GHz, 100 kHz offset) | -85 dBc/Hz |
| Single-Sideband Phase Noise (10 GHz, 1 MHz offset) | -110 dBc/Hz |
Sweep Modes & Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Modes | Stepped Sweep, Analog Sweep |
| Sweep Trigger Sources | External, Internal, Single, GPIB |
| Sweep Output Voltage | 0 to 10 V ramp (nominal) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse Modulation | Not supported (no modulation capabilities) |
| Amplitude Modulation (AM) | Not supported (no modulation capabilities) |
| Frequency Modulation (FM) | Not supported (no modulation capabilities) |
| Phase Modulation | Not supported (no modulation capabilities) |
System Integration & Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| HP 8510 System Bus Compatibility | Dedicated link for 8510 systems |
| Z-Axis Blanking Output | Yes (rear panel) |
| External ALC Input | Yes (rear panel) |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Level | 0 dBm (nominal) |
Physical & Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to +75 °C |
Options & Configurations
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 004 | Rear Panel RF Output |
| Option 1E5 | High Stability Timebase (aging rate < 5 × 10^-10/day) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AC Input Voltage | 90 to 132 VAC / 198 to 264 VAC (auto-selected) |
| AC Input Frequency | 48 to 66 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 400 VA maximum |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,570 m (15,000 ft) |
| Storage Altitude | Up to 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 95% relative humidity at 40 °C |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Interface Functions | SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0, E2 |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Bands | 0.045 - 2.0 GHz (Band 0), 2.0 - 7.0 GHz (Band 1), 7.0 - 13.5 GHz (Band 2), 13.5 - 20 GHz (Band 3) |
| Phase Offset Adjustment Range | Adjustable in 1° nominal increments |
Sweep
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Step Sweep Dwell Time Range | 1 ms to 10 s |
| Number of Step Sweep Points | 2 to 801 |
| List Sweep Point Limit | Up to 801 points |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| User Flatness Calibration Points | Up to 801 points |
Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming Languages | SCPI, HP 8340/8341 compatible commands |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EMC Compliance | MIL-STD-461C RE02, FCC Class A, CISPR 11/EN 55011 Class A |
Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rear Panel Connectors | GPIB, HP 8510 System Bus, External ALC Input, 10 MHz Reference Input/Output, Sweep Output, Stop Sweep, Z-Axis Blanking, Trigger Input/Output |
Technology
Synthesized Sweeper
Applications
Dedicated RF source for HP 8510 microwave vector network analyzer systems