The Keysight / Agilent HP 83712A is a synthesized CW signal generator operating over the frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz. Known for its high spectral purity and reliable performance, it is widely used for local oscillator substitution, RF component testing, and general-purpose microwave signal generation. It features standard 1 kHz frequency resolution, upgradable to 1 Hz, and versatile leveling options.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (HP-IB) |
| Display | Front panel liquid crystal display (LCD) |
| Warm-up Time | 30 minutes |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 VAC (48 to 440 Hz), 198 to 264 VAC (48 to 66 Hz); < 400 VA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm x 133 mm x 498 mm |
| Weight | < 16 kg |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 20 GHz (0.01 to 20.0 GHz) |
| Frequency Resolution (Standard) | 1 kHz |
| Frequency Resolution (with Option 1E8) | 1 Hz |
| Frequency Aging Rate (Standard) | < 1.0 x 10^-6 / year |
| Frequency Aging Rate (with Option 1E5) | < 5 x 10^-10 / day after 24-hour warm-up |
| Frequency Switching Time | < 50 ms to within 1 kHz |
Amplitude and RF Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Leveled Output Power (0.01 - 1 GHz) | +13 dBm |
| Minimum Leveled Output Power (Standard) | 0 dBm |
| Minimum Leveled Output Power (with Option 1E1) | -110 dBm |
| Amplitude Display Resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Level Flatness (Power >= -90 dBm) | ±0.7 dB |
| Level Flatness Degradation (Type-N RF connectors above 18 GHz) | Typically 0.2 dB |
| Output Source SWR | < 2.0:1 nominal |
| Nominal Source Impedance | 50 Ω |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics (0.01 to 1 GHz) | <-30 dBc |
| Non-harmonic Spurious (Offsets >= 3 kHz) | <-50 dBc |
| Residual FM (at 1 GHz) | < 15 Hz (in 50 Hz to 15 kHz bandwidth) |
| Residual FM Scaling | Decreases 6 dB per octave below 1 GHz |
| AM Noise Floor (1-20 GHz) | <-150 dBc/Hz (at 0 dBm and offsets > 5 MHz from carrier) |
| AM Noise Floor (0.01-1 GHz) | <-140 dBc/Hz (at 0 dBm and offsets > 5 MHz from carrier) |
| SSB Phase Noise (at 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset) | <-78 dBc/Hz |
Ports and Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector (Standard) | Type-N precision |
| RF Output Connector (with Option 1E9) | 3.5 mm precision (male APC-3.5) |
| ALC Input Connector | Front panel BNC |
| ALC Input Nominal Impedance | 100 kΩ |
| 10 MHz External Reference Input Connector | Rear panel BNC |
| External Reference Input Requirements | 10 MHz ± 100 Hz, 0 to +10 dBm |
| External Reference Nominal Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Connector | Rear panel BNC |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Level | Nominally +3 dBm |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Nominal Impedance | 50 Ω |
| 0.5 V/GHz Output | Rear panel connector, supplies voltage proportional to output frequency |
Configurations and Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 1E1 | Output Step Attenuator |
| Option 1E5 | High stability timebase |
| Option 1E8 | 1 Hz frequency resolution |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +75 °C |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,570 m |
| Non-operating Altitude | Up to 15,240 m |
Output Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Power Sweep Range | > 15 dB |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Reference Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Rear Panel Connector Types | BNC (Ref In, Ref Out, ALC In, 0.5 V/GHz Out), GPIB |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 400 VA |
Connectivity & Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming Language | SCPI |
Technology
Synthesized CW Signal Generator
Applications
RF/Microwave Testing, Local Oscillator Substitution, Component Characterization