The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 83731B is a high-performance synthesized signal generator operating from 1 GHz to 20 GHz. Designed to deliver excellent spectral purity and robust performance without exceeding budget constraints, it utilizes fundamental oscillators and switched low-pass filters to eliminate sub-harmonics and reduce spurious emissions to below -60 dBc. It provides ample output power, typically exceeding +14 dBm across its range and reaching +20 dBm below 1 GHz. With versatile built-in modulation capabilities including Frequency (FM), Phase (PM), Pulse, and Scan modulation, it is well-suited for simulating communications data, scanning antennas, and testing radar and electronic warfare (EW) receivers.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 1 GHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 1 kHz (1 Hz with Option 1E8) |
| Internal Timebase Aging Rate (Standard) | < 1.5 x 10^-8 / day |
| Internal Timebase Aging Rate (Option 1E5) | < 5 x 10^-10 / day |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Power Range | +10 dBm to -4 dBm (standard); +8 dBm to -110 dBm (with Option 1E1) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse Modulation | Included (for testing radar and EW receivers) |
| Frequency Modulation (FM) | Included (for simulating communications data) |
| Phase Modulation (PM) | Included (for satellite and radar applications) |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz |
| Interfaces | HP-IB (IEEE-488) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 426 × 133 × 498 |
| Weight | 16 |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | <-55 dBc |
| Non-harmonics / Spurious | <-60 dBc |
| Sub-harmonics | Eliminated |
Amplitude
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.01 dB |
Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to +55 °C |
Hardware Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 1E1 | 110 dB Step Attenuator |
| Option 1E5 | High-Stability Timebase |
| Option 1E8 | 1 Hz Frequency Resolution |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector | 3.5 mm (male) |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 400 VA maximum |
Technology
Synthesized Signal Generator
Applications
Radar Testing, Electronic Warfare (EW) Receivers, Satellite Applications, Communications Data Simulation, Scanning Antenna Simulation