The Keysight Agilent 8648A is a reliable, high-performance synthesized RF signal generator spanning 100 kHz to 1000 MHz. Designed for receiver testing and general-purpose bench applications, it delivers clean, precise signals with excellent level accuracy and low single-sideband phase noise.

Specifications

Frequency

ParameterValue
Minimum Frequency100 kHz
Maximum Frequency1000 MHz
Frequency Resolution0.001 Hz
Frequency Range100 kHz to 1000 MHz
Frequency Reference Aging Rate< 2 ppm/year (standard), < 0.1 ppm/year (Option 1E5)

Output

ParameterValue
Maximum Output Power+10 dBm
Output Power Range-136 to +10 dBm
Phase Noise<-120 dBc/Hz (at 20 kHz offset, 500 MHz carrier)

Modulation

ParameterValue
ModulationAM, FM, Phase
External Modulation Input Impedance600 Ω (nominal)
External Modulation Input Voltage1 Vpeak for specified deviation or depth

General

ParameterValue
Reference Oscillator10 MHz

Amplitude and Output Power

ParameterValue
Amplitude Resolution0.1 dB
Amplitude Accuracy±1.0 dB (levels >= -127 dBm)
Output Impedance50 Ohms
Maximum Reverse Power Protection50 Watts (from 50 ohm source), 50 VDC

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

ParameterValue
AM Depth Range0% to 100% (for levels <= +4 dBm)
AM Resolution0.1% AM
AM Depth Accuracy±(6% of setting + 1%) at 1 kHz rate
AM Distortion< 2% (at 1 kHz, 30% depth)

Internal Modulation Source

ParameterValue
Internal Modulation WaveformsSine
Internal Modulation Frequencies400 Hz, 1 kHz (standard); 10 Hz to 20 kHz with Option 1E2

Inputs and Outputs

ParameterValue
Modulation Input ConnectorBNC female (front panel)
Internal Modulation Output ConnectorBNC female (front panel)
10 MHz Reference InputBNC female (rear panel)
10 MHz Reference OutputBNC female (rear panel)

System and Remote Control

ParameterValue
Remote Control InterfaceGPIB (IEEE-488)
Command LanguagesSCPI

Power and Physical Specifications

ParameterValue
Line Voltage Requirements90 V to 264 V AC
Power Consumption170 VA maximum

Remote Control

ParameterValue
Command Emulation ModesHP 8656B, HP 8657A, HP 8657B

Performance

ParameterValue
Attenuator TechnologyElectronic (solid-state)
Maximum Reverse DC Voltage50 Vdc

Technology

Synthesized Signal Generator

Applications

RF Receiver Testing and General Purpose Lab Measurements