The Keysight (formerly Agilent HP) 8657A is a robust, synthesized RF signal generator designed for versatile receiver testing. Covering a frequency range from 100 kHz to 1040 MHz, it offers simultaneous and mixed AM and FM modulations, a high-quality solid-state electronic attenuator for enhanced reliability, and excellent spectral purity, making it ideal for both in-channel and out-of-channel test applications.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 100 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 1040 MHz |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm |
| Output Power Range | +13 to -143.5 dBm |
| Phase Noise | <-130 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset (500 MHz carrier) |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488) |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Switching Speed | < 35 ms |
| Option 001 Reference Aging Rate | < 5 x 10^-10 per day |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz |
Amplitude and Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Output Level | -143.5 dBm |
| Level Accuracy | ±1.0 dB (levels > -127 dBm, typically ±0.5 dB) |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Reverse Power Protection (RF) | 50 Watts (from a 50 ohm source) |
| Reverse Power Protection (DC) | 50 VDC |
| Attenuator Type | All-electronic solid-state attenuator |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc (for levels < +7 dBm) |
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AM Depth Range | 0 to 99% |
| AM Resolution | 1% |
Frequency Modulation (FM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| FM Modulation Frequency Response (3 dB) | DC to 100 kHz (DC-coupled) or 50 Hz to 100 kHz (AC-coupled) |
Internal Modulation Source
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Modulation Frequencies | 400 Hz and 1000 Hz |
Physical and Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 55 °C |
RF Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Level Resolution | 0.1 dB |
| RF Output Connector | Type-N female (front panel standard, rear panel with Option 002) |
System Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Registers | 100 non-volatile registers (00 to 99) |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 002 Rear Panel Configuration | Moves RF output and modulation input/output connectors to the rear panel |
Technology
Synthesized RF Signal Generator
Applications
Receiver testing, RF component characterization, general laboratory use