The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8657B is a high-performance, economical synthesized signal generator offering extended frequency coverage from 100 kHz to 2060 MHz. Designed for stringent receiver testing, it delivers low residual FM and excellent phase noise. The instrument features a wide output power range from +13 to -143.5 dBm with superior level accuracy. It supports simultaneous AM and FM, pulse modulation, carrier phase adjustment for phase-sensitive devices, and an optional 0.3 GMSK modulation capability.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 100 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 2060 MHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 1 Hz |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm |
| Output Power Range | +13 to -143.5 dBm |
| Phase Noise | <-136 dBc/Hz (at 500 MHz carrier, 20 kHz offset) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation Capabilities | AM, FM, Pulse |
| Mixed Modulation | Simultaneous combinations of AM and FM |
| Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time | < 35 ns |
| AM Depth Range | 0 to 99% |
| AM Resolution | 1% |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | Standard: < 2 ppm/year aging; Option 001 (High Stability): < 5x10^-10/day aging |
| Interfaces | HP-IB (IEEE-488) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100/120/220/240 Vac, 50-60 Hz (100/120 Vac also 400 Hz); 200 VA max |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 × 133 × 574 |
Frequency Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 100 kHz to 2060 MHz |
| Frequency Switching Speed | < 35 ms |
Amplitude / Output Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Level Accuracy | ±1.0 dB (typically ±0.5 dB) |
| Amplitude Offset | Supported |
Phase and Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase Adjust Capability | Carrier phase adjust (for phase-sensitive devices) |
Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Remote Programming Interface | HP-IB |
RF Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Reverse Power Protection | 50 W from a 50 Ω source (0.1 to 2060 MHz), 50 Vdc max |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc |
| Spurious (Non-Harmonic) | <-60 dBc (100 kHz to 1030 MHz); <-54 dBc (1030 to 2060 MHz) |
| Sub-harmonics (1030 to 2060 MHz) | < -40 dBc |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +71 °C |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Connector | Type-N (female) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 200 VA maximum |
Technology
Synthesized RF Signal Generator
Applications
In-channel and out-of-channel receiver testing, phase-sensitive device characterization