The Keysight Agilent 8780A is a synthesized vector signal generator designed for IF testing from 10 MHz to 3 GHz. Offering wideband modulation capabilities up to 100 times wider than traditional synthesizers, it delivers a 700 MHz modulation bandwidth via vector/IQ inputs. The 8780A supports diverse modulation schemes—including QPSK, 16QAM, wideband FM, and fast-rise pulse modulation—making it highly suited for receiver, radar EW, and satellite telemetry testing.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 1 Hz |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +10 dBm |
| Output Power Range | +10 dBm to -110 dBm |
| Phase Noise | <-118 dBc/Hz (typical @ 20 kHz offset, 1 GHz carrier) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, digital, AM, FM, pulse, vector I/Q, optional phase modulation |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz (aging rate < 1 x 10^-9/day) |
| Interfaces | HP-IB (GPIB) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 VAC / 198 to 264 VAC, 48 to 440 Hz, 500 VA max |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm x 177 mm x 624 mm |
| Weight | 32 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 3 GHz |
| Coherent Carrier Output | Unmodulated coherent carrier output provided for demodulation |
Amplitude Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Output Power | -110 dBm |
Analog Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation Bandwidth | 700 MHz (using I/Q or vector) |
| Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum Chip Width | Down to 7 ns |
| Wideband FM Peak-to-Peak Deviation | Over 200 MHz |
| Optional Analog Phase Modulation | Available for satellite telemetry |
Vector Modulation and Baseband
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Digital Modulation Formats | BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM |
System Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Interface | Standard HP-IB |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc |
| Spurious (Non-harmonics) | <-55 dBc |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| I/Q Input Impedance | 50 ohms nominal |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +55 °C |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 500 VA |
RF Output Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output VSWR | < 1.5:1 (10 MHz to 1.5 GHz), < 2.0:1 (1.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz) |
| Output Level Accuracy | ±1.5 dB (output levels > -100 dBm) |
Vector Modulation Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| I/Q Quadrature Phase Error | < ±3° (10 MHz to 1.5 GHz) |
| I/Q Amplitude Imbalance | < ±0.5 dB (10 MHz to 1.5 GHz) |
| Carrier Leakage | < -30 dBc |
Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
| Minimum Pulse Width | 50 ns |
Frequency Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Switching Time | < 150 ms (to within 100 Hz of final frequency) |
| Reference Oscillator Aging Rate | < 5 × 10^-10 per day (after warmup) |
Technology
Synthesized IF Vector Signal Generator
Applications
Receiver, component, radar EW, and communication testing