The Keysight (Agilent) E8251A is a high-performance analog RF/microwave signal generator belonging to the PSG-A series. Operating over a broad frequency range of 250 kHz to 20 GHz with ultra-fine 0.01 Hz resolution, it provides outstanding level accuracy, dual internal modulation generators, and high output power options, making it a benchmark tool for testing high-power devices and accurate device characterization.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 250 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.01 Hz |
| Frequency Range | 250 kHz to 20 GHz |
| Frequency Extension Limit | Up to 110 GHz with Agilent 83550 Series millimeter-wave source modules |
| Frequency Switching Speed | < 15 ms (typical) |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm (+20 dBm with Option 1EA) |
| Output Power Range | +13 dBm standard, +20 dBm with Option 1EA at 20 GHz |
| Phase Noise | -110 dBc/Hz @ 20 kHz offset, 10 GHz carrier |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase (ΦM), Pulse |
| Sweep Modes | Digital Sweep (List and Step) |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2), 10Base-T LAN, RS-232 |
| Display | Color LCD |
| Standard Warranty | 1-Year standard (5-Year optional) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 440 Hz, 250 W maximum |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 178 mm H x 426 mm W x 515 mm D |
| Weight | < 21 kg |
Amplitude
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Level Accuracy | ±0.7 dB to ±0.9 dB |
| Maximum Output Power (Standard) | +13 dBm at 20 GHz |
| Maximum Output Power (Option 1EA) | +20 dBm at 20 GHz |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Phase Noise (10 GHz Carrier, 1 kHz offset) | -85 dBc/Hz |
| Standard Phase Noise (10 GHz Carrier, 20 kHz offset) | -110 dBc/Hz |
| Option UNJ Phase Noise (10 GHz Carrier, 1 kHz offset) | -98 dBc/Hz |
| Option UNJ Phase Noise (10 GHz Carrier, 10 kHz offset) | -110 dBc/Hz |
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc (for carrier frequencies < 20 GHz at standard power, typical) |
| Spurious (Non-Harmonics) | < -60 dBc (for carrier frequencies > 10 to 20 GHz) |
Analog Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Modulation Waveforms | Sine, square, triangle, positive/negative ramp, Gaussian Noise, Uniform Noise, Swept Sine, Dual Sine |
| Internal Modulation Rate Range | Up to 1 MHz |
| Modulation Signal Source | Dual internal generators |
Sweep and Operating Modes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Mode Capabilities | List and Step digital sweeps with user flatness correction at the test port |
Output Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Step Attenuator | 0 to 115 dB in 5 dB steps (Option 1E1) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to 71 °C |
Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time | < 10 ns (6 ns typical) |
| Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AM Rate (3 dB Bandwidth) | DC to 100 kHz |
| Maximum AM Depth | 90% |
Frequency Modulation (FM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| FM Maximum Deviation | 10 MHz (at 20 GHz) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | < 250 W |
| AC Voltage Compatibility | 90 to 267 V AC |
| AC Frequency Compatibility | 45 to 440 Hz |
Frequency Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Reference Aging Rate | < ±1 x 10^-8/day (standard); < ±5 x 10^-10/day (Option UNJ) |
| External Reference Input | 1, 2, 5, 10 MHz (within ±1 ppm) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector | Precision 3.5 mm male |
Technology
Analog RF/Microwave
Applications
RF & Microwave Testing, Device Characterization, Radar & Receiver Testing