What are the main output level limitations for the 8904A and 3325B?

The 8904A provides a maximum output level of 10 Vp-p into 50 Ω through its BNC connectors. The 3325B has an amplitude range of 1 mV to 10 Vpp into 50 Ω, with DC offsets up to ±5.0 V peak (AC + DC).

How does the 3326A maintain frequency resolution across its operating band?

The 3326A provides a frequency resolution of 1 µHz for settings below 100 kHz, and a resolution of 1 mHz for settings at or above 100 kHz.

Can the 83651b be controlled manually from the front panel?

No, the 83651b is a dedicated system source with no front-panel display. It is designed to be controlled remotely via HP-IB (GPIB) or the 8510 System Interface.

Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) Synthesizers

5 models with full specifications in Synthesizers.

Synthesizers from Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent and Hewlett-Packard) span multiple architectural designs to address benchtop test and integrated system needs. The portfolio includes direct digital synthesis (DDS) devices, fractional-N frequency synthesizers, multi-channel generators, and microwave signal sources designed for network analysis. Selecting the correct synthesizer requires matching the frequency range, signal purity requirements, and physical channel configurations to the target measurement application.

Frequency Range: 1 µHz to 50 GHz
Synthesis Methods: Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS), Fractional-N
Primary Interfaces: HP-IB (GPIB), 8510 System Interface
Supported Waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangle, Ramp, Pulse

All models

Model	Type	Interfaces	Operating Temperature	Output Impedance
8904A	Multifunction	HP-IB (IEEE-488)	0 to +50 °C	50 Ω
3325B	Waveform	HP-IB (GPIB)	0 to 55 °C	50 Ω
3325A	Multifunction	HP-IB (GPIB)	0 to 55 °C	50 Ω
83651b	*misc	HP-IB (GPIB), 8510 System Interface	0 to +55 °C	50 ohms (nominal)
3326A	*misc	HP-IB (GPIB)	0 to 55 °C	50 Ω

Low-Frequency and Multi-Channel Synthesizers

For low-frequency simulation and multi-channel synchronization, the catalog features specialized architectures. The 8904A utilizes 12-bit Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to generate accurate wave shapes, providing sine waves up to 600 kHz alongside square, ramp, and triangle waves up to 50 kHz. It can be configured with one or two physical output channels and up to four internal synthesizer channels. Option 001 adds three internal channels (for a total of four), internal modulation, and white noise generation capabilities.

Alternatively, the 19 kg 3326A integrates two independent synthesizers under microprocessor control. It supports sine waves up to 13 MHz and square waves up to 1 MHz. The 3326A is designed for complex multi-signal environments, supporting Two-Channel (independent), Two-Tone (within 100 kHz of each other), Two-Phase, and Pulse operating modes.

General-Purpose Benchtop Synthesizers

The 3325A and 3325B represent highly stable, general-purpose benchtop instruments for testing components like filters and amplifiers. Both models provide precise frequency resolution and a clean output up to 21 MHz for sine waves.

3325A: Utilizes fractional-N synthesis technology to act as both a synthesized function generator and a sweep generator. It features a 7-segment LED display, 10 register state storage, and a sine wave harmonic distortion of less than -65 dBc between 0.1 Hz and 50 kHz.
3325B: A comparable alternative that weighs 9.0 kg and provides a fine-resolution frequency range extending from 1 µHz up to 20.999 999 999 MHz for sine waves and 10.999 999 999 MHz for square waves. It features a square wave rise and fall time of less than 20 ns and supports amplitude units in Vpp, Vrms, or dBm.

Dedicated Microwave System Sources

For millimeter-wave and high-frequency microwave RF systems, the range moves away from general-purpose benchtop function generators to dedicated system sources. The 83651b provides precise broadband coverage from 45 MHz to 50 GHz with a frequency resolution of 1 Hz.

Because the 83651b is optimized as a dedicated source for Agilent 8510 series network analyzers, it lacks a front-panel display. It features a standard timebase aging rate of less than 1 × 10^-9 per day, temperature stability of less than 1 × 10^-10/°C, and a phase offset range from 0 to 360 degrees with 1-degree resolution. Max leveled power ranges from +10 dBm at lower frequencies down to -3 dBm at 50 GHz.