The Agilent/Keysight 8348A is a microwave preamplifier designed to amplify low-level RF and microwave signals across 2 to 26.5 GHz. It delivers high gain and output power to overcome systematic RF losses, drive high-power devices, and improve measurement system sensitivity in network analyzer applications and millimeter-wave source modules.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range: 2 to 26.5 GHz
Gain:
• Small signal gain (–5 dBm input): 15 dB (2.0–18.6 GHz), 13 dB (18.6–20.0 GHz)
• Small signal gain (–15 dBm input): ≥20 dB (1.0–2.0 GHz), ≥25 dB (2.0–20.0 GHz), ≥23 dB (20.0–26.5 GHz)
• Mean gain: ≥26 dB (20–30 °C)
Output Power:
• Maximum output power: +25 dBm; +25 dBm (2.0–20.0 GHz), +23 dBm (20.0–26.5 GHz)
• Rated output power: 200 mW
• 1 dB compression point: +21 dBm nominal
• Power flatness (leveled): ±1.25 dB
Noise Figure:
• Typical: <13 dB overall; <10 dB (1.0–20 GHz); <13 dB (20–26.5 GHz)
• Displayed average noise level: 8.5 dB (1.0–12.7 GHz), 12.5 dB (12.7–22.0 GHz), 14.5 dB (22.0–26.5 GHz)
Spectral Purity:
• Harmonics: <–20 dBc (2.0–11.0 GHz), <–30 dBc typical (11.0–20.0 GHz), 50 dB typical
Pulse Performance:
• Rise/fall time: <10 ns typical
• Delay time: <5 ns typical
– Key Features
• High gain across 2–26.5 GHz band with frequency-dependent performance
• Output power up to +25 dBm for driving demanding RF loads
• Low noise figure (<10 dB, 1–20 GHz) for sensitive measurements
• Strong harmonic suppression and high third-order intercept
• Fast pulse transmission with <10 ns rise/fall time
• 50 Ω input/output ports with well-controlled VSWR
– Typical Applications
• Network analyzer source drive and sensitivity enhancement
• Low-level signal amplification in RF test systems
• Millimeter-wave source module driving
• Dynamic range extension in frequency-sweep measurements
• High-power RF signal generation
