The Agilent/Keysight 8648C is a synthesized RF signal generator delivering 9 kHz to 3.2 GHz frequency coverage for manufacturing test, receiver validation, and general R&D signal generation. It combines cost-effective operation with enhanced residual FM, level accuracy, and phase noise performance over its 8647A predecessor.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 3.2 GHz
Frequency Resolution: 0.001 Hz (settleable); 10 Hz (display)
Output Power: +13 dBm to –136 dBm typical; +16 dBm typical for carrier frequencies between 100 kHz and 100 MHz. Optional high-power output available. Combining options 1E6 with 1EA reduces maximum output power by 2 dB above 100 MHz.
Level Accuracy: ±1 dB from maximum specified output power to –127 dBm below 1 GHz. Typically ±3 dB below –127 dBm in the range 100 kHz to 2500 MHz. At 25°C ±5°C; typically degrades ±0.5 dB over 0°C to 50°C or at output levels >13 dBm. ±3 dB for power levels between –100 dBm and –127 dBm below 100 kHz or above 2500 MHz.
Modulation: AM, FM, and phase modulation standard. Optional pulse modulation available. FSK deviation accuracy with Option 1EP: ±60 Hz. AM accuracy ±7% of setting ±1.5% at <70% depth over 0°C to 50°C.
Spectral Purity: Harmonics <–30 dBc (output ≤+4 dBm). Subharmonics <–60 dBc below 1 GHz, <–50 dBc to 3.2 GHz. Residual FM: <7 Hz typical <4 Hz below 249 MHz; <4 Hz typical <2 Hz below 501 MHz; <7 Hz typical <4 Hz below 1 GHz; <14 Hz typical <8 Hz below 2 GHz; <28 Hz typical <12 Hz to 4 GHz. SSB phase noise at 20 kHz offset: <–120 dBc/Hz at 500 MHz, <–116 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz, <–110 dBc/Hz at 2 GHz.
Internal Modulation Sources: 400 Hz or 1 kHz; audio generator option available. Front panel BNC connector at nominally 1 Vp into 600 Ω.
External Reference: Accepts 2, 5, 10 MHz ±10 ppm typical.
– Typical Applications
• High-volume manufacturing test (cordless phones, pagers, two-way radios)
• Semi-automated receiver testing
• General-purpose R&D signal generation
• Extended frequency coverage applications
