The Keysight E8257D PSG is a fully synthesized analog signal generator delivering high-performance RF and microwave signal sourcing from 100 kHz to 67 GHz, with extension capabilities to 1.1 THz. Built for precision testing in radar, electronic warfare, satellite communications, and receiver characterization, the instrument combines metrology-grade level accuracy of ±0.8 dB at 10 GHz with phase noise of −126 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Output power ranges from −135 dBm to +21 dBm at 1 GHz, supporting demanding ADC and blocking tests. The E8257D achieves frequency switching in less than 11 ms and maintains sub-harmonic spurious performance below −80 dBc. Its modular architecture enables frequency extension via external modules and optional step attenuators for ultra-low signal generation down to −135 dBm.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range
• 100 kHz to 67 GHz (standard)
• Extendable to 1.1 THz with frequency extender modules
• Extendable to 325 GHz with OML modules
• Extendable to 500 GHz
Output Power
• 1 GHz: −135 dBm to +21 dBm
• 20 GHz: +23 dBm typical
• 40 GHz: +17 dBm typical
• 67 GHz: +14 dBm typical
• With Option 1E1 step attenuator: −135 dBm to +7 dBm
• Specifications valid 15 to 35 °C
Level Accuracy
• ±0.8 dB across most frequency ranges at 10 GHz
• Temperature stability to 0.02 °C with automatic level control
Phase Noise
• −126 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (10 GHz carrier)
• −143 dBc/Hz typical at 10 kHz offset with Option UNY (1 GHz signal)
• −144 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offsets
Spectral Purity
• Harmonics ≤ −55 dBc at 1 GHz
• Non-harmonics ≤ −80 dBc at 1 GHz
• Residual FM as low as 6 Hz RMS
Frequency Switching
• CW switching: < 11 ms typical
• Switching within 0.05% of final frequency: ≥ 5 ms nominal
– Key Features
• Modular design for flexible configuration and future upgrades
• Metrology-grade performance for precision measurement applications
• Extended frequency coverage via third-party extender modules
• Low residual FM for phase-coherent applications
– Typical Applications
• Advanced RF and microwave radar testing
• Electronic warfare signal simulation
• Satellite communications testing
• Doppler radar characterization
• Receiver blocking and sensitivity measurements
• Analog-to-digital converter validation
– Compatibility & Integration
The E8257D accepts optional step attenuators (1E1) for extended dynamic range and supports low-pass filter modules for harmonic suppression to −55 dBc. Frequency extension modules from OML and other vendors enable operation beyond native 67 GHz capability.
