The HP/Agilent 11715A AM/FM Test Source is a signal generation instrument engineered to produce stable, low-distortion modulated RF signals across multiple frequency bands. It delivers both amplitude and frequency modulation with exceptional linearity and minimal residual modulation, making it suited for receiver characterization, component testing, and RF system validation. The instrument features four independent RF outputs—one fixed 560 MHz crystal-derived carrier and three variable frequency ranges—each optimized for specific modulation modes and frequency coverage.
Technical Specifications
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
• 11 to 13.5 MHz carrier range
• Up to 99% modulation depth with ±0.2% linearity
• Distortion less than 0.1% at 95% AM for modulation rates from 20 Hz to 100 kHz
• Excellent flatness across the modulation bandwidth
Frequency Modulation (FM)
• Three variable ranges: 11–13.5 MHz, 88–108 MHz, and 352–432 MHz
• Maximum deviation greater than 400 kHz peak with distortion less than 0.025%
• Deviation constant within ±0.1% up to 100 kHz modulation rates
• Typically within ±2.5% up to 10 MHz modulation rates
• Wide bandwidth modulation with low phase shift and minimal incidental AM
Signal Quality
• Residual AM: less than 0.01% rms (50 Hz to 3 kHz post-detection bandwidth)
• Residual FM: less than 3 Hz rms (50 Hz to 3 kHz bandwidth)
Fixed Output
• 560 MHz crystal-derived carrier with low residual FM
Power Requirements
• 100, 120, 220, or 240 V (±5%, −10%); 48 to 66 Hz; 200 VA maximum
– Key Features
• Four RF outputs: one fixed 560 MHz plus three variable frequency ranges
• External modulation source input with direct VCO coupling for wideband FM
• Low-noise voltage-controlled oscillator and double-balanced mixer architecture
• Digital dividers for precise carrier frequency synthesis
• Optional internal calibrator for AM and FM accuracy verification
• US commercial FM broadcast band coverage (88–108 MHz via divide-by-4 output)
– Typical Applications
Receiver testing, component characterization, RF system validation, and broadcast band testing.
– Compatibility & Integration
Accepts external modulation sources via dedicated input. Optional internal calibrator verifies specifications at fixed carrier frequencies and modulation rates; variable parameter testing requires external RF source.
