The Keysight/Agilent/HP 346B is a broadband noise source engineered for noise figure measurements spanning 10 MHz to 18 GHz. It delivers a nominal Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) of 15.2 dB with high stability and repeatability, making it the standard companion to noise figure analyzers and characterization systems across the RF and microwave spectrum.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Nominal ENR: 15.2 dB (14 to 16 dB range)
• Impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• SWR: <1.3:1 (10 MHz–30 MHz); <1.15:1 (30 MHz–5 GHz); <1.25:1 (5–18 GHz)
• Reflection Coefficient: 0.13 (10–30 MHz); 0.07 (30 MHz–5 GHz); 0.11 (5–18 GHz)
• Power Supply: 28 ± 1 Vdc
• Current Draw: 60 mA peak; 30 mA average (source ON)
• Maximum Reverse Power: 1 Watt
• Output Connector: APC-3.5 (male); Type-N and APC-7 available
• Bias Input Connector: BNC (female)
• Dimensions: 140 mm H × 21 mm W × 30 mm D
• Weight: 0.10 kg net; 0.55 kg shipping
– Key Features
• Individually calibrated ENR data at specific frequencies supplied on label and separate report
• Compact, lightweight design for bench and system integration
• Stable noise output when powered; residual thermal noise present when off
• Low SWR across entire frequency band ensures minimal reflections
– Typical Applications
• Noise figure measurements using Y-factor method
• RF amplifier and receiver characterization
• Low-noise component evaluation
• System-level noise performance assessment
– Compatibility & Integration
Direct integration with Keysight NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers, ESA-E Series, PNA-X, PSA-Series, and X-Series instruments (PXA, MXA, EXA, CXA). Compatible with HP noise figure meters and legacy systems via calibration data previously supplied on floppy disk.
