Repair and Service Evaluation – HP/Agilent 83640A, 83640B, 836401L

The HP/Agilent 83640A, 83640B, and 836401L are synthesized swept signal generators engineered for high-performance stimulus/response testing, local oscillator applications, and signal simulation across microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. These instruments deliver frequency synthesis with swept-signal capability, combining accuracy with measurement speed for component and subsystem characterization.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 40 GHz

Output Power:
• Maximum: +10 dBm below 26.5 GHz; +6 dBm above 26.5 GHz
• Minimum: −20 dBm standard; −110 dBm with Option 001 (Step Attenuator)
• Calibrated output power: +10 dBm

Frequency Resolution:
• Standard: 1 kHz
• With Option 008: 1 Hz

Phase Noise: −80 dBc/Hz SSB at 10 GHz with 10 kHz offset

Harmonic Suppression: ≥50 dB below carrier (2.0 to 26.5 GHz); ≥40 dB above 26.5 GHz

Temperature Stability: 0.01 dB/°C typical

Warm-up Time: 30 minutes (0 °C to 55 °C); full internal equilibrium at 2 hours stable ambient

– Key Features

Modulation: AM, FM, and Pulse modulation (83640B Series); AM and FM bandwidth DC to 250 kHz at 3 dB with 30% depth

Sweep Modes: Step, List, Ramp, Analog Sweep, Analog Power Sweep

Power Sweep: −20 dBm to maximum available output, adjustable via step attenuator

Control & Interface: HP-IB programming, external ALC support, user flatness correction for remote test point leveling

Options: Step Attenuator (001), Modulation Generator (002), Fast Pulse Modulation (006), 1 Hz resolution upgrade (008), rear panel RF output (004), front panel deletion (003)

– Typical Applications

Component and subsystem stimulus/response testing; local oscillator substitution; signal simulation across Ka-band and millimeter-wave frequencies

– Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB control interface with auxiliary connector for system integration; supports external pulse inputs with optional 30 ns delay and ±5 ns pulse compression (Option 002)