Agilent / Keysight 8640B Signal generator, -0.5 to 512 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8640B is a phase-locked signal generator delivering continuous RF coverage from 0.5 MHz to 512 MHz with optional extension to 1024 MHz. It combines exceptional spectral purity with flexible modulation, making it ideal for receiver testing, component characterization, and RF system development.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 0.5 MHz to 512 MHz (0.5 MHz to 1024 MHz with Option 002)
• Frequency extension to 10 kHz available with HP 11710B Down Converter
• Frequency resolution: 1.0 Hz
• Frequency stability (after 2-hour warm-up, locked): <0.05 ppm/hr
• Restabilization time after frequency change: 1 min to within 0.1 ppm

Output Power
• Output power range: +19 dBm to −145 dBm (2 V to 0.013 µV into 50 Ω)
• Output level flatness: ±0.5 dB across full frequency range
• Output impedance: 50 Ω

Spectral Purity
• Harmonic spurious signals: −100 dBc 520 MHz
• Non-harmonic spurious signals: −100 dBc
• SSB phase noise: >130 dB/Hz at 20 kHz offset (230–450 MHz); >122 dB/Hz at 550 MHz; floor better than −140 dB/Hz

Modulation
• Modulation types: AM, FM, Pulse
• Modulation capability: Independent or simultaneous AM/FM
• Internal audio oscillator (Option 001): 20 Hz to 600 kHz
• AM rates: 20 Hz to 3 dB bandwidth (external AC); DC to 3 dB bandwidth (external DC)
• FM deviation: Maximum 1% of lowest frequency in each nominal band

– Key Features

• Phase-locked design for frequency stability and precision control
• Built-in counter and phase-lock synchronizer
• Low SSB phase noise suitable for sensitive receiver development
• Flat output response: ±0.5 dB across operating range
• 1.0 Hz frequency resolution for fine-tuning applications

– Typical Applications

• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing
• RF component characterization
• Modulation performance evaluation
• Phase noise measurements
• Signal fidelity assessment in communication systems

– Compatibility & Integration

Option 002 extends frequency coverage to 1024 MHz. Option 001 adds internal audio oscillator functionality. HP 11710B Down Converter accessory enables extension to 10 kHz.