Agilent / Keysight 8657A Synthesized Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 1040 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8657A is a synthesized signal generator delivering precise RF stimulus across 100 kHz to 1040 MHz. Built for R&D, manufacturing, and field support, it combines frequency accuracy, low phase noise, and flexible modulation to characterize AM, FM, and pulsed receivers with exceptional spectral purity.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Performance
• Range: 100 kHz to 1040 MHz
• Resolution: 10 Hz
• Underrange capability to 10 kHz (uncalibrated output and modulation)
• Frequency switching speed: <35 ms (typ. 30 ms at 25 °C)

Amplitude Control
• Output level range: +13 dBm to -143.5 dBm
• Output resolution: 0.1 dBm
• Level accuracy: ±1.0 dB across +13 to -143.5 dBm; ±1 dB typical (±0.5 dB typ.) to -127 dBm at 0–55 °C
• All-electronic PIN-diode attenuator for consistent performance

Modulation Capabilities
• AM, FM, and phase modulation (ΦM)
• Simultaneous mixed modulation: AM/FM, AM/AM, FM/FM combinations
• AM depth: 0 to 99% (level ≤+7 dBm, fc ≥400 kHz)
• Internal rates: 400 Hz and 1 kHz
• External rates: 20 Hz to 40 kHz (1 dB bandwidth)
• dc-coupled FM for digital signals without droop
• Optional 0.3 GMSK modulation

Spectral Purity
• SSB phase noise: -136 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset
• Low residual FM for wide test margins
• Reduced RF leakage and low spurious/noise for in-channel testing

Control & Storage
• HP-IB remote programming interface
• 100 non-volatile registers for settings storage and recall
• Carrier phase adjustment for phase-sensitive device characterization
• Amplitude offset adjustment

Power & Physical
• Input: 100/120/220/240 VAC (±5%, -10% for 8657A), 48–440 Hz
• Consumption: 160 VA max
• Dimensions: 133 × 425 × 574 mm; Weight: 18.2 kg net
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C

– Key Features

• Synthesized frequency stability and precision across the full operating range
• Fast frequency switching enables rapid test sequencing
• Broad dynamic range with 0.1 dBm resolution supports sensitive component testing
• Dual modulation paths allow complex signal stimulus without external equipment
• ESD-protected construction; Class I safety compliance

– Typical Applications

• AM/FM receiver characterization and acceptance testing
• Pulsed receiver validation
• RF component and subsystem performance evaluation
• Phase-coherent stimulus applications
• Digital signal modulation testing

– Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB control enables integration into automated test systems and remote operation from external controllers. Non-volatile storage supports fast test setup recall in production environments.