Keysight (Agilent) 346B

The Keysight (Agilent) 346B is a broadband noise source engineered to provide precise, stable noise output for noise figure measurements across RF and microwave frequencies. It characterizes amplifiers, receivers, and input-impedance-sensitive devices with minimal measurement uncertainty through exceptionally low VSWR performance.

– Technical Specifications

RF Performance
• Frequency range: 10 MHz to 18 GHz
• Nominal Excess Noise Ratio (ENR): 15 dB (typical range 14 to 16 dB)
• Maximum VSWR: < 1.3:1
• Operating voltage: 28 Vdc

Connectors
• Standard output: 3.5 mm male (APC 3.5 mm male)
• Bias input: BNC female
• Optional Type-N male connector (Option 001)

Physical Dimensions
• Height: 140 mm (5.5 in)
• Width: 21 mm (0.8 in)
• Depth: 30 mm (1.2 in)
• Shipping weight: 2 lb

– Key Features

• Low VSWR (< 1.3:1) minimizes reflections and measurement uncertainty during noise figure characterization
• Single instrument spans 10 MHz to 18 GHz, eliminating the need for multiple noise sources across different bands
• Individually calibrated at specific frequencies; calibration data historically supplied on disk for NFA Series Noise Figure Analyzers
• Option H01 provides elevated ENR of 21 dB typical for high noise figure device measurement
• Option H42 optimized for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) low noise block converter measurement

– Typical Applications

• Noise figure measurements on RF/microwave components
• Amplifier and receiver characterization
• High noise figure device measurement (with Option H01)
• DBS low noise block converter evaluation (with Option H42)

– Compatibility & Integration

The 346B integrates with Keysight's noise measurement ecosystem: NFA, ESA-E Series, PNA-X, PSA-Series, and X-Series analyzers (PXA, MXA, EXA, CXA).