Repair and Service Evaluation – HP/Agilent 83650A, 83650B, 83650L, 83651A, 83651B

The HP/Agilent 83650 series comprises synthesized signal generators delivering high-performance RF and microwave signal generation for component testing, receiver evaluation, and system verification. These instruments employ indirect synthesis architecture to achieve precise frequency control and low phase noise across broad frequency spans. All models provide stable, clean RF output essential for demanding test environments, with frequency resolution down to 1 kHz standard and optional 1 Hz resolution. The 83650A, 83650B, and 83650L cover 10 MHz to 50 GHz; the 83651A and 83651B operate from 45 MHz to 50 GHz. Output power ranges from −20 dBm to +10 dBm (typical below 26.5 GHz), with Option 001 step attenuator extending minimum power to −110 dBc or −120 dBm. Phase noise performance reaches −68 dBc at 50 GHz (10 kHz offset) on the 83650A, and better than −80 dBc at 10 GHz on the 83650L and 83650B. Harmonic content is suppressed to 50 dB below carrier from 2.0–26.5 GHz, degrading to 40 dB above that range. Temperature stability is 0.01 dB/°C typical; frequency switching occurs in 10 ms nominal.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 50 GHz (83650A/B/L); 45 MHz to 50 GHz (83651A/B)
• Output Power: −20 dBm to +10 dBm (standard); −110 dBc or −120 dBm minimum (Option 001)
• Frequency Resolution: 1 kHz standard; 1 Hz optional (Option 008)
• Phase Noise: −68 dBc @ 50 GHz, 10 kHz offset (83650A); <−80 dBc @ 10 GHz, 10 kHz offset (83650L/B)
• Harmonics: ≥50 dB below carrier 2.0–26.5 GHz; ≥40 dB above 26.5 GHz
• Temperature Stability: 0.01 dB/°C typical
• Frequency Switching Time: 10 ms typical
• Sweep Modes: Step, List, Ramp
• Interface: GPIB
• Dimensions (83650B): 178 H × 425 W × 648 mm D
• Weight (83650B): 27 kg

– Key Features

• Indirect synthesis for precise frequency and phase noise control
• Low phase noise architecture for sensitive receiver testing
• Multiple sweep modes support automated test sequences
• Step attenuator option (001) for extended dynamic range to −120 dBm
• 1 Hz frequency resolution option (008) for precision applications
• Modulation capability on 8360B series: AM (100%/V, scan mode 10 dB/V), FM (8 MHz rate, ±8 MHz deviation), and pulse modulation option

– Typical Applications

• RF and microwave component characterization
• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing
• System-level signal source applications
• Phase noise and spectral purity evaluation

– Compatibility & Integration

The 83651A and 83651B are optimized as dedicated signal sources for Keysight 8510 test systems.