Agilent/Keysight 11729C

The Agilent/Keysight 11729C Carrier Noise Test Set is a specialized instrument for measuring phase noise and AM noise in RF and microwave signals across 1.28 GHz to 18 GHz. It functions as a downconverter and phase detector module within noise measurement systems, converting test signals to intermediate frequencies for analysis via Phase Detector or Frequency Discriminator methods.

Technical Specifications

• Downconverter Input: 1.28 GHz to 18 GHz (8 bands)


• Test Signal: 10 MHz to 18 GHz


• IF Output: 5 MHz to 1280 MHz


• IF Bandwidth: 10 Hz to 10 MHz (3 dB typical to 15 MHz) Input Power Specifications


• Downconverter Input (1.28–18 GHz): +7 dBm to +18 dBm


• Test Frequencies Below 1.28 GHz: −5 dBm to +10 dBm (−2 dBm to +3 dBm optimal)


• RF Signal Nominal: +3 dBm Output Power


• IF Output Level: +7 dBm minimum Phase Noise Floor (Residual Noise)


• At <1.28 GHz input: −115 dBc/Hz (10 Hz), −126 dBc/Hz (100 Hz), −135 dBc/Hz (1 kHz), −142 dBc/Hz (10 kHz), −151 dBc/Hz (100 kHz), −156 dBc/Hz (1 MHz)


• At 10 GHz input: −90 dBc/Hz (10 Hz), −105 dBc/Hz (100 Hz), −115 dBc/Hz (1 kHz), −127 dBc/Hz (10 kHz), −137 dBc/Hz (100 kHz), −142 dBc/Hz (1 MHz) AM Noise Floor (Option 130)


• −138 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset


• −145 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset


• −155 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset


• −160 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset

Key Features

• Dual demodulation methods: Phase Detector and Frequency Discriminator


• Up-converts external reference signals; down-converts test signals to IF


• Selectable IF bandwidth from 10 Hz to 10 MHz


• Accommodates external drive signals (640 MHz fixed or 5 MHz to 1280 MHz variable)


• AM noise measurement with Option 130

Typical Applications

• Communication system signal integrity analysis


• Radar and aerospace oscillator characterization


• Microwave component phase noise evaluation


• Critical RF signal performance assessment

Compatibility & Integration The 11729C integrates into phase noise measurement systems as a dedicated downconverter and demodulation module, requiring externally supplied drive signals for operation.