HP / Agilent 3336A Synthesis/Level Generator

The HP/Agilent 3336A is a precision synthesis/level generator delivering spectrally pure sine wave outputs across 10 Hz to 20.999 MHz with 11-digit frequency resolution. Engineered for R&D, production testing, and telecommunications applications - particularly FDM system validation - it combines phase-continuous frequency synthesis with programmable level control and exceptional frequency stability.

Technical Specifications Frequency & Resolution

Operating range: 10 Hz to 20.999 MHz (maximum 21 MHz)

Frequency resolution: 11 digits; microhertz resolution available below 100 kHz

Phase continuity across full frequency range

Time base stability: 0.000005/year

Optional stability (Option 804): ±5 × 10⁻⁷/week; aging ±1.5 × 10⁻⁸/week after 72 hours continuous operation; ambient stability ±5 × 10⁻⁷ maximum (0° to 55°C) Output Level Control

Output range: −72.99 dBm to +7.00 dBm (standard); extendable to −88.74 dBm to +13.01 dBm with options

Absolute level accuracy (100 kHz, 50/75 Ω): ±0.05 dB

Output accuracy: ±0.15 dB

Output impedance: 75 ohms Signal Purity

Harmonic content: Below −60 dB (50 Hz to 1 MHz); below −50 dB (50 Hz to 20 MHz)

Spurious signals: Below −70 dBc or −100 dBm (standard); −115 dBm with option Sweep Capability

Internal phase-continuous frequency sweep

Normal leveling sweep time: 0.5 seconds; fast leveling: 0.03 seconds

Fast leveling flatness: ±0.15 dB (10 kHz to 20 MHz)

Normal leveling flatness: ±0.15 dB (50 Hz to 1 MHz)

Key Features

HP-IB (IEEE 488-1975) interface for remote programming and integration into automated test systems

Auxiliary output (AUX 0 dBm) extending to 60.999 999 999 MHz

Sync output: TTL square wave (Vhigh > 1.2 V into 50 Ω)

Reference output: 0 dBm (50 Ω) at 1 MHz, with optional 10 MHz temperature-stabilized crystal oscillator

External leveling input support

Electrical

Power requirements: 100/120/220/240 V AC, 48–66 Hz

Power consumption: 60 VA (100 VA with all options); 10 VA standby

Typical Applications Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) system testing, RF characterization, production testing, and precision signal sourcing in telecommunications and research environments.