Agilent / Keysight 8257C PSG Analog Signal Generator
Agilent / Keysight RF Signal Sources. Frequency Range: 250 kHz to 40 GHz, Power Range (dBm): +16 dBm to +24 dBm at 20 GHz.
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight 8257C
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $32,054
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 8257C
This unit
The Agilent/Keysight 8257C PSG Analog Signal Generator is a precision RF and microwave signal source engineered for component characterization, system verification, and high-volume manufacturing. Operating from 250 kHz to 40 GHz with 0.001 Hz resolution, it delivers output power up to +16 dBm (standard) or +24 dBm (optional) at 20 GHz, coupled with optional SSB phase noise performance exceeding 30 dBc/Hz improvement at 1 kHz offset.
Technical Specifications
Frequency and Resolution- Range: 250 kHz to 40 GHz
- Resolution: 0.001 Hz
- Frequency extension to 110 GHz available with Keysight 83550 Series mm-wave modules Output Power
- Standard: Up to +16 dBm at 20 GHz
- Optional: Up to +24 dBm at 20 GHz
- Maximum power warranted from 15 to 35 °C; typical from 0 to 15 °C
- Power degradation typically <2 dB across 35 to 55 °C Level Accuracy
- Applies in CW and List/Step sweep modes (15 to 35 °C)
- Degradation –10 dBm outside specified range
- Type-N connector option (Option 1ED) shows typical 0.2 dB degradation above 18 GHz Output Impedance and Protection
- 50 Ω nominal
- Maximum reverse power: 0.5 W
Key Features Modulation Capability
- AM, FM, ØM, and Pulse modulation formats
- Dual internal modulation generators: sine, square, triangular, ramp, and noise waveforms
- Narrow pulse modulation with 10 ns rise/fall times and ≥20 ns pulse width (10 MHz to 40 GHz) Sweep Functionality
- Analog ramp sweep (code compatible with Keysight 8757D scalar network analyzer)
- Digital step sweep with 2 to 65535 points
- List sweep with 2 to 1601 points per table
- Dwell time: 1 ms to 60 s Reference and Control
- Internal timebase reference oscillator (standard)
- External reference support: 1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10 MHz
- Reference output: 10 MHz
- Optional enhanced aging specifications (Option UNR)
- ALC input: –0.2 mV to –0.5 V (120 kΩ nominal impedance)
Typical Applications Component testing, RF/microwave system verification, manufacturing test, and precision signal characterization where frequency accuracy and phase noise performance are critical.
Compatibility & Integration Frequency extension capability via Keysight 83550 Series mm-wave modules. Sweep compatibility with Keysight network analyzer instrumentation.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 250 kHz to 40 GHz | Power Range (dBm): '+16 dBm to +24 dBm at 20 GHz |
Agilent / Keysight 8257C — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight 8257C. Calibration covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Agilent / Keysight 8257C faults: YIG oscillator failure (no output or loss of lock), step attenuator wear (output drops or steps at set attenuation), ALC loop failure (uncontrolled output power), I/Q modulator assembly failure. HP/Agilent 836xx series most common faults are YIG oscillator failure and step attenuator contact wear causing output steps or drops at specific attenuation settings. Keysight E4428C/E4438C units most commonly develop ALC loop failure and I/Q modulator assembly faults. YIG oscillator replacement and attenuator service are stocked repairs.
Agilent / Keysight 8257C price
This Agilent / Keysight 8257C is listed at $32,054.38. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight 8257C calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight 8257C is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers output frequency accuracy, output power level accuracy across the full frequency range, AM/FM/PM/pulse modulation accuracy, harmonic and spurious output levels, and phase noise floor verification. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
