Agilent / Keysight 8348A Microwave Preamplifier, 2 to 26.5 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8348A is a microwave preamplifier designed to amplify low-level RF and microwave signals across 2 to 26.5 GHz. It delivers high gain and output power to overcome systematic RF losses, drive high-power devices, and improve measurement system sensitivity in network analyzer applications and millimeter-wave source modules.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 2 to 26.5 GHz Gain:

• Small signal gain (–5 dBm input): 15 dB (2.0–18.6 GHz), 13 dB (18.6–20.0 GHz)


• Small signal gain (–15 dBm input): ≥20 dB (1.0–2.0 GHz), ≥25 dB (2.0–20.0 GHz), ≥23 dB (20.0–26.5 GHz)


• Mean gain: ≥26 dB (20–30 °C) Output Power:


• Maximum output power: +25 dBm; +25 dBm (2.0–20.0 GHz), +23 dBm (20.0–26.5 GHz)


• Rated output power: 200 mW


• 1 dB compression point: +21 dBm nominal


• Power flatness (leveled): ±1.25 dB Noise Figure:


• Typical: <13 dB overall; <10 dB (1.0–20 GHz); <13 dB (20–26.5 GHz)


• Displayed average noise level: 8.5 dB (1.0–12.7 GHz), 12.5 dB (12.7–22.0 GHz), 14.5 dB (22.0–26.5 GHz) Spectral Purity:


• Harmonics: <–20 dBc (2.0–11.0 GHz), <–30 dBc typical (11.0–20.0 GHz), 50 dB typical Pulse Performance:


• Rise/fall time: <10 ns typical


• Delay time: <5 ns typical

Key Features

• High gain across 2–26.5 GHz band with frequency-dependent performance


• Output power up to +25 dBm for driving demanding RF loads


• Low noise figure (<10 dB, 1–20 GHz) for sensitive measurements


• Strong harmonic suppression and high third-order intercept


• Fast pulse transmission with <10 ns rise/fall time


• 50 Ω input/output ports with well-controlled VSWR

Typical Applications

• Network analyzer source drive and sensitivity enhancement


• Low-level signal amplification in RF test systems


• Millimeter-wave source module driving


• Dynamic range extension in frequency-sweep measurements


• High-power RF signal generation