Agilent / Keysight 8642A Synthesized Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 1050 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8642A is a synthesized signal generator delivering precise RF signal generation from 100 kHz to 1057.5 MHz. Built for RF receiver measurements and demanding RF applications, it combines broad frequency coverage with exceptional spectral purity and flexible modulation capabilities.

Technical Specifications

• Range: 100 kHz to 1057.5 MHz


• Resolution: 1 Hz


• Accuracy: 2% of setting


• Continuous single-band coverage across full frequency span Output Level


• Range: −140 dBm to +20 dBm


• Resolution: 0.01 dB


• Absolute accuracy: ±1 dB down to −127 dBm


• Maximum output: +20 dBm (bands 1–7), +18 dBm (bands 8, HET), +16 dBm (band 9)


• Impedance: 50 Ω nominal


• SWR: <1.5:1 at levels <0 dBm; 10 kHz offsets)


• Harmonic spurious: −30 dBc at ≤+10 dBm


• Residual FM: <1.2 Hz at 500 MHz; <2 Hz at 1000 MHz (0.3–3 kHz BW)


• Residual AM: <0.01% AM rms (0.3–3 kHz BW)


• Third-order intermodulation: 40 dB on/off ratio, <400 ns rise/fall time (10%–90%), 100 kHz max repetition, 2 µs minimum width


• Internal modulation oscillator: 20 Hz to 100 kHz, ±2% accuracy Stability


• Aging rate (standard): ±2 ppm/year


• Aging rate (Option 001): <10e-9/day after 8 days warmup

Key Features

• 1 Hz frequency resolution across entire 1 GHz+ span


• High output power eliminates need for external amplifiers


• Low phase noise enables sensitive receiver testing


• Four modulation types with internal function generator


• Excellent frequency stability options

Typical Applications

• RF receiver sensitivity and selectivity measurements


• Spurious rejection testing


• Intermodulation and harmonic distortion analysis


• Modulated signal stimulus for audio and data paths

Compatibility & Integration

• HP-IB (IEEE-488-1978) interface with Listener, Talker, and Controller functions


• Full HP-IB compliance: SH1, AH1, T5, TE0, L3, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP1, DC1, DT1, C1, C3, C28, E2