Agilent / Keysight 8642B Synthesized Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 2100 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8642B is a synthesized signal generator delivering precise RF signal generation across 100 kHz to 2115 MHz. Built for receiver measurements, it combines broad frequency coverage with exceptional spectral purity and output stability, serving research, development, and manufacturing applications requiring demanding signal fidelity.

Technical Specifications

• Range: 100 kHz to 2115 MHz in one continuous span


• Resolution: 1 Hz (0.1 Hz with special function)


• Stability: ±2 ppm/year standard; Option 001 provides <10e-9/day aging rate after 8-day warmup Output Level


• Range: −140 dBm to +20 dBm (band-dependent; Band 8 reaches +19 dBm, higher bands down to +16 dBm)


• Resolution: 0.01 dB


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


• Flatness: ≤±0.75 dB at +10 dBm


• Impedance: 50 ohms nominal


• VSWR: <1.5:1 below 0 dBm; <2.0:1 at or above 0 dBm


• Reverse Power Protection: 25 W from 50 ohm source, 50 Vdc Spectral Purity


• SSB Phase Noise: −144 dBc/Hz @ 125 MHz; −141 dBc/Hz @ 200 MHz; −137 dBc/Hz @ 500 MHz; −134 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz; −125 dBc/Hz @ 2 GHz (all at 20 kHz offset)


• Non-Harmonic Spurious: <−100 dBc to 1 GHz; <−94 dBc above 1 GHz


• Harmonics: −30 dBc ≤+10 dBm (−25 dBc above 1057.5 MHz)


• Subharmonics: −45 dBc above 1057.5 MHz carrier


• Third-Order IMD: <−50 dBc @ +10 dBm (two signals 25 kHz apart into resistive combiner)


• Residual FM: <1.2 Hz @ 500 MHz (0.3–3 kHz BW); <2 Hz @ 1 GHz (0.3–3 kHz BW); <5 Hz @ 2 GHz (0.3–3 kHz BW)


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


• Types: AM, FM, Phase Modulation, Pulse Modulation across full frequency range


• Internal Modulation Oscillator: 20 Hz to 100 kHz rates with low distortion

Key Features

• 1 Hz frequency resolution enables precise carrier and offset tuning


• Output span from −140 dBm to +20 dBm supports both low-noise and high-power testing


• Phase noise performance ensures confident automated receiver spurious rejection testing


• Multiple modulation types support complex signal simulation

Typical Applications

• RF receiver sensitivity and selectivity characterization


• Spurious response validation


• Intermodulation and harmonic distortion testing


• Modulation quality assessment

Compatibility & Integration 50 ohm output impedance matches standard RF test system configurations. Reverse power protection to 25 W and 50 Vdc guards against load impedance variations.