Agilent / Keysight 8648A Synthesized RF Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 1000 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8648A is a synthesized RF signal generator delivering stable, accurate signal generation from 100 kHz to 1000 MHz. Built for manufacturing, research, and service environments, this instrument combines economic synthesis architecture with electronic attenuation to achieve superior level accuracy and measurement consistency.

Technical Specifications

• Range: 100 kHz to 1000 MHz


• Resolution: 0.001 Hz (display: 10 Hz)


• Carrier frequency accuracy: ±3×10⁻⁶ × carrier frequency, or ±0.15×10⁻⁶ with Option 1E5


• Switching speed: <75 ms (below 1001 MHz); <100 ms (≥1001 MHz) Output Characteristics


• Power range: +10 dBm to −136 dBm


• Maximum leveled power: +13 dBm (≤100 MHz); +20 dBm (≤1000 MHz)


• Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal


• Level accuracy: ±1 dB typical (−127 dBm to maximum); ±3 dB below −127 dBm


• SWR: <1.5:1 (<2500 MHz); <2.5:1 (<249 kHz)


• Reverse power protection: 50 W into 50 Ω (≤2000 MHz) Spectral Purity


• Harmonics: <−30 dBc (output ≤+4 dBm)


• Subharmonics: <−60 dBc (<1001 MHz)


• Nonharmonics: <−55 dBc (<249 MHz); <−60 dBc (<1001 MHz)


• SSB phase noise @ 20 kHz offset: −120 dBc/Hz (500 MHz); −116 dBc/Hz (1000 MHz)


• Residual FM: <7 Hz (typical <4 Hz) for frequencies <1001 MHz

Key Features

• Synthesized architecture with 0.001 Hz frequency resolution


• Electronic attenuator for precise level control across full dynamic range


• Fast frequency switching in <75 ms typical


• Low phase noise suitable for sensitive receiver testing


• AM modulation capability: 0% to 100% (internal rates at 400 Hz, 1 kHz, or 10 Hz–20 kHz with Option 1E2)

Typical Applications

• RF component characterization and validation


• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing


• Manufacturing test and functional verification


• Service and maintenance of RF equipment

Compatibility & Integration Manufactured in ISO 9002 registered facilities. Nominally 50 Ω output matching supports direct connection to standard RF test setups.