Agilent / Keysight 8657A Synthesized Signal Generator, 100 kHz to 1040 MHz
The Agilent/Keysight 8657A is a synthesized signal generator that delivers high performance and reliability for a wide range of RF testing applications. Covering a frequency range from 100 kHz to 1040 MHz, it offers precise frequency and amplitude control, making it suitable for both benchtop and automated testing environments.
- Model
- Agilent / Keysight 8657A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $1,195
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 8657A
This unit
The Agilent/Keysight 8657A is a synthesized signal generator delivering precise RF stimulus across 100 kHz to 1040 MHz. Built for R&D, manufacturing, and field support, it combines frequency accuracy, low phase noise, and flexible modulation to characterize AM, FM, and pulsed receivers with exceptional spectral purity.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance- Range: 100 kHz to 1040 MHz
- Resolution: 10 Hz
- Underrange capability to 10 kHz (uncalibrated output and modulation)
- Frequency switching speed: <35 ms (typ. 30 ms at 25 °C) Amplitude Control
- Output level range: +13 dBm to -143.5 dBm
- Output resolution: 0.1 dBm
- Level accuracy: ±1.0 dB across +13 to -143.5 dBm; ±1 dB typical (±0.5 dB typ.) to -127 dBm at 0–55 °C
- All-electronic PIN-diode attenuator for consistent performance Modulation Capabilities
- AM, FM, and phase modulation (ΦM)
- Simultaneous mixed modulation: AM/FM, AM/AM, FM/FM combinations
- AM depth: 0 to 99% (level ≤+7 dBm, fc ≥400 kHz)
- Internal rates: 400 Hz and 1 kHz
- External rates: 20 Hz to 40 kHz (1 dB bandwidth)
- dc-coupled FM for digital signals without droop
- Optional 0.3 GMSK modulation Spectral Purity
- SSB phase noise: -136 dBc/Hz at 20 kHz offset
- Low residual FM for wide test margins
- Reduced RF leakage and low spurious/noise for in-channel testing Control & Storage
- HP-IB remote programming interface
- 100 non-volatile registers for settings storage and recall
- Carrier phase adjustment for phase-sensitive device characterization
- Amplitude offset adjustment Power & Physical
- Input: 100/120/220/240 VAC (±5%, -10% for 8657A), 48–440 Hz
- Consumption: 160 VA max
- Dimensions: 133 × 425 × 574 mm; Weight: 18.2 kg net
- Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
Key Features
- Synthesized frequency stability and precision across the full operating range
- Fast frequency switching enables rapid test sequencing
- Broad dynamic range with 0.1 dBm resolution supports sensitive component testing
- Dual modulation paths allow complex signal stimulus without external equipment
- ESD-protected construction; Class I safety compliance
Typical Applications
- AM/FM receiver characterization and acceptance testing
- Pulsed receiver validation
- RF component and subsystem performance evaluation
- Phase-coherent stimulus applications
- Digital signal modulation testing
Compatibility & Integration HP-IB control enables integration into automated test systems and remote operation from external controllers. Non-volatile storage supports fast test setup recall in production environments.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 100 kHz to 1.04 GHz | Power Range (dBm): '+13 dBm to −143.5 dBm |
Agilent / Keysight 8657A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Agilent / Keysight 8657A. 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 8657A 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 8657A price
This Agilent / Keysight 8657A is listed at $1,195. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Agilent / Keysight 8657A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Agilent / Keysight 8657A 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 →
