Agilent / Keysight 8660C Synthesized Signal Generator

The Agilent/Keysight 8660C Synthesized Signal Generator is a modular mainframe instrument delivering signal generation for receiver testing, component characterization, and signal simulation. The 8660C requires plug-in RF and modulation sections, enabling flexible configuration across multiple frequency bands and modulation types. Frequency resolution reaches 1 Hz standard, with optional 100 Hz stepping.

Output spans greater than 140 dB dynamic range, continuously calibrated from +13 dBm to -146 dBm into 50 ohms and programmable in 1 dB steps. Phase noise performance reaches -70 dBc/Hz typical (1 Hz BW). Switching time is less than 5 ms to settle within 100 Hz of a new frequency.

The instrument supports multiple modulation plug-ins including AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation, with optional HP-IB (IEEE 488) remote control and BCD interface for frequency and output level programming.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 10 kHz to 110 MHz (86601A RF Plug-in); 1 MHz to 1300 MHz (86602A/B RF Plug-in); 1 MHz to 2600 MHz (86603A RF Plug-in)


• Frequency Resolution: 1 Hz standard; 2 Hz above 1300 MHz (86603A); optional 100 Hz stepping


• Frequency Accuracy: Internal 10 MHz quartz oscillator with aging ≤ ±3 × 10⁻⁸ per 24 hours after warm-up; Option 001 provides ±3 × 10⁻⁹ per day; external reference via 5 MHz or 10 MHz standard


• Output Level: +13 dBm to -146 dBm calibrated; maximum +10 dBm; minimum -136 dBm; 1 dB steps


• Phase Noise: -70 dBc/Hz typical single sideband (1 Hz BW)


• Harmonics: <-40 dBc


• Non-harmonic Spurious: <-80 dBc; power line related <-80 dBc above 700 MHz (within 45 MHz of carrier), 45 MHz from carrier)


• Frequency Settling: <5 ms to 100 Hz accuracy; <100 ms to 10 Hz accuracy

Key Features

• Modulation plug-in flexibility: AM, FM, phase-locked FM, phase (10 MHz rates), and pulse modulation


• BCD interface standard; optional HP-IB (IEEE 488) for remote control


• Output calibration accuracy across full dynamic range

Typical Applications Receiver testing, RF component characterization, signal simulation, and modulated signal generation requiring multi-band frequency coverage.

Compatibility & Integration Operates with RF plug-ins 86601A, 86602A/B, or 86603A, and modulation sections 86631B through 86635A for expanded capability.