Agilent / Keysight 8780A Vector Signal Generator, 10 MHz to 3 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8780A is a synthesized vector signal generator covering 10 MHz to 3 GHz with 1 Hz tuning resolution. It generates complex modulated signals for communication system and electronic device testing through a vector (I/Q) modulator architecture that delivers modulation bandwidths exceeding conventional synthesizer technology.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 3 GHz (operational extension to approximately 4 MHz without guaranteed performance specifications)
Tuning Resolution: 1 Hz
Vector Modulation Bandwidth: Up to 700 MHz peak-to-peak
Scalar Input Sensitivity: 0 V to 1 V for 0 to full scale envelope modulation
Scalar DC Accuracy: < 2% of full scale input at 140 MHz carrier Digital Modulation Formats: BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum: Chip widths down to 7 ns
State DC Accuracy (at 140 MHz, ≤ +7 dBm): ±1% full scale I/Q (BPSK, QPSK); ±2% full scale I/Q (16QAM)
Digital Data Clocking: Leading (positive) edge FM Wideband Deviation: Over 200 MHz peak-to-peak
FM 3 dB Bandwidth: 10 kHz (for deviations up to 10 kHz peak-to-peak)
Deviation Range: 150 Hz to 150 kHz peak-to-peak; 3-digit resolution
FM Sensitivity: 1 V peak-to-peak for displayed deviation
FM Sensitivity Accuracy: < 10% for rates to 1 kHz and deviations of 150 kHz peak-to-peak
FM Distortion (1 kHz rate, 150 kHz deviation): < 5%
Residual FM (300 Hz–3 kHz BW, 150 kHz deviation): < 5 Hz rms
Wide FM Capability: Up to 250 MHz peak-to-peak with rapid frequency changes

Key Features

• Four simultaneous modulation methods: Digital, Scalar, FM, and Vector


• Vector modulator doubles baseband modulation bandwidths


• Arbitrary phase and amplitude modulation control


• Parallel interface for clockless digital vector modulation


• Built-in mapping for common digital modulation formats

Typical Applications

• Communication system development and validation


• Electronic device testing and characterization


• Research and manufacturing test environments


• Spread spectrum signal generation


• Wideband frequency and phase modulation testing

Compatibility & Integration The 8780A accepts analog vector modulation inputs and includes a parallel digital interface for vector modulation, enabling integration with external baseband processing systems.