Agilent Technologies has introduced an analog signal generator that provides excellent close-to-carrier phase noise performance with frequency ranges up to 3.2 GHz or 9 GHz. The instrument's superior accuracy and performance make it well suited for design and manufacturing test engineers working on transceivers for radar/electronic warfare and satellite or terrestrial radio systems using wide-channel bandwidths.

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The close-to-carrier phase noise performance of the Agilent E8663B analog signal generator makes it possible to characterize high-resolution radar and electronic warfare systems and components. Its superior level of accuracy ensures that all measurements are repeatable and precise.

The instrument supplants the discontinued HP and Agilent 8662A and 8663A signal generators that have been industry standards in low-noise signal generation since 1981. The E8663B provides even lower phase noise than its predecessor, plus other performance enhancements in level accuracy and harmonic distortion. This analog signal generator is also code compatible with the Agilent 8662A and 8663A, assuring seamless operation in automated test equipment applications using the 8662A/63A and the Agilent E5500 phase noise test system.

A fully synthesized signal generator, the Agilent E8663B features low phase noise (typically -130 dBc/Hz or lower at a 1 kHz offset from a 1 GHz carrier), high output power (up to 21 dBm) and can operate over a frequency range of 100 kHz to either 3.2 GHz or 9 GHz. Such characteristics make it suitable for a range of applications, including low-jitter, local-oscillator substitution, radar signal simulation and as a reference source for phase-noise measurements.

Available now, the Agilent E8663B analog signal generator has a starting price of $41,500 (100 kHz to 3.2 GHz frequency range option) and $47,500 (100 kHz to 9 GHz frequency range option).