Agilent 83554A Spec Data Sheet

Agilent
83554A/83555A/83556A
mm-wave Source Modules*

Data Sheet

26.5 to 40.0 GHz

33.0 to 50.0 GHz

40.0 to 60.0 GHz

Precision and power from a
millimeter-wave swept solution

* For mm-wave source modules from 50 to 110 GHz (Agilent model

numbers 83557A and 83558A) please refer to publication number 5958-0398.

2

The solution to your
millimeter-wave
signal source needs

The 83550-series millimeter-wave
source modules provide millimeter­wave test signals for waveguide
bands from 26.5 to 60 GHz when
driven by 11 to 20 GHz microwave
sources. The 83550-series source
modules offer internally-leveled high
output power, full waveguide band
frequency coverage, and the high
frequency accuracy and resolution
of the driving microwave source.

There are several ways of configuring
a millimeter-wave source to best
suit your specific needs. For swept­frequency testing, choose the 8 to
20 GHz 83550A RF plug-in for the
8350B mainframe as the microwave
source driver for the source module
covering your frequency range.
The 83550A offers +20 dBm of
internally- leveled output power
from 8 to 18.6 GHz and +18 dBm
from 18.6 to 20 GHz. This meets the
required input power for the source
modules (+17 dBm) to give you a
one-step solution.

An alternate way to generate swept
signals is to use your new or existing
microwave source with the 8349B
microwave amplifier as the driving
microwave source for the source
modules. The 8349B microwave
amplifier is a compact GaAs FET
instrumentation amplifier that deliv­ers +20 dBm of output power from 2
to 18.6 GHz and +18 dBm of output
power from 18.6 to 20 GHz.

Thus, when you need a millimeter­wave sweeper, the 8350B sweep
oscillator has the 83590-series RF
plug-ins driving an 8349B microwave
amplifier, or an 83550A plug-in to
operate over the frequency range
required by the 83550-series
millimeter-wave source modules.
Many capabilities and features of the
8350B are translated through the
source modules to the millimeter-

wave bands. These include the
continuous analog sweep, alternate
sweep, five independent frequency
markers, high frequency accuracy,
programmable and calibrated output
power (83500-series only), internal
and external leveling, and complete
programmability.

When increased frequency accuracy,
frequency stability and high spectral
purity are required, the 8340A/8341A
or 8340B/8341B synthesized sweepers
and the 8349B microwave amplifier
are attractive drivers for the source
modules. Besides all the sweep
oscillator features listed for the
8350B sweeper, an 8340/8341-based
millimeter- wave source delivers a
highly-accurate and spectrally-pure
signal with a frequency resolution of
6 Hz at 26.5 GHz and 9 Hz at 60 GHz.
The 8340B/8341B synthesized
sweepers additionally offer calibrated
output power that can be set from
the front panel or over the GPIB bus.
Improved external amplitude and
pulse modulation capability is pro­vided, as well as external frequency
modulation capability. The 8673B/C/D

synthesized signal generators can
also drive the 8349B microwave
amplifier to offer similar synthesized
CW performance. In addition to the
synthesized frequency performance,
high-performance AM, FM and pulse
modulation make these synthesizers
ideal for many signal simulation
applications.

The small size of the 83550-series
source modules mean you can use
them even on a crowded benchtop.
Additionally, two flexible cables, an
RF cable and a source module
interface cable are provided with
the source modules to connect the
microwave source driver to the
source module. These cables allow
you to place the source module up
to 1 meter from the driving source.
Now you can bring your source to
your test system instead of the other
way around.

The 83550-series millimeter-wave
source modules deliver excellent
performance, versatility and reliability
at a reasonable cost. They make
simple, high-quality measurements
at millimeter-wave frequencies
a reality.

8350/83550A

sweep oscillator

E8241A/44A/51A/54A

Option 1EA

OR

83554A

mm-wave

source module

83555A

mm-wave

source module

83556A

mm-wave

source module

83557A

mm-wave

source module

83558A

mm-wave

source module

8349B

microwave amplifier

8350B/8359x
8340A/8341B
8340B/8341B

8673B/C/D

microwave sources

E8241A/44A/51A/54A

26.5 – 40 GHz

33 – 50 GHz

40 – 60 GHz

50 – 75 GHz

75 – 110 GHz

3

High accuracy
and resolution

Because the 83550-series source
modules use frequency multiplication
to generate millimeter-wave frequen­cies, the millimeter-wave system fre­quency specifications are directly
proportional to those of the microwave
source driving the source modules.
Frequency accuracy, stability, and
resolution specifications are multi­plied by a factor of either two or
three depending on whether the
drive frequency is doubled or tripled.
For example, a millimeter-wave
source based on the 8341B/8349B
will have frequency resolution of
6 Hz in the 26.5 to 40 GHz band,
9 Hz in the 33 to 50 GHz band, and
9 Hz in the 4 to 60 GHz band.

Spectral purity

The 83550-series source modules offer
harmonic and sub-harmonic suppres­sion of >20 dBc in any band. Greater
spectral purity (>40 to 50 dBc) can
be achieved in certain frequency
ranges by using a harmonically clean
microwave source such as the 8350B/
83550A, 8673B/C/D, 8350B/83592C
or 8341B Option 003 to drive the
source module. Low harmonics help
to increase the validity and range of
many millimeter-wave measurements.

When the 8340B/41B or 8673B/C/D
synthesizers (combined with the
required 8349B amplifier) serve as
the driving microwave source for the
source modules, their high stability
and low phase noise performance
are available for a variety of signal
simulation applications. For example,
the phase noise performance of the
8340B/8349B/83554A is typically
–70 dBc in a 1 Hz noise bandwidth at
10 kHz offset from a 35 GHz carrier.

High output power

The 83550-series source modules
provide plenty of output power. This
high output power can permit the
source module to serve as a mixer LO
in some applications. High power also
expands the available dynamic range
in frequency response measurements.

The 83550-series source modules also
offer internal leveling. The output
power of the source module is dis­played on the 83550A, 8340B/8341B,
8673B/C/D or the 8349B power display
(depending on your millimeter-wave
source configuration) to yield 0.1 dB
of digitally-displayed resolution.

Operational simplicity

The digital displays on the microwave
source drivers indicate the active
function values, including sweep
limit frequencies, sweep time and
output power. This makes your mea­surements easier, faster and more
efficient. Simple front panel opera­tions let you enter a display multi­plier, so that the actual output fre­quency of the source module may be
entered and displayed directly on the
microwave source driver.

For multiple test setup sequences, each
of the nine internal nonvolatile storage
registers, standard on the microwave
source drivers, can save the entire
instrument state for later, rapid recall.

And complete
programmability

The complete programmability of all
functions of the microwave sources
via the GPIB* is directly translated
through the 83550-series source
modules to provide you with the most
powerful millimeter-wave sources in
the industry.

More than just IEEE-488, GPIB is an
internationally accepted standard, so
you can easily integrate the microwave
source drivers into existing automatic
systems as well as new ones. Mnemonic
programming codes simplify software
development and reduce programming
and debugging time. Finally, GPIB also
means that all the documentation is
available for you to design, configure,
and program your own system with
minimum development time.

All at a lower cost

Until now, sources at millimeter-wave
frequencies were usually high cost
items. Now, the 83550-series source
modules change all that by combining
performance and quality with a low
cost of entry. This is possible because
the source modules are backward­compatible with existing Agilent micro­wave sources. Thus, you can generate a
full waveguide band of millimeter- wave
frequencies for just the cost of the
8349B and a source module. Also, low
cost of ownership is enhanced by the
two-year warranty on the microcircuits
of the 83550-series source modules
and the 8349B microwave amplifier.

30 34 38 42 46 50 54 58 6026.5

+3

+5

+7

+9

+11

+13

+15

Output frequency (GHz)

Output power (dBm)

83554A

83555A

83556A

Typical
Specified

Spectrum analyzer photo of 8340A/8349B/
83556A signal at 50 GHz.

Spectrum analyzer photo of 8341A/8349B/
83555A signals at 44 GHz with resolution of 10 Hz.

Typical maximum leveled output power
available from the 83550-series millimeter-wave
source modules.

*GPIB is Agilent Technologies’ hardware, software,
documentation, and support for IEEE-488 and IEC-625,
worldwide standards for interfacing instruments.

4

Exceptional modulation
capabilities

Radar and ECM threat simulation
make high-performance demands on
millimeter-wave sources. The 83550­series source modules combined
with the 8340/8341 or the 8673B/C/D
synthesizers and an 8349B microwave
amplifier help meet these demands
for broadband frequency coverage
and high-performance modulation.
For example, you can use their abil­ity to simultaneously pulse and
amplitude modulate the RF signal to
simulate the effect of an antenna
scan on a pulse-modulated signal.

Agilent’s 8340B/8341B and 8673B/C/D
have internal pulse modulators to
provide calibrated, leveled pulse
modulation with 80 dB on/off ratio
over the full frequency range.

DC coupled AM is available on the
8340/8341 and 8673B/C/D when an
external modulation source is used.
Since the AM circuitry is DC coupled,
it can accurately reproduce complex
waveforms that have a DC component,
such as the antenna scan waveform.
The 8340B/8341B, for example,
operates at rates ranging from DC
to 100 kHz.

FM may be applied to the 8340B/8341B
or 8673B/C/D synthesizer input and
the corresponding millimeter-wave
frequency output will be modulated
with an FM deviation two or three
times (depending on the source
module used) the modulation input
at the same rate. For example, the
8673B/8349B/83556A combination
can be frequency-modulated at rates
between 100 Hz and 10 MHz with
deviations up to 30 MHz.

Millimeter-wave
swept systems
for high-quality
measurements

Tracking two-tone sweep

Broadband testing of mixers, receiver
front-ends, and frequency translators
is greatly simplified with this “two
tone” source configuration. Using
one source for RF drive and the other
for LO, they can be offset in frequency
equal to the IF of the device under
test. This tracking two-tone sweep
significantly reduces measurement
time by producing a swept display of
the devices frequency response over
the full frequency range of millimeter­wave sources based on Agilent’s
8350B sweep oscillators.

In addition, you can reduce the effects
of LO feedthru at the mixer output
by using AC detection of the 8756A
or 8757A scalar network analyzers.
By modulating the RF input and not
modulating the LO input, the desired
IF signal will be modulated but the
undesired LO feedthru will not.
Since the AC detectors only respond
to signals modulated by 27.8 kHz,
the unmodulated LO feedthru does
not cause an inaccuracy in the con­version loss measurement. For fur­ther information refer to application
note 312-1 (publication number
5952-9316).

8340A/8349B/83554A pulse performance at
35 GHz. Pulse width = 5 ms.

8341A/8349B/83554A AM performance at
30 GHz. AM rate is 17 kHz and depth is 70%.

5

Scalar network analysis

Scalar measurements to 110 GHz are
facilitated by the use of the Agilent
83550 series millimeter-wave source
modules. When these modules are
driven by an 11 to 20 GHz, > +17
dBm microwave source, such as the
Agilent 83623B, 83624B, or any
source in conjunction with an
Agilent 8349B amplifier, they pro­vide waveguide frequency coverage
to 110 GHz. These efficient frequency
multipliers offer internally leveled,
high output power, and the high
frequency accuracy and resolution
of the driving microwave source.

Sweeper

RF
cable

Source

module

interface

Millimeter-wave
source module

Short
circuit

* Required for R, Q, and U band measurement systems only.
** Required for V and W band measurement systems only.

Isolator*

Detector

Scalar network analyzer

ABR

Isolator**

Thru

DUT

Directional
coupler

Detectors

Straight
or twist

Directional

coupler

Typical scalar transmission and reflection measurement setup from 33 to 50 GHz.

6

83554A specifications

Specifications describe the instruments warranted performance over the temperature range 0˚C to 55˚C (except
where noted). Supplemental characteristics are intended to provide information useful in applying the instrument by
giving typical but non-warranted performance parameters. These are denoted as typical, nominal or approximately.

8350B/ 8340A/8349B,

8350B/83550A 83590 series/8349B 8341A/8349B

Frequency characteristics

Range: 26.5–40.0 GHz 26.5–40.0 GHz 26.5–40.0 GHz

Accuracy (25˚C±5˚C)

CW mode2: ±40 MHz ±20 MHz Same as time base.
Time base3: —— Internal 10 MHz time base

Aging rate: less than 1 x 10–9/day and
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C

Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10%

All sweep modes (for sweep time >100 msec): ±100 MHz ±60 MHz ∆F ≤n x 10 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time

base accuracy. n x 10 MHz <∆F
<600 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥600 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±100 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4) of
the 8340/41)

CW resolution: 52 kHz 52 kHz 6 Hz

Stability

With temperature: Typically ±2 MHz/˚C ±1.2 MHz/˚C —
With 10% line voltage change ±300 kHz ±300 kHz —
With time (in a 10-minute period)4: ±2 MHz ±600 kHz Same as time base.
Residual FM, peak (20 Hz–15 kHz bandwidth, CW mode): <50 kHz <18 kHz —

Output characteristics

Maximum leveled power (25˚C±5˚C): +8 dBm, 26.5–37.2 GHz +8 dBm, 26.5–37.2 GHz +8 dBm, 26.5–37.2 GHz

+7 dBm, 37.2–40.0 GHz +7 dBm, 37.2–40.0 GHz +7 dBm, 37.2–40.0 GHz

Minimum settable power: –5 dBm –5 dBm –5 dBm

Power level accuracy5(25˚C±5˚C)

Internally leveled: ±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB
Power flatness (at maximum leveled power)
Internally leveled: ±1.50 dB ±1.50 dB

8

±1.50 dB

8

Source output SWR

Internally leveled: <2.0 <2.0 <2.0
Unleveled: Typically <3.0 <3.0 <3.0

Spurious signals

6

26.5–26.7 GHz >25 dBc >25 dBc >25 dBc

26.7–40.0 GHz >50 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc
(>45 dBc for 83592C)

Modulation characteristics

External FM

Maximum deviations Crossover coupled: Crossover coupled: —

±150 MHz (DC–100 Hz) ±150 MHz (DC–100 Hz)
±27 MHz (100 Hz–6 MHz) ±14 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)

±10 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±2 MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Direct coupled: Direct coupled:
±27 MHz (DC–6 MHz) ±24 MHz (DC–100 MHz)

±14 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)
±10 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±2 MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Sensitivity

FM mode: Typically –40 MHz/V –40 MHz/V —
Phase-lock mode: Typically –12 MHz/V –12 MHz/V —

External AM

Bandwidth: Typically DC–100 kHz DC–100 kHz DC–30 kHz
Sensitivity: Typically 1 dB/V 1 dB/V 100%/V

External pulse modulation

Rise/fall time: Typically 25 ns 1 µs 50 ns
Minimum RF pulse width: Typically

System leveled: 1 µs 1 µs

9

—

System unleveled: 100 ns 100 ns

9

100 ns
On/off ratio: Typically >60 dB >80 dB >80 dB
Pulse repetition frequency: (Leveled) 10 Hz–500 kHz 100 Hz–500 kHz

9

—

(Unleveled) DC–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz

8757D AC detection mode compatibility Yes Ye s N o

Table 1.

8340A/8340B/8341B/8349B/83554A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

26.5 to 27.0 –52 –58 –66 –74 –95

27.0 to 40.0 –48 –54 –62 –70 –91

8341A/8349B/83554A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

26.5 to 27.0 —–55 –63 –71 –95

27.0 to 40.0 —–51 –59 –67 –91

8673B/C/D/8349B/83554A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

26.5 to 27.0 –42 –54 –62 –70 –94

27.0 to 40.0 –40 –52 –60 –66 –92

General specifications

Input frequencies: 13.25 to 20.00 GHz
Minimum input power level into 83554A RF input cable: +17 dBm (50 mW)
Maximum input power level into 83554A RF input cable: +27 dBm (0.5W)
Waveguide output connector: EIA size WR 28 waveguide. Mates with

JAN UG-599 flange.

Weight: Net, 1.7 kg (4 lb.)
Dimensions:

Furnished with each 83554A: Operating and service manual, (part number

83554-90001), procedure and parts for 8340 series/83590 series 0.5 V/GHz
modification (part number 83554-90016), RF cable (part number 5061-5359),
synthesizer interface cable (part number 5061-5391), module base assembly
(part number 83556-60010).

1. To achieve specified performance, the unit may need modifications. Refer to
pages 14 and 15 for details.

2. Specifications referenced are source driver specific and do not include the
doubling effect of the source module.

3. The overall accuracy of the internal time base is a function of time base
calibration ± aging rate ± temperature effects ± line effects.

4. After one hour warm-up at selected CW frequency.

5. Specified with respect to power display. Includes power level flatness.

6. Expressed in dB relative to carrier (dBc).

7. When remotely programmed and when power is referenced to the front panel
display, add ±0.75 dB.

8. Must have 0.5 V/GHz modification.

9. Pulse modulation characteristics of Agilent’s 83592A/B/C or
83595A based source configuration only.

10. Typical pulse level accuracy of ±1.5 dB relative to CW.

7

8340B/8349B,
8341B/8349B 8673B/C/D/8349B1

26.5–40.0 GHz 26.5–40.0 GHz (8673B/D)

26.5–37.2 GHz (8673C)

Same as time base. Same as time base.
Internal 10 MHz time base. Internal 10 MHz time base.
Aging rate: less than 1 x10–9/day and Aging rate: less than 5 x 10

–10

/day and
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up. 2 x 10–7/year after a 24-hour warmup.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C
Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10% Line voltage effect: <5 x 10

–10

/+5% to –10%

∆F ≤n x 10 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time Same as time base.
base accuracy. n x 10 MHz <∆F
<600 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥600 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±100 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4) of
the 8340/41)

6 Hz 6 Hz (8 kHz for 8673B/D from 37.2–40 GHz)

——
——

Same as time base. Same as time base.

——

+8 dBm, 26.5–37.2 GHz +8 dBm, 26.5–37.2 GHz
+7 dBm, 37.2–40.0 GHz +7 dBm, 37.2–40.0 GHz
–5 dBm –5 dBm

±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB

7

±1.50 dB

8

±1.50 dB

8

<2.0 <2.0
<3.0 <3.0

>25 dBc >25 dBc
>20 dBc >20 dBc
(>40 dBc for 8341B Option 003) (>50 dBc for 8673C/D)

±20 MHz or ±20 MHz or
±20 x fmod, 26.5–27 GHz ±30 x fmod, 26.5–37.2 GHz
±30 x fmod, 27–40 GHz ±40 x fmod, 37.2–40.0 GHz
Whichever is less (50 kHz–10 MHz) Whichever is less (100 Hz–10 MHz

with 0.06 or 0.2 MHz/V range,
1 kHz–10 MHz with 0.6, 2, 6 or
20 MHz/V range.)

2 MHz/V or 20 MHz/V 0.06, 0.2, 0.6, 2, 6 or 20 MHz/V

——

DC–100 kHz DC–80 kHz
100%/V 30%/V and 100%/V

50 ns 50 ns

1 µs 5 µs

10

100 ns 50 ns
>80 dB >80 dB
100 Hz–50 kHz 50 Hz–100 kHz
100 Hz–5 MHz 50 Hz–500 kHz

Ye s Ye s

Table 1. continued

8

8350B/ 8340A/8349B,

8350B/83550A 83590 series/8349B 8341A/8349B

Frequency characteristics

Range: 33.0–50.0 GHz 33.0–50.0 GHz 33.0–50.0 GHz

Accuracy (25˚C±5˚C)

CW mode2: ±60 MHz ±30 MHz Same as time base.

Time base3: —— Internal 10 MHz time base

Aging rate: less than 1 x 10–9/day and
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C

Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10%

All sweep modes (for sweep time >100 msec): ±150 MHz ±90 MHz ∆F ≤n x 15 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time

base accuracy. n x 15 MHz <∆F
<900 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥900 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±150 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4)
of the 8340/41)

CW resolution: 78 kHz 78 kHz 6 Hz, 33.0–40.5 GHz

9 Hz, 40.5–50.0 GHz

Stability

With temperature: Typically ±3 MHz/˚C ±1.8 MHz/˚C —
With 10% line voltage change ±450 kHz ±450 kHz —
With time (in a 10-minute period)4: ±3 MHz <±900 kHz Same as time base.
Residual FM, peak (20 Hz–15 kHz bandwidth, CW mode): <75 kHz <27 kHz —

Output characteristics

Maximum leveled power (25˚C±5˚C): +3 dBm +3 dBm +3 dBm

Minimum settable power: –5 dBm –5 dBm –5 dBm

Power level accuracy5(25˚C±5˚C)

Internally leveled: ±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB
Power flatness (at maximum leveled power)
Internally leveled: ±1.50 dB ±1.50 dB

8

±1.50 dB

8

Source output SWR

Internally leveled: <2.0 <2.0 <2.0
Unleveled: Typically <3.0 <3.0 <3.0

Spurious signals

6

33.0–37.5 GHz >20 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc

37.5–49.5 GHz >50 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc
(>45 dBc for 83592C)

49.5–50.0 GHz >20 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc

Modulation characteristics

External FM

Maximum deviations Crossover coupled: Crossover coupled: —

±225 MHz (DC–100 Hz) ±225 MHz (DC–100 Hz)
±40.5 MHz (100 Hz–6 MHz) ±21 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)

±15 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±3 MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Direct coupled: Direct coupled:
±40.5 MHz (DC–6 MHz) ±36 MHz (DC–100 MHz)

±21 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)
±15 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±3MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Sensitivity

FM mode: Typically –60 MHz/V –60 MHz/V —
Phase-lock mode: Typically –18 MHz/V –18 MHz/V —

External AM

Bandwidth: Typically DC–100 kHz DC–100 kHz DC–30 kHz
Sensitivity: Typically 1 dB/V 1 dB/V 100%/V

External pulse modulation

Rise/fall time: Typically 25 ns 1 µs 50 ns
Minimum RF pulse width: Typically

System leveled: 1 µs 1 µs

9

—

System unleveled: 100 ns 100 ns

9

100 ns
On/off ratio: Typically >60 dB >80 dB >80 dB
Pulse repetition frequency: (Leveled) 10 Hz–500 kHz 100 Hz–500 kHz

9 —

(Unleveled) DC–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz

8757D AC detection mode compatibility Yes Ye s N o

83555A specifications

Specifications describe the instruments warranted performance over the temperature range 0˚C to 55˚C (except
where noted). Supplemental characteristics are intended to provide information useful in applying the instrument by
giving typical but non-warranted performance parameters. These are denoted as typical, nominal or approximately.

Table 2.

8340A/8340B/8341B/8349B/83555A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

33.0 to 40.5 –48 –54 –62 –70 –91

40.5 to 50.0 –44 –50 –58 –66 –87

8341A/8349B/83555A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

33.0 to 40.5 —–55 –59 –67 –91

27.0 to 50.0 —–47 –55 –63 –87

8673B/C/D/8349B/83555A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

33.0 to 36.9 –42 –54 –62 –70 –94

36.9 to 50.0 –38 –50 –58 –66 –90

General specifications

Input frequencies: 11.000 to 16.667 GHz
Minimum input power level into 83555A RF input cable: +17 dBm (50 mW)
Maximum input power level into 83555A RF input cable: +27 dBm (0.5W)
Waveguide output connector: EIA size WR 28 waveguide. Mates with

JAN UG-383 flange.

Weight: Net, 1.7 kg (4 lb.)
Dimensions:

Furnished with each 83555A: Operating and service manual, (part number

83555-90019), procedure and parts for 8340 series/83590 series 0.5 V/GHz
modification (part number 83554-90016), RF cable (part number 5061-5359),
synthesizer interface cable (part number 5061-5391), module base assembly
(part number 83556-60010).

1. To achieve specified performance, the unit may need modifications. Refer to
pages 14 and 15 for details.

2. Specifications referenced are source driver specific and do not include the
doubling effect of the source module.

3. The overall accuracy of the internal time base is a function of time base
calibration ± aging rate ± temperature effects ± line effects.

4. After one hour warm-up at selected CW frequency.

5. Specified with respect to power display. Includes power level flatness.

6. Expressed in dB relative to carrier (dBc).

7. When remotely programmed and when power is referenced to the front panel
display, add ±0.75 dB.

8. Must have 0.5 V/GHz modification.

9. Pulse modulation characteristics of Agilent’s 83592A/B/C or
83595A based source configuration only.

10. Typical pulse level accuracy of ±1.5 dB relative to CW.

9

8340B/8349B,
8341B/8349B 8673B/C/D/8349B1

33.0–50.0 GHz 33.0–50.0 GHz

Same as time base. Same as time base.
Internal 10 MHz time base Internal 10 MHz time base
Aging rate: less than 1 x 10–9/day and Aging rate: less than 5 x 10

–10

/day and
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up. 2 x 10–7/year after a 24-hour warmup.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C
Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10% Line voltage effect: <5 x 10

–10

/+5% to –10%

∆F ≤n x 10 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time Same as time base.
base accuracy. n x 10 MHz <∆F
<600 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥600 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±100 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4)
of the 8340/41)

6 Hz, 33.0–40.5 GHz 6 Hz (9 kHz for 8673 B/D
9 Hz, 40.5–50.0 GHz from 36.9–50 GHz)

——
——

Same as time base. Same as time base.

——

+3 dBm +3 dBm
–5 dBm –5 dBm

±2.00 dB ±2.00 dB

7

±1.50 dB

8

±1.50 dB

8

<2.0 <2.0
<3.0 <3.0

>20 dBc >20 dBc
>20 dBc >20 dBc
(>40 dBc for 8341B Option 003) (>50 dBc for 8673 C/D)
>20 dBc >20 dBc

±30 MHz or ±30 MHz or
±30 x fmod, 26.5–27 GHz ±45 x fmod, 33.0–36.9 GHz
±45 x fmod, 27–40 GHz ±40 x fmod, 36.9–50.0 GHz
Whichever is less (50 kHz–10 MHz) Whichever is less (100 Hz–10 MHz

with 0.09 or 0.3 MHz/V range,
1 kHz–10 MHz with 0.9, 3, 9 or
30 MHz/V range.)

3 MHz/V or 30 MHz/V 0.09, 0.3, 0.9, 3, 9 or 30 MHz/V

——

DC–100 kHz DC–80 kHz
100%/V 30%/V and 100%/V

50 ns 50 ns

1 µs 5 µs

10

100 ns 50 ns
>80 dB >80 dB
100 Hz–50 kHz 50 Hz–100 kHz
100 Hz–5 MHz 50 Hz–500 kHz

Ye s Ye s

Table 2. continued

10

8350B/ 8340A/8349B,

8350B/83550A 83590 series/8349B 8341A/8349B

Frequency characteristics

Range: 40.0–60.0 GHz 40.0–60.0 GHz 40.0–60.0 GHz

Accuracy (25˚C±5˚C)

CW mode2: ±60 MHz ±30 MHz Same as time base.
Time base3: —— Internal 10 MHz time base

Aging rate: less than 1 x 10–9/day and
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C

Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10%

All sweep modes (for sweep time >100 msec): ±150 MHz ±90 MHz ∆F ≤n x 15 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time

base accuracy. n x 15 MHz <∆F
<900 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥900 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±100 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4)
of the 8340/41)

CW resolution: 78 kHz 78 kHz 6 Hz, 40.0–40.5 GHz

9 Hz, 40.5–60.0 GHz

Stability

With temperature: Typically ±3 MHz/˚C ±1.8 MHz/˚C —
With 10% line voltage change ±450 kHz ±450 kHz —
With time (in a 10-minute period)4: ±3 MHz <±900 kHz Same as time base.
Residual FM, peak (20 Hz–15 kHz bandwidth, CW mode): <75 kHz <27 kHz —

Output characteristics

Maximum leveled power (25˚C±5˚C): +3 dBm +3 dBm +3 dBm
Minimum settable power: –5 dBm –5 dBm –5 dBm

Power level accuracy5(25˚C±5˚C)

Internally leveled: ±2.25 dB ±2.25 dB ±2.25 dB
Power flatness (at maximum leveled power)
Internally leveled: ±1.75 dB ±1.75 dB

8

±1.75 dB

8

Source output SWR

Internally leveled: <2.0 <2.0 <2.0
Unleveled: Typically <3.0 <3.0 <3.0

Spurious signals

6

40.0–45.0 GHz >20 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc

45.0–60.0 GHz >50 dBc >20 dBc >20 dBc
(>45 dBc for 83592C)

Modulation characteristics

External FM

Maximum deviations Crossover coupled: Crossover coupled: —

±225 MHz (DC–100 Hz) ±225 MHz (DC–100 Hz)
±40.5 MHz (100 Hz–6 MHz) ±21 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)

±15 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±3 MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Direct coupled: Direct coupled:
±40.5 MHz (DC–6 MHz) ±36 MHz (DC–100 MHz)

±21 MHz (100 Hz–1 MHz)
±15 MHz (1 MHz–2 MHz)
±3 MHz (2 MHz–10 MHz)

Sensitivity

FM mode: Typically –60 MHz/V –60 MHz/V —
Phase-lock mode: Typically –18 MHz/V –18 MHz/V —

External AM

Bandwidth: Typically DC–100 kHz DC–100 kHz DC–30 kHz
Sensitivity: Typically 1 dB/V 1 dB/V 100%/V

External pulse modulation

Rise/fall time: Typically 25 ns 1 µs 50 ns
Minimum RF pulse width: Typically

System leveled: 1 µs 1 µs

9

—

System unleveled: 100 ns 100 ns

9

100 ns
On/off ratio: Typically >60 dB >80 dB >80 dB
Pulse repetition frequency: (Leveled) 10 Hz–500 kHz 100 Hz–500 kHz

9 —

(Unleveled) DC–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz 100 Hz–5 MHz

8757D AC detection mode compatibility Ye s Ye s N o

83556A specifications

Specifications describe the instruments warranted performance over the temperature range 0˚C to 55˚C (except
where noted). Supplemental characteristics are intended to provide information useful in applying the instrument by
giving typical but non-warranted performance parameters. These are denoted as typical, nominal or approximately.

Table 3.

8340B/8349B,
8341B/8349B 8673B/C/D/8349B1

40.0–60.0 GHz 40.0–60.0 GHz (8673B/D)

40.0–55.8 GHz (8673C)

Same as time base. Same as time base.
Internal 10 MHz time base Internal 10 MHz time base
Aging rate: less than 1 x 10–9/day and Aging rate: less than 5 x 10

–10

/day
2 x 10–7/year after 30-day warm-up. after a 24-hour warmup.
Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C Temperature effect: <1 x 10

–10

/˚C

Line voltage effect: <1 x 10

–11

/±10% Line voltage effect: <5 x 10

–10

/+5% to –10%

∆F ≤n x 15 MHz: ±1% of ∆F ±time Same as time base.
base accuracy. n x 15 MHz <∆F
<900 MHz: ±2% of ∆F. ∆F ≥900 MHz:
±1% of ∆F or ±100 MHz whichever
is less. (n=harmonic band (1–4)
of the 8340/41)

6 Hz, 40.0–40.5 GHz 9 Hz (12 kHz for 8673 B/D
9 Hz, 40.5–60.0 GHz from 55.8–60.0 GHz)

——
——

Same as time base. Same as time base.

——

+3 dBm +3 dBm
–5 dBm –5 dBm

±2.25 dB ±2.25 dB

7

±1.75 dB

8

±1.75 dB

8

<2.0 <2.0
<3.0 <3.0

>20 dBc >20 dBc
>20 dBc >20 dBc
(>40 dBc for 8341B Option 003) (>50 dBc for 8673C/D)

±30 MHz or ±30 MHz or
±30 x fmod, 40.0–40.5 GHz ±45 x fmod, 40.0–55.8 GHz
±45 x fmod, 40.5–60.0 GHz ±60 x fmod, 55.8–60.0 GHz
Whichever is less (50 kHz–10 MHz) Whichever is less (100 Hz–10 MHz

with 0.09 or 0.3 MHz/V range,
1 kHz–10 MHz with 0.9, 3, 9 or
30 MHz/V range.)

2 MHz/V or 20 MHz/V 0.09, 0.3, 0.9, 3, 9 or 30 MHz/V

——

DC–100 kHz DC–80 kHz
100%/V 30%/V and 100%/V

50 ns 50 ns

1 µs 5 µs

10

100 ns 50 ns
>80 dB >80 dB
100 Hz–50 kHz 50 Hz–100 kHz
100 Hz–5 MHz 50 Hz–500 kHz

Ye s Ye s

8340A/8340B/8341B/8349B/83556A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

40.0 to 40.5 –48 –54 –62 –70 –91

40.5 to 60.0 –44 –50 –58 –66 –87

8341A/8349B/83556A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 30 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

40.0 to 40.5 —–51 –59 –67 –91

40.5 to 60.0 —–47 –55 –63 –87

8673B/C/D/8349B/83556A single-sideband phase noise
(dBc/1 Hz noise BW, CW mode, all power levels)

Offset from carrier

Frequency
range (GHz) 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

40.0 to 55.8 –38 –50 –58 –66 –90

55.8 to 60.0 –36 –48 –56 –64 –88

General specifications

Input frequencies: 13.333 to 20.000 GHz
Minimum input power level into 83556A RF input cable: +17 dBm (50 mW)
Maximum input power level into 83556A RF input cable: +27 dBm (0.5W)
Waveguide output connector: EIA size WR 19 waveguide. Mates with

JAN UG-383 flange.

Weight: Net, 1.7 kg (4 lb.)
Dimensions:

Furnished with each 83556A: Operating and service manual, (part number

83556-90019), procedure and parts for 8340 series/83590 series 0.5 V/GHz
modification (part number 83554-90016), RF cable (part number 5061-5359),
synthesizer interface cable (part number 5061-5391), module base assembly
(part number 83556-60010).

1. To achieve specified performance, the unit may need modifications. Refer to
pages 14 and 15 for details.

2. Specifications referenced are source driver specific and do not include the
doubling effect of the source module.

3. The overall accuracy of the internal time base is a function of time base
calibration ± aging rate ± temperature effects ± line effects.

4. After one hour warm-up at selected CW frequency.

5. Specified with respect to power display. Includes power level flatness.

6. Expressed in dB relative to carrier (dBc).

7. When remotely programmed and when power is referenced to the front panel
display, add ±0.75 dB.

8. Must have 0.5 V/GHz modification.

9. Pulse modulation characteristics of Agilent’s 83592A/B/C or
83595A based source configuration only.

10. Typical pulse level accuracy of ±1.5 dB relative to CW.

11

Table 3. continued

12

Additional family
equipment

83557A/83558A
50 to 75 GHz/75 to 110 GHz
mm-wave source modules

Utilize the Agilent Technologies
83557A/83558A mm-wave source
modules to obtain high power, high
quality signals covering the full wave­guide bands of 50 to 75 GHz (V Band)
and 75 to 110 GHz (W Band). These
efficient frequency multipliers translate
a 50 mW (+17 dBm) microwave signal
(12.5 to 18.75 GHz) to a mmwave
signal at a very low cost compared
to other alternatives. With their
reliable, solid state design, these
modules are small and lightweight
and can be operated remotely from
the driving source to better accom­modate your measurement setup
needs. For further information
(specifications and ordering info.)
please refer to the 83557A/83558A
mm-Wave source Module publication
(publication number 5958-0398).

Complementary
equipment

Specifications describe the instruments warranted
performance over the temperature range 0˚ to 55˚C
(except where noted). Supplemental characteristics
are intended to provide information useful in applying
the instrument by giving typical but non-warranted
performance parameters. These are denoted as typical,
nominal or approximately.

8349B microwave amplifier

Millimeter-wave signal sources can
be easily configured using new or
existing microwave sources with the
8349B microwave amplifier (option
002 recommended) as a driver for
the 83550 series millimeter-wave
source modules. The 8349B 2 to 20 GHz

microwave amplifier provides the
+17 dBm of output power required
by the 83550-series millimeter-wave
source modules as well as the DC
bias and other control lines the source
modules need for proper operation.

With 2 to 20 GHz frequency coverage
and up to +20 dBm of output power,
the 8349B is also an excellent gen­eral-purpose instrumentation ampli­fier. For details, refer to the 8349B
data sheet (publication number
5954-1519).

83550A RF plug-in

The 83550A is an 8 to 20 GHz RF
plug-in for the 8350B sweep oscillator
mainframe with +18 dBm of internally­leveled output power across its full
frequency range. This high power
makes it suitable for a wide range of
microwave applications, and also
enables it to directly drive the 83550­series millimeter-wave source mod­ules. The 83550A also supplies the
DC bias and other control lines the
source modules need for proper
operation. For details, refer to the
83550A data sheet (publication
number 5954-1521).

11720A pulse modulator

The 11720A is a high-performance
pulse modulator covering the range of
2 to 18 GHz. Driven by a pulse gener­ator, this modulator can modulate
the microwave output from microwave
sources (including a 8349B microwave
amplifier) to produce unleveled RF
pulses with 10 nsec rise and fall
times and >80 dB on/off ratio. This
combination driving the 83550-series
millimeter-wave source modules can
deliver high-quality pulse performance
to 60 GHz. For details, refer to the
11720A data sheet (publication
number 5952-8240).

E8241A/44A/51A/54A
PSG series
(250 KHz to 40 GHz)
performance signal
generator

The PSG series comes standard with
a millimeter head interface that is
compatible with Agilent’s 83550 series
millimeter heads for frequency cov­erage up to 110 GHz. All four models
of the PSG series with Option 1EA
have enough power to drive millimeter
heads directly which eliminates the
need for an external amplifier.

The PSG series provides the extra
power required eliminating the need
for external amplifiers. The PSG series
also provides the broad frequency
coverage available with a microwave
source. This reduces your need for
an additional RF source to test at low
frequencies. Both of these features
simplify test setups and reduce costs.
For further details refer to the
following Publications:

E8241A/44A/51A/54A
Product Overview
(publication number 5988-2567EN),
E8241A/44A/51A/54A
Configuration Guide
(publication number 5988-2413EN),
E8241A/44A/51A/54A Data Sheet
(publication number 5988-2412EN) and
E8241A/44A/51A/54A Product Note
(publication number 5988-2567EN).

13

8673B/C/D synthesized
signal generators

Like the 8340B/41B, the 8673B/C/D
synthesized signal generators are
designed for demanding applications
requiring high spectral purity stability
and frequency accuracy. The 8673B
covers 2 to 26 GHz, the 8673C covers
50 MHz to 18.6 GHz, and the 8673D
covers 50 MHz to 26 GHz.

Broad frequency coverage and com­plete programmability combine with
excellent AM, FM, and pulse modula­tion to make them ideal for many
millimeter wave signal simulation
applications (using the 8349B micro­wave amplifier and the 83550-series
millimeter-wave source modules).

At millimeter-wave frequencies, for
AM and pulse performance and the

0.5 V/GHz output, the existing
8673B/C/D may need modifications.
Retrofit kits, part number 08673-60130
for 8673B, part number 08673-60182
for 8673C and part number 08673­60183 for 8673D, cover the modifica­tions. The 8673B/C/D standard units
shipped after September 1, 1986 will
include all modifications necessary.

For detailed information refer to the
8673B/C/D data sheet (publication
number 5954-7361).

8757D scalar
network analyzer

Optimize your scalar analysis system
to meet your specific measurement
requirements. The Agilent 8757D
measurement features provide great
system versatility and measurement
throughout. This network analyzer
forms the basis of a complete Agilent
scalar measurement system. System
components may be ordered sepa­rately, or as a complete package. The
basic components of any scalar sys­tem include a scalar analyzer, a
swept source, a directional bridge or
coupler, and detectors. Other acces­sories such as a plotter, printer, or
disk drive (8757D only) can be
added to make a complete manual
measurement system.

For detailed information, refer to
publication number 5091-2471E, the
8757D data sheet.

Waveguide measurement
accessories

Agilent Technologies now offers a
full line of waveguide measurement
accessories (including directional
couplers, isolators, loads, shorts,
detectors and attenuators). These
complement the millimeter-wave
sources and analyzers to help imple­ment complete measurement
solutions to 110 GHz.

Waveguide detectors

• R85026A 26.5 to 40 GHz, WR-28

• Q85026A 33 to 50 GHz, WR-22

• U85026A 40 to 60 GHz, WR-19

• 85025C Option K57 50 to 75 GHz,

WR-15, must order with 85025C

• 85025C Option K71 75 to 110 GHz,

WR-10, must order with 85025C

Waveguide directional couplers

• R752/C/D 26.5 to 40 GHz,

10/20 dB, WR-28

• Q752/C/D 33 to 50 GHz,

10/20 dB, WR-22

• U752/C/D 40 to 60 GHz,

10/20 dB, WR-19

• V752C/D 50 to 75 GHz,

10/20 dB, WR-15

• W752C/D 75 to 110 GHz,

10/20 dB, WR-10

Waveguide accessories

• R365A waveguide isolator, WR-28

• Q365A waveguide isolator, WR-22

• U365A waveguide isolator, WR-19

• V365A waveguide isolator, WR-15

• W365A waveguide isolator, WR-10

• R910A fixed load, WR-28

• Q910A fixed load, WR-22

• W910C fixed load, WR-10

• Part No. 11644-20015

V/W fixed short, WR-15/10

• Part No. 85043-80013

anti-static mat

• Part No. 11644-2004

Q/U fixed short, WR-22/19

• Part No. 11644-20005

R fixed short, WR-28

14

15

Agilent Technologies
Test and Measurement Support,
Services, and Assistance

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Agilent’s overall support policy:
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Product specifications and descriptions in
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Copyright © 2001 Agilent Technologies
Printed in USA November 29, 2001
5954-8364