Agilent 8648A Data Sheet

8648A, 100 kHz to 1 GHz

8648B, 9 kHz to 2 GHz

8648C, 9 kHz to 3.2 GHz

8648D, 9 kHz to 4 GHz

Data Sheet

Agilent 8648A/B/C/D
Signal Generators

Specifications describe warranted instrument performance over the 0°C to 50°C temperature range and after a 30-minute warm-up, unless
otherwise noted. All performance below a carrier frequency of 250 kHz is typical. Supplemental characteristics are intended to provide
information useful in estimating instrument capability in your application by describing typical, but non-warranted performance.

2

Frequency

Range

8648A: 100 kHz to 1000 MHz
8648B: 9 kHz to 2000 MHz
8648C: 9 kHz to 3200 MHz
8648D: 9 kHz to 4000 MHz

Resolution

Settable

8648A/B/C/D: 0.001 Hz

Display

10 Hz

Accuracy

1

Typically ± 3x10–6x carrier frequency (Hz),
±0.15x10

–6

x carrier frequency (Hz) for Option 1E5

Switching speed (typical)

8648A/B/C/D

<1001 MHz: <75 ms
≥1001 MHz: <100 ms

Internal reference oscillator

Accuracy and stability

1

(typical, calibration adjustment dependent)
± Aging rate ± temperature effects ± line voltage effects

Output

10 MHz, typically >0.5 V

rms

level into 50 Ω

External reference oscillator input

Accepts 2, 5, 10 MHz ±10 ppm typical (±1 ppm typical
with option 1E5) and a level range of 0.5 V

rms

to 2 V

rms

into 50 Ω

Spectral purity

Harmonics

<–30 dBc (output ≤+4 dBm)

Subharmonics (output ≤+4 dBm)

<1001 MHz: <–60 dBc
≤3200 MHz: <–50 dBc
_4000 MHz: <–40 dBc

Nonharmonics (≥5 kHz offset, output ≤+4 dBm)

8648A/B/C/D

<249 MHz: <–55 dBc
<1001 MHz: <–60 dBc
<2001 MHz: <–54 dBc
≤4000 MHz: <–48 dBc

Residual FM (CCITT, rms)

8648A/B/C/D

<249 MHz: <7 Hz, typically <4 Hz
<501 MHz: <4 Hz, typically <2 Hz
<1001 MHz: <7 Hz, typically <4 Hz
<2001 MHz: <14 Hz, typically <8 Hz
≤4000 MHz: <28 Hz, typically <12 Hz

SSB phase noise (at 20 kHz offset, typical)

8648A/B/C/D

at fc 500 MHz: <–120 dBc/Hz
at fc 1000 MHz: <–116 dBc/Hz
at fc 2000 MHz: <–110 dBc/Hz
at fc 3000 MHz: <–106 dBc/Hz
at fc 4000 MHz: <–104 dBc/Hz

Typical phase noise of the 8648A/B/C/D at 500 MHz

1. After one hour warm-up and within one year of calibration.

2. After four days warm-up and within one year of calibration.

3. Applies over the 25°C ±5°C range.

4. Applies for line voltage change of ±5%.

Standard High stability
timebase timebase
(typical) (Opt 1E5)

Aging <±2 ppm/year <±0.1 ppm/year

2

<±0.0005 ppm/day

2

Temperature <±1 ppm <±0.01 ppm3 (typical)
Line Voltage

4

<±0.5 ppm <±0.1 ppm (typical)

3

Output

Range

8648A

+10 to –136 dBm

8648B/C/D

≤2500 MHz: +13 to –136 dBm
≤4000 MHz: +10 to –136 dBm

Maximum leveled power

(High power option 1EA)

8648B/C/D only

1

≤100 kHz: +17 dBm
≤1000 MHz: +20 dBm
≤1500 MHz: +19 dBm
≤2100 MHz: +17 dBm
≤2500 MHz: +15 dBm
≤4000 MHz: +13 dBm

Option 1EA—Typical power versus frequency (GHz)

Display resolution

0.1 dB

Accuracy

8648A/B/C/D

2,3,4

≤2500 MHz: ±1.0 dB
≤3200 MHz: ±1.5 dB
≤4000 MHz: ±2.0 dB

Reverse power protection (watts into 50 Ω)

≤2000 MHz: 50 watts
≤4000 MHz: 25 watts

SWR (output <–6 dBm, typical)

8648A/B/C/D

<249 kHz: <2.5:1
<2500 MHz: <1.5:1
≤4000 MHz: <2.0:1

Output impedance

Nominally 50 ohms

Amplitude modulation (f

c

>1.5 MHz)

5

Range

0 to 100% (output ≤+4 dBm)

Resolution

0.1%

Accuracy

6

(1 kHz rate)

±5% of setting ±1.5%

Rates

8648A/B/C/D

Internal: 400 Hz or 1 kHz or 10 Hz to 20 kHz with Opt 1E2
External: DC: dc to 25 kHz (typical, 3 dB BW)

AC: 1 Hz to 25 kHz (typical, 3 dB BW)

Distortion (1 kHz rate, THD+N, 0.3 to 3 kHz BW)

(at 30 % AM): <2%
8648A (at 90% AM): <3%
8648B/C/D (at 70% AM): <3%

FREQUENCY (MHZ)

0 800 1600 2400 3200 4000

DBM

13

15

17

19

21

23

1. Combining option 1E6 with 1EA reduces maximum output power by 2 dB above 100 MHz.
Below 100 MHz, maximum output is +13 dBm (typically+16 dBm for carrier frequencies

between 100 kHz and 100 MHz).

2. Accuracy is valid from maximum specified output power to –127 dBm.
Below –127 dBm, accuracy is typically ±3 dB in the range 100 kHz to 2500 MHz, and is
not specified outside this frequency range

3. Accuracy applies at 25°C ±5°C; and typically degrades up to ±0.5 dB over 0°C to 50°C
or at output power levels >13 dBm.

4. Accuracy is ±3 dB for power levels between –100 dBm and –127 dBm for frequencies
below 100 kHz or above 2500 MHz.

5. AM is typical above 1001 MHz.

6. AM accuracy applies at 25°C ±5°C and at <70% depth: it is typically ±7% of setting ±1.5%
over 0°C to 50°C.

4

Frequency modulation

Peak deviation (rates >25 Hz ac FM)

8648A/B/C/D

<249 MHz: 0 to 200 kHz
<501 MHz: 0 to 100 kHz
<1001 MHz: 0 to 200 kHz
<2001 MHz: 0 to 400 kHz
≤4000 MHz: 0 to 800 kHz

Resolution

For ≤10% peak deviation

<2001 MHz: 10 Hz
≥2001 MHz: 20 Hz

For >10% to maximum peak deviation

<2001 MHz: 100 Hz
≥2001 MHz: 200 Hz

Deviation accuracy (internal 1 kHz rate)

8648A/B/C/D

<1001 MHz: ±3% of FM deviation ±30 Hz
<2001 MHz: ±3% of FM deviation ±60 Hz
≤4000 MHz: ±3% of FM deviation ±120 Hz

Rates

8648A/B/C/D

Internal: 400 Hz or 1 kHz or 10 Hz to 20 kHz with Opt 1E2
External: DC: dc to 150 kHz (typical, 3 dB BW)

AC: 1 Hz to 150 kHz (typical, 3 dB BW)

Distortion (1 kHz rate, THD + N, 0.3 to 3 kHz BW)

<1001 MHz: <1% at deviations >4 kHz
<2001 MHz: <1% at deviations >8 kHz
≤4000 MHz: <1% at deviations >16 kHz
(88 to 108 MHz: <0.5% at deviations ≥75 kHz

1

)

Carrier frequency accuracy

(relative to CW in dcFM)

2

8648 A/B/C/D

<1001 MHz: ±100 (typical 40) Hz, deviations <10 kHz
<2001 MHz: ±200 (typical 80) Hz, deviations <20 kHz
≤4000 MHz: ±400 (typical 160) Hz, deviations <40 kHz

FM + FM

Internal 1 kHz or 400 Hz source plus external. In internal
plus external FM mode, the internal source produces the
set level of deviation. The external input should be set
to ≤±0.5V peak or 0.5 Vdc (one-half the set deviation).

Phase modulation

Peak deviation

<249 MHz: 0 to 10 radians
<501 MHz: 0 to 5 radians
<1001 MHz: 0 to 10 radians
<2001 MHz: 0 to 20 radians
≤4000 MHz: 0 to 40 radians

Resolution

<2001 MHz: 0.01 radians
≥2001 MHz: 0.02 radians

Deviation accuracy (internal 1 kHz rate, typical)

8648A/B/C/D

<1001 MHz: ±3% of deviation ±0.05 radians
<2001 MHz: ±3% of deviation ±0.1 radians
≤4000 MHz: ±3% of deviation ±0.2 radians

Rates:

Internal

400 Hz or 1 kHz or 10 Hz to 20 kHz with Opt 1E2

1

External

20 Hz to 10 kHz (typical, 3 dB BW)

Distortion (1 kHz rate)

8648 A/B/C/D

<1001 MHz: <1% at deviations ≥3 radians
<2001 MHz: <1% at deviations ≥6 radians
≤4000 MHz: <1% at deviations ≥12 radians

Modulation source

Internal

400 Hz or 1 kHz, front panel BNC connector provided at
nominally 1 Vpk into 600 Ω.

External

1 Vpk into 600 Ω (nominal) required for full scale modula­tion. (High/Low indicator provided for external signals ≤10
kHz.)

1. Only on 8648 series.

2. Specifications apply over the 25°C ±5°C range within one hour of dc FM calibration.

5

Modulation generator (Option 1E2)

1

Adds variable frequency modulation source. Functions also
included in Option 1EP Pager encoder/signalling option.

Waveforms

Sine, Square, Triangle, Sawtooth (Ramp)

Frequency range

Sine: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Square, Triangle, Sawtooth: 100 Hz to 2 kHz

2

Frequency accuracy

±0.01% typical

Frequency resolution

1 Hz (3 digits or 10 Hz displayed)

Depth and deviation accuracy (1 kHz sine)

Refer to AM, FM, and Phase Modulation Accuracy specs

Output

Front panel BNC. Nominally 1 Vpk

Pulse modulation (Option 1E6)

(8648B/C/D Only)

Adds high performance pulse modulation capability

On/off ratio

<2000 MHz: >80 dB
≤4000 MHz: >70 dB

Rise/fall times

<10 ns

Maximum repetition rate

10 MHz

Video feedthrough

<30 mV (typical)

Delay

<60 ns (typical)

Pulse input

TTL level (±15 V max)

Pager encoder/signaling (Option 1EP)

(8648A only)

Adds functionality for testing POCSAG, FLEX™3and
FLEX-TD. Also includes Modulation Generator functions
of Option 1E2. Instrument characteristics are the same as
the 8648A except as noted below.

Frequency

Accuracy with Option 1E54: Typically ±0.15x10

–6

x carrier

frequency in Hz or 0.092x10

–6

x carrier frequency in Hz

within 90 days of calibration.

Frequency modulation

FSK Deviation Accuracy with Option 1EP: ±60 Hz

5

Pager signaling

Supported Pager Protocols: POCSAG, FLEX™, and FLEX­TD

POCSAG

Speed: 512, 1200, and 2400 bps
Message Format: Tone only, Numeric, Alphanumeric

FLEX/FLEX-TD

Speed

2 Level FSK: 1600 and 3200 bps

4 Level FSK: 3200 and 6400 bps
Message Format: Tone only, Numeric (standard and spe­cial), Alphanumeric, HEX/Binary
Address Type: Short, Long

Messaging accessible from front panel or GP-IB

Message Types: Five fixed (built-in), one user-defined
Message Length: 40 characters maximum
Repetition Modes: Single, Burst, Continuous

Messaging accessible only over GP-IB

Message Type: Arbitrary (user-defined)
Batch Length

FLEX/FLEX-TD: 128 Frames

POCSAG: 128 Batches
Repetition Mode: Single only
Data Rate Accuracy: ±5 ppm

6

1. Only on 8648 series.

2. Useable from 10 Hz to 20 kHz; however, bandwidth limitations may result in wave-form
degradation. Refer to AM, FM, and Phase ModulationRate specs (External AC
mode).

3. FLEX is a Motorola trademark.

4. After one hour warm-up and within one year of calibration.

5. Specifications apply over the 25°C ±5°C range, 4.8 kHz deviation.
Meets FLEX requirements at 274 to 288, 322 to 329, 929 to 932 MHz.

6. Specifications apply over the 25°C ±5°C range.

10

Drift (Hz)

5

0

0 0.5 1 32.521.5

Time (Hours)

6

Modulation source

Internal: 400 Hz or 1 kHz, or audio generator (see Option
1E2 for characteristics), front panel BNC connector provid­ed at nominally 1 Vp into 600 Ω.

General

Storage Registers: 70 storage registers with sequence and
register number displayed. Up to 10 sequences are avail­able with 30 registers each.

ISO 9002 compliant

The Agilent 8648A/B/C/D signal generators are manufac­tured in an ISO 9002 registered facility in concurrence
with Agilent Technologies’ commitment to quality.

Environmental

Operating temperature range

0°C to 50°C

Shock and vibration

Meets MIL STD 28800E Type III, Class 5

Leakage

Conducted and radiated interference meets MIL STD 461B
RE02 Part 2 and CISPR 11. Leakage is typically <1 µV
(nominally 0.1 µV with a two-turn loop) at ≤1001 MHz,
when measured with a resonant dipole antenna one inch
from any surface (except the rear panel) with output
level <0 dBm
(all inputs/outputs properly terminated).

Remote programming

Interface

GP-IB (IEEE-488.2-1987) with Listen and Talk.

Control languages

SCPI version 1992.0. 8656B and 8657 code compatibility on
8648A/B/C/D.

Functions controlled

All functions are programmable except the front-panel
power key, the knobs, the increment set key, the arrow
keys, the reference keys and the rear-panel display contrast
control.

IEEE-488 functions

SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0,
E2.

General

Power requirements

90 to 264 V; 48 to 440 Hz; 170 VA maximum

Internal diagnostics

Automatically executes on instrument power-up.
Assists user in locating instrument errors and locating
faulty module.

Storage registers

300 storage registers with sequence and register number
displayed. Up to 10 sequences are available with 30 regis­ters each.

Weight

8648A

7 kg (15 lb.) net, 9 kg (20 lb.) shipping

8648B/C/D

8.5 kg (19 lb.) net, 11 kg (24 lb.) shipping

Dimensions

8648A/B/C/D

165H x 330W x 368D mm (6.5H x 13W x 14.6D inches)

Accessories

Transit case

8648A/B/C/D: P/N 5961-4720

8648 Rear panel

INPUT OUTPUT

DISPLAY

CONTRAST

REMOTE

FRONT PANEL

GP-IB

FUSE 3A

7

To add options to a model, use the following ordering
scheme:

Example

Model # 8648C
Model #-option# 8648C-1EA
Model #-option# 8348C-1E2

Options

Model # -1EA High output power

1

Model # -1E2 Modulation generator
Model # -1E5 High stability time base
Model # -1E6 Pulse modulation

1

Model # -1EP Pager signaling capability

2

Documentation

Model # -UK6 Commercial calibration certificate

with testdata
08648-90048 English Operation and Service Guide
Model # -AB0 Chinese localization Taiwan
Model # -AB1 Korean localization
Model # -AB2 Chinese localization - China
Model # -ABD German localization
Model # -ABE Spanish localization
Model # -ABF French localization
Model # -ABJ Japanese localization
Model # -0B0 Delete manuals

Accessories

Model # -1CM Rack mount kit

Warranty and Service

Standard warranty is 12 months.
For warranty and service of 5 years, specify 60 months
(quantity = 60)

R-51B Return-to-Agilent warranty and service plan

(months)

Calibration

For 3 years, specify 36 months of the appropriate calibration plan.
For 5 years, specify 60 months.

R-50C-001 Standard calibration plan (months)
R-50C-002 Standards compliant calibration plan (months)

1. Not available on 8648A

2. Only available on 8648A

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Product specifications and
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subject to change without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2002, 2005
Printed in USA, July 14, 2005

5965-3432E

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Additional resources

For additional information and feature comparisons,
refer to the 8648 product overview (literature number
5962-6191E).