Agilent E8257C Data Sheet

Agilent E8247C/E8257C
PSG CW and Analog
Signal Generators

Data Sheet

All specifications and characteristics apply over a 0 to 55°C range
(unless otherwise stated) and apply after a 45 minute warm-up time.
Supplemental characteristics, denoted as typical or nominal, provide
additional (non-warranted) information.

Definitions

Specifications (spec): represent warranted performance.

Typical (typ): performance is not warranted. It applies at 25°C. A minimum of 80% of all

products meet typical performance.

Nominal (nom): values are not warranted. They represent the value of a parameter that is most likely
to occur; the expected or mean value. They are included to facilitate the application of the product.

Standard (std): No options are included when referring to the signal generator unless noted otherwise.

PSG Signal Generators

Option 520 Option 540

250 kHz to 20 GHz 250 kHz to 40 GHz

CW only E8247C E8247C
Analog E8257C E8257C
Vector E8267C

(See E8267C data sheet for PSG Vector Signal
Generator specifications)

2

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Digital sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Ramp (analog) sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Spectral purity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Frequency modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Phase modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Amplitude modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

External modulation inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Simultaneous modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Internal modulation source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Pulse modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Internal pulse generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Remote programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

General specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Input/Output Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Front panel connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Rear panel connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Options, Accessories, and Related Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Web Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Related Agilent Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Table of Contents

3

Range

1

Option 520 250 kHz to 20 GHz
Option 540 250 kHz to 40 GHz

Resolution

CW 0.001 Hz
All Sweep modes 0.01 Hz

2

Accuracy Aging rate ± temperature effects

± line voltage effects

Switching speed

3

< 12 ms (typical)

Phase offset Adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments.
Frequency bands

Band Frequency range N #

1 250 kHz to 250 MHz 1/8
2 > 250 to 500 MHz 1/16
3 > 500 MHz to 1 GHz 1/8
4 > 1 to 2 GHz 1/4
5 > 2 to 3.2 GHz 1/2
6 > 3.2 to 10 GHz 1
7 > 10 to 20 GHz 2
8 > 20 to 40 GHz 4

Internal timebase reference oscillator

Standard Option UNR

Aging rate < ±1 x 10

–7

/year or < ±3 x10–8/year or

< ±4.5 x 10

–9

/day < ±2.5 x 10

–10

/day

after 45 days after 30 days

Temperature effects (typical) < ±5 x 10–80 to 55 °C < ±4.5 x 10–90 to 55 °C
Line voltage effects (typical) < ±2 x 10–9for < ±2 x 10

–10

for

+5% –10% change ±10% change

External reference frequency 1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10 MHz 10 MHz only
Lock Range ±0.2 ppm ±1.0 ppm

Reference output

Frequency 10 MHz
Amplitude > +4 dBm into 50 Ω load (typical)

External reference input

Amplitude > –3 dBm
Option UNR 5 dBm ±5 dB

4

Input impedance 50 Ω (nominal)

Specifications

Frequency

1. Useable to 100 kHz

2. In ramp sweep mode (Option 007), resolution is limited with narrow spans and slow sweep speeds.
Refer to ramp sweep specifications for more information.

3. To within 0.1 ppm of final frequency above 250 MHz or within 100 Hz below 250 MHz

4. To optimize phase noise 5 dBm ± 2 dB

4

Digital sweep

Ramp (analog) sweep

(Option 007)

1

Operating modes Step sweep of frequency or amplitude or both (start to stop)

List sweep of frequency or amplitude or both (arbitrary list)

Sweep range

Frequency sweep Within instrument frequency range
Amplitude sweep Within attenuator hold range

Dwell time 1 ms to 60 s
Number of points 2 to 65535 (step sweep)

2 to 1601 per table (list sweep)

Triggering Auto, external, single, or GPIB

Operating modes Synthesized frequency sweep

(start/stop), (center/span), (swept CW)
Power (amplitude) sweep (start/stop)
Manual sweep
RPG control between start and stop frequencies
Alternate sweep
Alternates successive sweeps between current and stored states

Sweep span range Settable from minimum2to full range
Maximum sweep rate Start frequency Maximum sweep rate Max span for

100ms sweep

250 kHz to <0.5 GHz 25 MHz/ms 2.5 GHz

0.5 to <1 GHz 50 MHz/ms 5 GHz
1 to <2 GHz 100 MHz/ms 10 GHz
2 to <3.2 GHz 200 MHz/ms 20 GHz
≥3.2 GHz 400 MHz/ms 36.8 GHz

Frequency accuracy ± 0.05% of span ± timebase (at 100 ms sweep time, for

sweep spans less than maximum values given above)
Accuracy improves proportionally as sweep time increases

3

Sweep time (forward sweep, not including bandswitch and retrace intervals)
Resolution 1 ms
Manual mode Settable 10 ms to 99 seconds
Auto mode Set to minimum value determined by maximum sweep rate

and 8757D setting

Triggering Auto, external, single, or GPIB
Markers 10 independent continuously variable frequency markers

Display Z-axis intensity or RF amplitude pulse
Functions M1 to center, M1/M2 to start/stop, marker delta

Two-tone (master/slave)
measurements

4

Two PSG’s can synchronously track each other, with
independent control of start/stop frequencies

Network analyzer compatibility Fully compatible with Agilent 8757D scalar network analyzer

5

Also useable with Agilent 8757A/C/E scalar network analyzers
for making basic swept measurements.

6

1. During Ramp sweep operation, AM and Pulse Modulation are useable but not specified; FM, Phase

Modulation, Wideband AM and I/Q modulation are not useable.

2. Minimum settable sweep span is proportional to carrier frequency and sweep time. Actual sweep span

may be slightly different than desired setting for spans less than [0.00004% of carrier frequency or
140 Hz] x [sweep time in seconds]. Actual span will always be displayed correctly.

3. Typical accuracy for sweep times > 100 ms can be calculated from the equation:

[(0.005% of span)/(sweep time in seconds)] ± timebase. Accuracy is not specified for sweep times < 10 ms.

4. For Master/Slave operation use Agilent Technologies part #8120-8806 Master/Slave interface cable.

5. When measuring low-pass devices in AC mode, dynamic range may be reduced up to 10dB below 3.2 GHz

6. GPIB system interface is not supported with 8757A/C/E, only with 8757D. As a result, some features of

8757A/C/E, such as frequency display, pass-through mode, and alternate sweep, do not function with
PSG signal generators.

5

Power1(dBm)
Frequency range Standard Option 1EA
20 GHz models

250 kHz to 3.2 GHz –20 to +13 –20 to +16
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

2

–20 to +13 –20 to +13

> 3.2 to 20 GHz –20 to +13 –20 to +20

40 GHz models

250 kHz to 3.2 GHz –20 to +9 –20 to +15
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

2

–20 to +9 –20 to +12
> 3.2 to 20 GHz –20 to +9 –20 to +18
> 20 to 40 GHz –20 to +9 –20 to +14
20 GHz models with step attenuator (Option 1E1)
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz –135 to +11 –135 to +15
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

2

–135 to +11 –135 to +12
> 3.2 to 20 GHz –135 to +11 –135 to +18
40GHz models with step attenuator (Option 1E1)
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz –135 to +7 –135 to +14
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

2

–135 to +7 –135 to +11
> 3.2 to 20 GHz –135 to +7 –135 to +16
> 20 to 40 GHz –135 to +7 –135 to +12

Step attenuator from 0 or 5dB to 115 dB in 10 dB steps3(Option 1EA)

Attenuator hold range (Same as max power sweep range)
Minimum From –20 dBm to maximum specified output power with

step attenuator in 0 dB position. Can be offset using

Option 1E1 attenuator.

Amplitude switching speed

4

CW or analog modulation < 5 ms (typical)
When using power search < 25 ms (typical)

Level accuracy5(dB)
Frequency > +10 dBm +10 to –10 dBm –10 to –20 dBm

250 kHz to 2 GHz ±0.6 ±0.6 ±1.4
2 GHz to 20 GHz ±0.8 ±0.8 ±1.2
> 20 to 40 GHz ±1.0 ±0.9 ±1.3

Output

1. Maximum power specification is warranted from 15 to 35 ºC, and is typical from 0 to 15 ºC. Maximum
power over the 35 to 55 ºC range typically degrades less than 2 dB.

2. Option 1E6 is not available with the E8247C.

3. The step attenuator provides coarse power attenuation to achieve low power levels. Fine power level
adjustment is provided by the ALC (Automatic Level Control) within the attenuator hold range.

4. To within 0.1 dB of final amplitude within one attenuator range

5. Specifications apply in CW and List/Step sweep modes over the 15 to 35 ºC temperature range.
Degradation outside this range, for power levels > –10 dBm, is typically < 0.3 dB. In Ramp sweep mode
(with Option 007), specifications are typical. For instruments with Type-N connectors (Option 1ED), specifications
are degraded typically 0.2 dB above 18 GHz.

20 GHz Models with Option 1EA

26

24

22

20

18

16

0 5000 10000 15000 20000

Frequency (MHz)

40 GHz Models with Option 1EA

26

24

22

20

18

16

0 10000 20000 30000 40000

Frequency (MHz)

20 GHz models with Option 1EA 40 GHz models with Option 1EA

Measured maximum available power Measured maximum available power

6

Level accuracy with step attenuator1(dB)
Frequency

> +10 dBm +10 to –10 dBm –10 to –70 dBm –70 to –90 dBm –90 to –110 dBm

250 kHz to 2 GHz

±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.7 ±0.8 ±1.4
> 2 to 20 GHz ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.9 ±1.0 ±1.7
> 20 to 40 GHz ±1.0 ±0.9 ±1.0 ±2.0

Resolution 0.01 dB
Temperature stability 0.01 dB/°C (typical)
User flatness correction

Number of points 2 to 1601 points/table
Number of tables Up to 10,000, memory limited
Path loss Arbitrary, within attenuator range
Entry modes Remote power meter

2

, remote bus, manual

(user edit/view)

Output impedance 50 Ω (nominal)
SWR (internally leveled) (typical)

250 kHz to 2 GHz < 1.4:1
> 2 GHz to 20 GHz < 1.6:1
> 20 GHz to 40 GHz < 1.8:1
Leveling modes Internal leveling, external detector leveling, millimeter

source module, ALC Off

External detector leveling

Range –0.2 mV to –0.5 V (nominal) (–36 dBm to +4 dBm using

Agilent 33330D/E detector)

Bandwidth 10 kHz (typical) (Note: not intended for pulsed operation)
Maximum reverse power 1/2 Watt (nominal)

1. Specifications apply in CW and List/Step sweep modes over the 15 to 35º C temperature range, with attenuator

hold off (normal operating mode). Degradation outside this range, for ALC power levels > –10 dBm, is typically
< 0.3 dB. In Ramp sweep mode (with Option 007), specifications are typical. For instruments with type-N
connectors (Option 1ED), specifications are degraded typically 0.2 dB above 18 GHz. Level accuracy is not
specified below –110 dBm.

2. Compatible with Agilent Technologies EPM Series (E4418B and E4419B) power meters.

Measured level accuracy +5 dBm Option 1E1

Frequency (MHz)

1

0.5

0

-0.5

-1

0 5000 10000 15000 20000

Measured level accuracy +5 dBm Option 1E1

Frequency (MHz)

1

0.5

0

-0.5

-1

0 10000 20000 30000 40000

20 GHz level accuracy 40 GHz level accuracy

7

Harmonics

1

(dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified output

power, whichever is lower)
< 1 MHz –28 dBc (typical)
1 MHz to 2 GHz –28 dBc
> 2 GHz to 20 GHz –55 dBc
> 20 GHz to 40 GHz –50 dBc (typical)

20 GHz measured harmonics 40 GHz measured harmonics

Sub-harmonics

2

(dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified output

power, whichever is lower)
250 kHz to 10 GHz None
> 10 GHz to 20 GHz < –60 dBc
> 20 GHz to 40 GHz < –50 dBc
Non-harmonics (dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified output

power, whichever is lower, for offsets > 3 KHz

[>300 Hz with Option UNR])

16

Frequency Spec Typical

250 kHz to 250 MHz –65 –72 for > 10 kHz offsets
> 250 MHz to 1 GHz –80 –88
> 1 to 2 GHz –74 –82
> 2 to 3.2 GHz –68 –76
> 3.2 to 10 GHz –62 –70
> 10 to 20 GHz –56 –64
> 20 to 40 GHz –50 –58

SSB phase noise (CW) Offset from Carrier (dBc/Hz)
Frequency 20 kHz 20 kHz (typical)

250 kHz to 250 MHz –130 –134
> 250 to 500 MHz –134

4

–138
> 500 MHz to 1 GHz –130 –134
> 1 to 2 GHz –124 –128
> 2 to 3.2 GHz –120 –124
> 3.2 to 10 GHz –110 –113
> 10 to 20 GHz –104 –108
> 20 to 40 GHz –98 –102

Spectral purity

1. Specifications for harmonics beyond maximum instrument frequencies are typical.

2. Specifications for sub-harmonics beyond maximum instrument frequencies are typical.

3. Performance is typical for spurs at frequencies above the maximum operating frequency of the instrument.

Specifications apply for CW mode only. Performance typically is –60 dBc between 200 and 250 MHz.

4. For instruments with serial number prefixes below MY4330 or US4330, the specification is –136 dBc/Hz.

Measure harmonics +10 dBm

Frequency (MHz)

Measure harmonics +10 dBm

Frequency (MHz)

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

Harmonics (dBc)

0 5000 10000 15000 20000

-30

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

Harmonics (dBc)

8

Option UNR: Enhanced SSB phase noise (CW)

Offset from carrier (dBc/Hz)

Frequency 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

spec (typical) spec (typical) spec (typical) spec (typical)
250 kHz to 250 MHz –94 (–115) –110 (–123) –128 (–132) –130 (–133)
> 250 to 500 MHz –100 (–110) –124 (–130) –132 (–136) –136 (–141)
> 500 MHz to 1 GHz –94 (–104) –118 (–126) –130 (–135) –130 (–135)
> 1 to 2 GHz –88 (–98) –112 (–120) –124 (–129) –124 (–129)
> 2 to 3.2 GHz –84 (–94) –108 (–116) –120 (–125) –120 (–125)
> 3.2 to 10 GHz –74 (–84) –98 (–106) –110 (–115) –110 (–115)
> 10 to 20 GHz –68 (–78) –92 (–100) –104 (–107) –104 (–109)
> 20 to 40 GHz –62 (–72) –86 (–94) –98 (–101) –98 (–103)

Residual FM

CW mode < N x 6 Hz (typical)
Option UNR < N x 4 Hz (typical)
Ramp sweep mode: < N x 1 kHz (typical)
(rms, 50 Hz to 15 kHz bandwidth)

Broadband noise

(CW mode at +10 dBm or maximum specified output power, whichever is lower, for offsets > 10 MHz)
> 2.4 to 20 GHz < –148 dBc/Hz (typical)

> 20 to 40 GHz < –141 dBc/Hz (typical)

Measured phase noise

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

-160

-170
10 100 1K 10K 100K 1M 10M 100M

L(f) (dBc/Hz) vs f(Hz)

40 GHZ

10 GHZ

1 GHZ

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

-160

-170
10 100 1K 10K 100K 1M 10M 100M

L(f) (dBc/Hz) vs f(Hz)

40 GHZ

10 GHZ

1 GHZ

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

-160

-170
10 100 1K 10K 100K 1M 10M 100M

L(f) (dBc/Hz) vs f(Hz)

-40

-50

-60

-70

-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

-130

-140

-150

-160

-170

10 100 1K 10K 100K 1M 10M 100M

L(f) (dBc/Hz) vs f(Hz)

Standard product Option UNR

Measured Standard vs. Option UNR at 10 GHz Measured AM noise at 10 GHz

9

Typical rms jitter:

1

Standard

Carrier SONET/SDH rms jitter Unit intervals Time
frequency data rates bandwidth (µUI) (fs)

155 MHz 155 MB/s 100 Hz to 1.5 MHz 48 303
622 MHz 622 MB/s 1 kHz to 5 MHz 34 50

2.488 GHz 2488 MB/s 5 kHz to 15 MHz 65 25

9.953 GHz 9953 MB/s 20 kHz to 80 MHz 173 16

Option UNR

Carrier SONET/SDH rms jitter Unit intervals Time
frequency data rates bandwidth (µUI) (fs)

155 MHz 155 MB/s 100 Hz to 1.5 MHz 47 297
622 MHz 622 MB/s 1 kHz to 5 MHz 26 40

2.488 GHz 2488 MB/s 5 kHz to 15 MHz 66 25

9.953 GHz 9953 MB/s 20 kHz to 80 MHz 161 15

Maximum deviation N x 8 MHz
Resolution 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, whichever is greater
Deviation accuracy < ± 3.5% of FM deviation + 20 Hz

(1 kHz rate, deviations < N x 800 kHz)

Modulation frequency response
Path Rates (at 100 kHz deviation)

1 dB Bandwidth 3 dB Bandwidth (typical)

FM 1 dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz dc/5 Hz to 10 MHz
FM 2 dc/20 Hz to 100 kHz dc/5 Hz to 1 MHz

dc FM2carrier offset ±0.1% of set deviation + (N x 8 Hz)
Distortion < 1% (1 kHz rate, deviations < N x 800 kHz)
Sensitivity ±1 V

peak

for indicated deviation

Paths FM1 and FM2 are summed internally for composite

modulation. Either path may be switched to any one of
the modulation sources: Ext1, Ext2, internal1, internal2.
The FM2 path is limited to a maximum rate of 1 MHz.
The FM2 path must be set to a deviation less than FM1.

Maximum deviation N x 80 radians (N x 8 radians in high-bandwidth mode)
Resolution 0.1% of set deviation
Deviation accuracy < ±5% of deviation + 0.01 radians

(1 kHz rate, normal BW mode)

Modulation frequency response
Mode Maximum deviation Rates (3 dB BW)

Normal BW N x 80 rad dc to 100 kHz
High BW N x 8 rad dc to 1 MHz (typical)

Distortion

< 1 % (1 kHz rate, THD, dev < N x 80 rad, normal BW mode)

Sensitivity ±1 V

peak

for indicated deviation

Paths FM1 and FM2 are summed internally for composite

modulation. Either path may be switched to any one of
the modulation sources: Ext1, Ext2, internal1, internal2.
The FM2 path must be set to a deviation less than FM1.

Frequency modulation

(E8257C only)

Phase modulation

(E8257C only)

1. Calculated from phase noise performance in CW mode only at +0 dBm. For other frequencies, data rate, or
bandwidths, please contact your sales representative.

2. At the calibrated deviation and carrier frequency, within 5°C of ambient temperature at time of user calibration.

10

1. For fc< 2 MHz AM is usable but not specified. AM specifications apply with ALC on, and envelope peaks
< maximum specified power. For instruments without Option 1E1 attenuator, specs apply for carrier
amplitude > –2 dBm.

2. For AM depth settings > 90% or > 20 dB, deep AM mode is recommended.

3. Internal2 is not available when using swept sine or dual sine modes.

Depth Linear mode Exponential (log) mode

(Downward modulation only)
Maximum > 90% > 20 dB
Settable

2

0 to 100 % 0 to 40 dB
Resolution 0.1% 0.01 dB
Accuracy < ±(6 % of setting + 1 %) < ±(2% of setting + 0.2 dB)
(1 kHz rate)
Ext sensitivity ±1 V

peak

for –1 V for indicated depth

indicated depth

Rates (3 dB bandwidth, 30% depth) dc/10 Hz to 100 kHz (typical) (useable to 1 MHz)
Distortion (1 kHz rate, linear mode, THD)

30% AM < 1.5%
90% AM < 4 %
Paths AM1 and AM2 are summed internally for composite

modulation. Either path may be switched to any one of
the modulation sources: Ext1, Ext2, internal1, internal2.

Modulation types AM, FM, and FM
Input impedance 50 or 600 Ω (nominal) switched
High/low indicator

(100 Hz to 10 MHz BW, ac coupled inputs only)

Activated when input level error exceeds
3% (nominal)

All modulation types may be simultaneously enabled except: FM with FM, and linear AM with
exponential AM. AM, FM, and FM can sum simultaneous inputs from any two sources (Ext1, Ext2,
internal1, or internal2) Any given source (Ext1, Ext2, internal1, or internal2) may be routed
to only one activated modulation type.

Dual function generators provides two independent signals (internal1 and internal2) for use with
AM, FM, FM, or LF Out.
Waveforms Sine, square, positive ramp, negative ramp, triangle,

Gaussian noise, uniform noise, swept sine, dual sine

21

Rate range

Sine 0.5 Hz to 1 MHz
Square, ramp, triangle 0.5 Hz to 100 kHz
Resolution 0.5 Hz
Accuracy Same as timebase

LF out

Output Internal1 or internal2. Also provides monitoring of

internal1 or internal2 when used for AM, FM, or FM.

Amplitude 0 to 3 V

peak

, (nominal) into 50 Ω

Output impedance 50 W (nominal)

Swept sine mode:

(frequency, phase continuous)
Operating modes Triggered or continuous sweeps
Frequency range 1 Hz to 1 MHz
Sweep rate 0.5 Hz to 100 kHz sweeps/s, equivalent to sweep

times 10 us to 2 s

Resolution 0.5 Hz (0.5 sweep/s)

Amplitude modulation
(f

c

> 2 MHz)1(typical)

(E8257C only)

External modulation inputs

(Ext1 & Ext2)

(E8257C only)

Simultaneous modulation

(E8257C only)

Internal modulation source

(E8257C only)

11

Standard Standard Option 1E6

2

> 3.2 GHz 500 MHz to 3.2 GHz 10 MHz to 3.2 GHz

On/off ratio 80 dB 80 dB (typical) 80 dB
Rise/fall times (Tr, Tf ) 10 ns (6 ns typical) 100 ns (typical) 10 ns (8 ns typical)
Pulse width

Internally leveled ≥ 1µs ≥ 2 µs (typical) ≥ 1µs
Level hold ≥ 20 ns (typical) ≥ 0.5 µs (typical) ≥ 20 ns (typical)
(ALC Off with power search)

2

Repetition frequency

Internally leveled 10 Hz to 500 kHz 10 Hz to 250 kHz 10 Hz to 500 kHz

(typical) (typical) (typical)
Level hold dc to 10 MHz (typical) dc to 1 MHz (typical) dc to 10 MHz (typical)
(ALC Off with power search)

3

Level accuracy

(relative to CW)
Internally leveled ±0.5 dB ±0.5 dB ±0.5 dB

±0.15 (typical)
Level hold ≤ 20 GHz ±0.8 dB ±0.5 dB (typical) ±1.2 dB (typical)

(typical)
(ALC Off with power ≤ 40 GHz ±1.2 dB
search)

3

(typical)

Width compression ±5 ns (typical) ±50 ns (typical) ±5 ns (typical)
Video feed-through4< 2 mV (typical) < 200 mV (typical) < 125 mV (typical)
Video delay

(Ext input to Video) 40 ns (nominal) 40 ns (nominal) 40 ns (nominal)
RF delay (Tm)
(Video to RF output) 35 ns (nominal) 280 ns (nominal) 45 ns (nominal)
Pulse overshoot (Vor) < 10% (typical) < 10% (typical) < 1GHz 20% (typical)

≥ 1GHz 10% (typical)

Input level +1 V

peak

= RF On +1 V

peak

= RF On +1 V

peak

= RF On

Input impedance 50 Ω (nominal) 50 Ω (nominal) 50 Ω (nominal)

Pulse modulation

1

(E8257C only)

1. With ALC off, specs apply after the execution of power search. For instruments without a step attenuator,

specs apply between 0 and +10 dBm. For instruments with the step attenuator, specs apply with Atten Hold
Off, or ALC level between 0 and +10 dBm.

2. Option 1E6 provides narrow pulse (20 ns typical) capability between 10 MHz and 3.2 GHz. Narrow pulse

capability above 3.2 GHz is standard.

3. Power search is a calibration routine that improves level accuracy in ALC-off mode. Un-pulsed RF power

will be present typically up to 50 ms when executing power search.

4. With attenuator in 0 dB position. Video feed-through decreases with attenuator setting.

Measured pulse modulation envelope

Freq = 10GHz, Amp = 10dBM, ALC = OFF, Pulse width = 50ns

Timebase (nsec)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

12

Modes Free-run, triggered, triggered with delay, doublet, and

gated. Triggered with delay, doublet, and gated require
external trigger source.

Period (PRI) (Tp ) 70 ns to 42 s

(Repetition frequency: 0.024 Hz to 14.28 MHz)

Pulse width (Tw ) 10 ns to 42 s
Delay (Td )

Free-run mode 0 to ±42 s
Triggered with delay and doublet modes

75 ns to 42s with ±10 ns jitter

Resolution 10 ns (width, delay, and PRI)

Internal pulse generator

(E8257C only)

Sync
Output

Video
Output

RF Pulse
Output

T

d

T

m

T

w

T

rf

V

f

T

f

T

r

V

or

T

p

50%

50%

10%

90%

50%

Td Video delay (variable)

Tw Video pulse width (variable)

Tp Pulse period (variable)

Tm RF delay

Trf RF pulse width

Tf RF pulse fall time

Tr RF pulse rise time

Vor Pulse overshoot

Vf Video feedthrough

13

Interfaces GPIB (IEEE-488.2,1987) with listen and talk, RS-232,

and 10BaseT LAN interface.

Control languages SCPI version 1997.0. Also will emulate most applicable

Agilent 836xxB, Agilent 837xxB, and Agilent 8340/41B
commands, providing general compatibility with ATE
systems which include these signal generators.

IEEE-488 functions SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1,

DT0, C0, E2.

ISO compliant This family of signal generators is manufactured in an

ISO-9001 registered facility in concurrence with Agilent
Technologies commitment to quality.

Power requirements 90 to 132 Vac 50 to 60 Hz, or 195 to 267

Vac 50 to 60 or 400 Hz, (automatically selected),
300 W maximum.

Operating temperature range 0 to 55 °C
Storage temperature range

1

–40 to 71 °C

Shock and vibration

Operating random vibration 5 to 500 Hz, 0.21 g rms
Survival swept sine vibration 5 to 500 Hz, 0.75 g
Survival random vibration 5 to 500 Hz, 2.09 g rms
Functional shock (half-sine, 30 g, 11 ms) Meets the requirements of MIL-PRF-28800F for class
and bench drop test 3 equipment.
EMC Meets the conducted and radiated interference

and immunity requirements of IEC/EN 61326-1.
Meets radiated emission requirements of
CISPR Pub 11/1997 Group 1 class A.

Storage registers Memory is shared by instrument states, user data files,

sweep list files, and waveform sequences. Depending
on the number and size of these files, up to 800 storage
registers and 10 register sequences are available.

Security Display blanking.
Compatibility Agilent Technologies 83550 Series millimeter heads,

Agilent Technologies 8757D Scalar Network Analyzers,
Agilent Technologies EPM Series Power Meters.

Self-test Internal diagnostic routine tests most modules

(including microcircuits) in a preset condition. For each
module, if its node voltages are within acceptable limits,
then the module “passes” the test.

Weight < 22 kg (48 lb.) net, < 30 kg (68 lb.) shipping.
Dimensions 178 mm H x 426 mm W x 498 mm D

(7” H x 16.8” W x 19.6” D in.).

Recommended calibration cycle 24 months

Remote programming

General specifications

1. Storage below –20 °C instrument states may be lost.

14

RF output Nominal output impedance 50 Ω.
For 20 GHz models Precision APC-3.5 male, or Type-N with Option 1ED.
For 40 GHz models Precision 2.4 mm male; plus 2.4 - 2.4 mm and

2.4 - 2.9 mm female adaptors also included.

ALC input Used for negative external detector leveling. Nominal

input impedance 120 kΩ, damage level ±15 V.

LF output (E8257C only) Outputs the internally generated LF source.

Nominal output impedance 50 Ω.

External input 1 (E8257C only) Drives either AM, FM, or FM. Nominal input

impedance 50 or 600 Ω, damage levels are
5 V

rms

and 10 V

peak

.

External input 2 (E8257C only) Drives either AM, FM, or FM. Nominal input

impedance 50 or 600 Ω, damage levels are
5 V

rms

and 10 V

peak

.

Pulse/trigger gate input (E8257C only) Accepts input signal for external fast pulse modulation.

Also accepts external trigger pulse input for internal
pulse modulation. Nominal impedance 50 Ω. Damage
levels are 5 V

rms

and 10 V

peak

.

Pulse video out (E8257C only) Outputs a signal that follows the RF output in all pulse

modes. TTL-level compatible, nominal source
impedance 50 Ω.

Pulse sync out (E8257C only) Outputs a synchronizing pulse, nominally 50 ns width,

during internal and triggered pulse modulation. TTL-level
compatible, nominal source impedance 50 Ω.

Auxiliary interface (Dual mode) Used for RS-232 serial communication and for

Master/Slave source synchronization. (9-pin
subminiature female connector).

GPIB Allows communication with compatible devices.
LAN Allows 10BaseT LAN communication
10 MHz input Accepts an external reference (timebase) input (at 1, 2,

2.5, 5, 10 MHz for standard and 10 MHz only for Option
UNR) Nominal input impedance 50 Ω.
Damage levels > +10 dBm

10 MHz output Outputs internal or external reference signal. Nominal

output impedance 50 Ω. Nominal output power +8 dBm

Sweep output (Dual mode) Supplies a voltage proportional to the RF power or

frequency sweep ranging form 0 volts at the start of
sweep to +10 volts (nominal) at the end of sweep,
regardless of sweep width.

When connected to an Agilent 8757D Scalar Network
Analyzer (Option 007), generates a selectable number
of equally spaced 1 us pulses (nominal) across a ramp
(analog) sweep. Number of pulses can be set form 101
to 1601 by remote control from the 8757D.

Output impedance: < 1 Ω, can drive 2000 Ω.

Front panel connectors

(All connectors are BNC female
unless otherwise noted.)

1

1. Digital inputs and output are 3.3 V CMOS unless indicated otherwise. Inputs will accept 5 V CMOS,
3V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

2. Digital inputs and output are 3.3 V CMOS unless indicated otherwise. Inputs will accept 5 V CMOS,
3V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

Rear panel connectors

(All connectors are BNC female
unless otherwise noted.)

1

Input/Output
Descriptions

15

Stop sweep In/Out Open-collector, TTL-compatible input/output. In ramp

sweep operation, provides low level (nominally 0 V)
during sweep retrace and bandcross intervals, and high
level during the forward portion of the sweep. Sweep
will stop when grounded externally, sweep will resume
when allowed to go high.

Trigger output (Dual mode) Outputs a TTL signal. High at start of dwell, or when

waiting for point trigger; low when dwell is over or point
trigger is received, In ramp sweep mode, provides 1601
equally-spaced 1us pulses (nominal) across a ramp sweep.
When using LF Out, provides 2 us pulse at start of LF sweep.

Trigger input Accepts TTL signal for triggering point-to-point in manual

sweep mode, or to trigger start of LF sweep. Damage
levels ≥ +10 V or ≤ –4 V.

Source module interface Provides bias, flatness correction, and leveling

connections to the Agilent model 83550 Series mm-wave
source modules.

Source settled Provides an output trigger that indicates when the signal

generator has settled to a new frequency or power level.
High indicates source not settled, Low indicates source
settled.

Z-axis Blank/Markers During Ramp Sweep, supplies + 5 V (nominal) level during

retrace and bandswitch intervals. Supplies – 5V (nominal)
level when the RF frequency is at a marker frequency.

EFC > 0.25 ppm for –5 to +5 V. Input impedance: >1 M Ω

Model/option Description
E8247C/57C-520 Frequency range 250 kHz to 20 GHz
E8247C/57C-540 Frequency range 250 kHz to 40 GHz
E8247C/57C-UNR Enhanced close-in phase noise
E8257C-1E6 Narrow pulse modulation below 3.2 GHz
E8247C/57C-007 Ramp (analog) sweep
E8247C/57C-1ED Type-N (f) connector (20 MHz models only)
E8247C/57C-1EM Moves all connectors to rear panel
E8247C/57C-1CM Rack mount kit
E8247C/57C-1CN Front handle kit
E8247C/57C-1CP Rack mount kit with front handle kit
E8247C/57C-H30 Frequency upconversion of RF signals
E8247C/57C-HEH Inprove low band harmonics (from 10 MHz to 3.2 GHz)
83554A Millimeter-wave source module (26.5 to 40 GHz)
83555A Millimeter-wave source module (33 to 50 GHz)
83556A Millimeter-wave source module (40 to 60 GHz)
83557A Millimeter-wave source module (50 to 75 GHz)
83558A Millimeter-wave source module (75 to 110 GHz)
8120-8806 Master/slave interface cable
9211-2656 Standard transit case
9211-7481 Tote-style transit case (includes wheels and telescoping handle)

Options, Accessories,
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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2002, 2003
Printed in USA, November 19, 2003
5988-7454EN

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Related Agilent Literature

PSG Signal Generator, Brochure
Literature number 5988-7538EN

E8267C PSG Vector Signal Generator, Data Sheet
Literature number 5988-6632EN

PSG Self Guided Demo

Literature number 5988-2414EN

E8247C/57C PSG CW and Analog Signal Generatos,

Configuration Guide
Literature number 5988-7879EN

E8267C PSG Vector Signal Generator, Configuration Guide
Literature number 5988-7541EN

Millimeter Wave Source Modules, Product Note
Literature number 5988-2567EN

PSG Two-Tone and Multitone Application Note (AN 1410)

Literature number 5988-7689EN

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