Agilent E8663B Data Sheet

Agilent E8663B
Analog Signal Generator

Data Sheet

The Agilent E8663B is a fully synthesized signal generator with low phase
noise and high output power.

Specifications 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, nominal, or measured, provide additional (non-warranted)

information at 25 °C, which may be useful in the application of the product.

Definitions

Specifications (spec): Represents warranted performance for instruments with a

current calibration.

Typical (typ): Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted.
Describes performance that will be met by a minimum of 80% of all products.

Nominal (nom): Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted.
Represents the value of a parameter that is most likely to occur; the expected mean or mode
of all instruments.

Measured: Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted.
Represents the value of a parameter measured on an instrument during design stage.

2

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

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

Step (digital) sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Spectral purity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Frequency modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Amplitude modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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

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

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

Narrow pulse modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

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

Simultaneous modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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

General specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Input/Output Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Front panel connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Rear panel connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Options, Accessories, and Related Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Web Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Related Agilent Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Table of Contents

3

Range

1

Option 503 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz
Option 509 100 kHz to 9 GHz

Resolution

CW 0.001 Hz
All sweep modes 0.01 Hz

CW switching speed

2, 3

< 11 ms (typ) (7 ms (nom))

Phase offset Adjustable in nominal 0.1 ° increments
Frequency bands

Band Frequency range N

5

1 100 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

Accuracy ± aging rate ± temperature effects

± line voltage effects (nom)

Internal timebase reference oscillator

Aging rate < ±3 x10

–8

/year or

< ±2.5 x 10

–10

/day after 30 days

Temperature effects (typ) < ±4.5 x 10

–9

0 to 55 °C

Line voltage effects (typ) < ±2 x 10

–10

for ±10% change
External reference frequency 10 MHz only
Lock range ±1.0 ppm
Reference output
Frequency 10 MHz
Amplitude > +4 dBm into 50 Ω load (typ)

External reference input

Amplitude 5 dBm ±5 dB

6

Input impedance 50 Ω (nom)

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 (see “Output” section)

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
Settling time

Frequency < 8 ms (typ)

6

Amplitude < 5 ms (typ)

Specifications

Frequency

1. Performance is unspecified below 250 kHz.

2. Time from GPIB trigger to frequency within 0.1 ppm of final frequency above 250 MHz or within 100 Hz below 250 MHz.

3. Add 19 ms (typical) when switching from greater than 3.2 GHz to less than 3.2 GHz (Option 509 only).

4. N is a factor used to help define certain specifications within the document.

5. To optimize phase noise use 5 dBm ± 2 dB.

6. 19 ms (typ) when stepping from greater than 3.2 GHz to less than 3.2 GHz (Option 509 only).

Step (digital) sweep

4

Power1(dBm)
Frequency range Spec. (typ)

Option 503 and 509:

100 to 250 kHz –135 to +10 (nom)
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz –135 to +15 (+18)
250 kHz to 3.2 GHz with Option UNW –135 to +10 (+13)
> 3.2 GHz to 9 GHz –135 to +21 (+22)

Step attenuator

2

Options 503 and 509 0 dB and 5 dB to 115 dB in 10 dB
steps

Maximum available power (measured)

Attenuator hold range
Minimum From –20 dBm to maximum specified output power with step

attenuator in 0 dB position.

Amplitude switching speed

3

ALC on or off < 3 ms (typ)
(without power search)

Output

1. Maximum power specifications are warranted from 15 to 35 °C, and are typical from 0 to 15 °C. Maximum power over the 35 to 55 °C range
typically degrades less than 2 dB.

2. 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.

3. To within 0.1 dB of final amplitude within one attenuator range. Add 10 to 50 ms when using power search.

26

24

22

20

18

dBm

16

14

12

10

0.1 750 1700 2200 2700 3200

Option 503 output power (measured)

Frequency (MHz)

5

Level accuracy1(dB)
Frequency

> +10 dBm +10 to 0 dBm 0 to –10 dBm –10 to –70 dBm –70 to –90 dBm

100 to 250 kHz

±0.6 (nom) ±0.6 (nom) ±0.6 (nom) ±0.7 (nom) ±0.8 (nom)
250 kHz to 2 GHz ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.7 ±0.8
> 2 to 9 GHz ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.8 ±0.9 ±1.0

Level accuracy (measured)

Resolution 0.01 dB
Temperature stability 0.01 dB/°C (typ)
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 (nom)
SWR (internally leveled)

250 kHz to 2 GHz < 1.4:1 (typ)
> 2 GHz to 9 GHz < 1.6:1 (typ)
Leveling modes Internal leveling, external detector leveling,

millimeter source module, ALC off

External detector leveling

Range –0.2 mV to –0.5 V (nom) (–36 dBm to

+4 dBm using Agilent 33330D/E detector)

Bandwidth Selectable 0.1 to 100 kHz (nom)

(Note: not intended for pulsed operation)

Maximum reverse power 1/2 Watt, 0 V

DC

1. Specifications apply in CW and list/step sweep modes over the 15 to 35 ºC temperature range, with attenuator hold off
(normal operating mode). Degradation outside this range, for ALC power levels > –10 dBm, is typically < 0.3 dB.

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

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0

–0.05

Error (dB)

–0.1

–0.15

–0.2

0.1 200 800 1400 2000 2800 3200

Option 503 level accuracy

Frequency (MHz)

6

Harmonics

1

(dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified

output power, whichever is lower)
< 10 MHz –28 dBc (typical below 1 MHz)
10 MHz to 2 GHz –30 dBc
> 2 GHz to 9 GHz –55 dBc

Harmonics (measured)
Sub-harmonics

2

(dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified output
power, whichever is lower)

100 kHz to 9 GHz None
Non-harmonics (dBc at +10 dBm or maximum specified output

power, whichever is lower, for offsets > 300 Hz

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 9 GHz –62 –70

Spectral purity

1. Specifications are typical for harmonics beyond specified frequency range (beyond 50 GHz for Option 567).

2. Sub-harmonics are defined as Carrier Freq / N).

3. Phase noise specifications are warranted from 15 to 35 °C.

4. Measured at +10 dBm or maximum specified power, whichever is less.

Absolute SSB phase noise (dBc/Hz) (CW)

3

Offset from carrier

Frequency 1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ)

250 kHz to 250 MHz

4

–58 (–66) –87 (–94) –104 (–120) –121 (–128) –128 (–132) –130 (–133)

> 250 to 500 MHz

4

–61 (–72) –88 (–98) –108 (–118) –126 (–132) –132 (–136) –136 (–141)

> 500 MHz to 1 GHz

4

–57 (–65) –84 (–93) –101 (–111) –121 (–130) –130 (–134) –130 (–135)

> 1 to 2 GHz

4

–51 (–58) –79 (–86) –96 (–106) –115 (–124) –124 (–129) –124 (–129)

> 2 to 3.2 GHz –46 (–54) –74 (–82) –92 (–102) –111 (–120) –120 (–124) –120 (–124)

> 3.2 to 9 GHz –37 (–44) –65 (–72) –81 (–92) –101 (–109) –110 (–114) –110 (–115)

Residual SSB phase noise (dBc/Hz) (CW)

3

Offset from carrier

Frequency 1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz

Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ) Spec (typ)

250 kHz to 250 MHz

4

(–94) –100 (–107) –110 (–118) –120 (–126) –128 (–132) –130 (–133)

> 250 to 500 MHz

4

(–101) –105 (–112) –115 (–122) –124 (–131) –132 (–136) –136 (–141)

> 500 MHz to 1 GHz

4

(–94) –100 (–107) –110 (–118) –120 (–126) –130 (–134) –130 (–134)

> 1 to 2 GHz

4

(–89) –96 (–101) –104 (–112) –114 (–120) –124 (–129) –124 (–129)

> 2 to 3.2 GHz (–85) –92 (–97) –100 (–108) –110 (–116) –120 (–124) –120 (–124)

> 3.2 to 9 GHz (–74) (–87) (–98) (–106) (–114) (–115)

7

Measured phase noise with E5500 and plotted without spurs

AM noise

Residual phase noise

Standard phase noise

–40
–50
–60
–70
–80

–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
–160
–170

E8663B absolute SSB phase noise (measured)

1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 100 MHz

L(f) [dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz]

–40
–50
–60
–70
–80

–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
–160
–170

1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 100 MHz

E8663B AM noise at 1 GHz (measured)

L(f) [dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz]

9 GHz

3.2 GHz
2 GHz
1 GHz
500 MHz

–40
–50
–60
–70
–80

–90
–100
–110
–120
–130
–140
–150
–160
–170

1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 100MHz

E8663B residual phase noise (measured)

L(f) [dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz]

9 GHz
3 GHz
1 GHz

8

Frequency modulation

Residual FM

(RMS, 50 Hz to 15 kHz bandwidth)
CW mode < N x 4 Hz (typ)

Broadband noise (CW mode at +10 dBm or maximum specified output

power, whichever is lower, for offsets > 10 MHz)

> 2.4 to 9 GHz < –148 dBc/Hz (typ)

Measured RMS jitter

1

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 23 151
622 MHz 622 MB/s 1 kHz to 5 MHz 19 30

2.488 GHz 2488 MB/s 5 kHz to 20 MHz 56 22

Maximum deviation

2

Frequency Maximum deviation

250 kHz to 250 MHz 2 MHz
> 250 to 500 MHz 1 MHz
> 500 MHz to 1 GHz 2 MHz
> 1 GHz to 2 GHz 4 MHz
> 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz 8 MHz
> 3.2 GHz to 9 GHz 16 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 (at 100 kHz deviation)
Path [coupling] 1 dB bandwidth 3 dB bandwidth (typ)

FM path 1 [DC] DC to 100 kHz DC to 10 MHz
FM path 2 [DC] DC to 100 kHz DC to 1 MHz
FM path 1 [AC] 20 Hz to 100 kHz 5 Hz to 10 MHz
FM path 2 [AC] 20 Hz to 100 kHz 5 Hz to 1 MHz

DC FM3carrier 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.

1. Calculated from phase noise performance in CW mode only at +10 dBm. For other frequencies, data rate, or bandwidths,
please contact your sales representative.

2. Through any combination of path1, path2, or path1 + path2.

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

9

Maximum deviation1Frequency Normal BW mode High BW mode

250 kHz to 250 MHz 20 rad 2 rad
> 250 to 500 MHz 10 rad 1 rad
> 500 MHz to 1 GHz 20 rad 2 rad
> 1 GHz to 2 GHz 40 rad 4 rad
> 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz 80 rad 8 rad
> 3.2 GHz to 9 GHz 160 rad 16 rad

Resolution 0.1% of set deviation
Deviation accuracy < ±5% of deviation + 0.01 radians (1 kHz rate, normal

BW mode)

Modulation frequency response

Normal BW mode High BW mode

Rates (3 dB BW) DC to 100 kHz DC to 1 MHz (typ)

2

Distortion < 1 % (1 kHz rate, Total Harmonic Distortion (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.

Depth Linear mode Exponential (log) mode

(downward modulation only)

Maximum:

ALC On: > 90% > 20 dB

ALC Off with Power Search

4

or ALC On with Deep AM5: > 95 % > 40 dB

Settable: 0 to 100 % 0 to 40 dB

(0 to 100 %/volt sensitivity) (0 to 40 dB/volt sensitivity)
Resolution: 0.1% 0.01 dB
Accuracy (ALC On, 1kHz rate): < ±(6% of setting + 1%) < ± (2% of setting +0.2dB)

Ext sensitivity ±1 V

peak

for indicated depth –1 V for indicated depth

Rates (3 dB bandwidth, 30% depth)
DC Coupled 0 to 100 kHz
AC coupled 10 Hz to 100 kHz (useable to 1 MHz)

Distortion (1 kHz rate, ALC On, linear mode, Total Harmonic Distortion)
30% AM < 1.5%
60% AM < 2%

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.

1. Through any combination of path1, path2, or path1 + path2.

2. Path 1 is useable to 4 MHz for external inputs less than 0.3 V peak.

3. AM specifications are typical. For carrier frequencies below 2 MHz, AM is useable but not specified. Unless otherwise stated,
specifications apply with ALC on and envelope peaks within ALC operating range (–20 dBm to maximum specified power,
excluding step-attenuator setting).

4. ALC Off is used for narrow pulse modulation and/or high AM depths, with envelope peaks below ALC operating range. Carrier
power level will be accurate after a Power Search is executed.

5. ALC On with Deep AM provides high AM depths together with closed-loop internal leveling. This mode can be used with a
repetitive AM waveform (frequency > 10 Hz) with peaks > –5 dBm (nominal, excluding step-attenuator setting).

Phase modulation

Amplitude modulation

3

(Typical)

10

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

(100 Hz to 10 MHz BW, Activated when input level error exceeds 3% (nom)
ac coupled inputs only)

Dual function generators provide 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

1

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

internal1or internal2 when used for AM, FM, or FM.

Amplitude 0 to 3 V

peak

, (nom) into 50 Ω

Output impedance 50 Ω (nom)
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)

External modulation inputs

(Ext1 & Ext2)

Internal modulation source

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

11

Pulse modulation

1, 2

1. With ALC off, specs apply after the execution of power search. Specifications apply with Atten Hold Off (default mode for
instruments with attenuator), or ALC level between –5 and +10 dBm or maximum specific power, whichever is lower.
Above 50 GHz, pulse modulation is useable; however performance is not warranted.

2. Power search is a calibration routine that improves level accuracy with ALC off. The instrument microprocessor momentarily
closes the ALC loop to find the modulator drive setting necessary to make the quiescent RF level equal to an entered value,
then opens the ALC loop while maintaining that modulator drive setting. When executing power search, RF power will
be present for typically 10 to 50 ms; the step attenuator can be set to automatically switch to maximum attenuation to
protect sensitive devices. Power search can be configured to operate either automatically or manually at the carrier frequency,
or over a user-definable frequency range.

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

500 MHz to 3.2 GHz Above 3.2 GHz

On/Off ratio 80 dB (typ) 80 dB
Rise/Fall times (Tr, Tf) 100 ns (typ) 6 ns (typ)
Minimum pulse width

Internally leveled 2 us 1 us
Level hold (ALC off with power search) 0.5 us 0.15 us

Repetition frequency

Internally leveled 10 Hz to 250 kHz 10 Hz to 500 kHz
Level hold (ALC off with power search) dc to 1 MHz dc to 3 MHz

Level accuracy (relative to CW)
Internally leveled ±0.5 dB ±0.5 dB
Level hold (ALC off with power search) ±0.5 dB (typ) ±0.5 dB (typ)

Width compression ±50 ns (typ) ±5 ns (typ)
(RF width relative to video out)

Video feed-through

3

< 200 mv (typ) < 2 mv (typ)

Video delay (ext input to video) 50 ns (nom) 50 ns (nom)
RF delay (video to RF output) 270 ns (nom) 35 ns (nom)
Pulse overshoot < 10% (typ) < 10% (typ)
Input level +1 V

peak

= RF On +1 V

peak

= RF On

Input impedance 50 Ω (nom) 50 Ω (nom)

10 MHz to 3.2 GHz Above 3.2 GHz

On/Off ratio 80 dB 80 dB
Rise/Fall times (Tr, Tf) 10 ns (8 ns typical) 10 ns (6 ns typical)
Minimum pulse width

Internally leveled 1 us 1 us
Level hold (ALC off with power search) 20 ns 20 ns

Repetition frequency

Internally leveled 10 Hz to 500 kHz 10 Hz to 500 kHz
Level hold (ALC off with power search) dc to 5 MHz dc to 10 MHz
Level accuracy (relative to CW)
Internally leveled ±0.5 dB ±0.5 dB (0.15 dB typical)
Level hold (ALC off with power search) ±1.3 dB (typ) ±0.5 dB (typ)

Narrow pulse modulation

1, 2

(Option UNW)

12

10 MHz to 3.2 GHz Above 3.2 GHz

Width compression ±5 ns (typ) ±5 ns (typ)

(RF width relative to video out)

Video feed-through

1

< 125 mv (typ) < 2 mv (typ)

Video delay (ext input to video) 50 ns (nom) 50 ns (nom)
RF delay (video to RF output) 45 ns (nom) 35 ns (nom)
Pulse overshoot < 15% (typ) < 10% (typ)
Input level +1 V

peak

= RF On +1 V

peak

= RF On

Input impedance 50 Ω (nom) 50 Ω (nom)

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)

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

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%

Internal pulse generator

(With or without Option UNW)

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

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

All modulation types (FM, AM, FM, and pulse modulations) 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.

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

RS-232, and 10BaseT LAN interface.

Control languages SCPI version 1997.0.

The E8663B will emulate the applicable
commands for the Agilent 8662A/63A signal
generators, providing general compatibility with
ATE systems.

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 commitment to quality.

Agilent IO Libraries Agilent’s IO Library Suite ships with the E8663B

to help you quickly establish an error-free
connection between your PC and instruments –
regardless of the vendor. It provides robust
instrument control and works with the software
development environment you choose.

Remote programming

Simultaneous modulation

14

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

2. As is the case with all signal generation equipment, phase noise specifications are not warranted in a vibrating environment.

Power requirements 90 to 132 VAC 47 to 64 Hz or 365 to 435 Hz; or

195 to 267 VAC 47 to 64 Hz, (automatically selected);

< 250 W typical, 300 W maximum.

Operating temperature range 0 to 55 °C

Storage temperature range

1

–40 to 70 °C

Optimal altitude < 4,572 m (15,000 ft.)

Shock and vibration

Operating random vibration

2

5 to 500 Hz, 0.21 g rms
Survival swept sine vibration 5 to 500 Hz, 0.5 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
and bench drop test class 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 and

sweep list files. There is 14 MB of flash memory

available in the E8663B. Depending on how the

memory is used, a maximum of 1000 instrument

states can be saved.
Security Display blanking

Memory clearing functions
(see Application Note Security of Agilent Signal
Generators Issues and Solutions, literature
number 5989-1091EN)

Compatibility Agilent 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 515 mm D

(7” H x 16.8” W x 20.3” D in.)

Recommended calibration cycle 24 months

General specifications

15

RF output Output impedance 50 Ω (nom)
Option 503 and 509 Type-N
ALC input Used for negative external detector leveling. Nominal

input impedance 120 kΩ, damage level ±15 V.

LF output Outputs the internally generated LF source. Nominal

output impedance 50 Ω.

External input 1 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 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 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 Outputs a signal that follows the RF output in all pulse

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

Pulse sync out 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 10 MHz)
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 (nom) at the end of sweep,
regardless of sweep width.

During CW operation, supplies a voltage proportional
to the output frequency, +10 volts (nom) corresponding
to the maximum specified frequency.

Output impedance: < 1 Ω (nom), can drive 2000 Ω.

Input/Output Descriptions

Front panel connectors

(All connectors are BNC female
unless otherwise noted.)

1

Rear 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, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

16

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

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. 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 Non-functional.
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 Supplies –5 V (nom) level when the RF frequency

is at a marker frequency.

10 MHz EFC Accepts an external DC voltage, ranging from

–5 V to +5 V, for electronic frequency control (EFC) of
the internal 10 MHz reference oscillator. This voltage
inversely tunes the oscillator about its center frequency
approximately –0.07 ppm/V. The nominal input
impedance is greater than 1 MΩ.

17

Model/option Description
E8663B-503 Frequency range from 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz
E8663B-509 Frequency range from 100 kHz to 9 GHz
E8663B-UNW Narrow pulse modulation
E8663B-1EM Moves all front panel connectors to the rear panel
E8663B-1EZ Extended support life
E8663B-1CN Front handle kit
E8663B-1CM Rackmount flange kit
E8663B-1CP Rackmount flange and front handle kit
E8663B-UK6 Commercial calibration certificate and test data
E8663B-CD1 CD-ROM containing the English documentation set
E8663B-ABA Printed copy of the English documentation set
E8663B-0BW Printed copy of the assembly-level service guide
8120-8806 Master/slave interface cable
9211-2656 Transit case
9211-7481 Transit case with wheels

Options, Accessories,
and Related Products

18

For more information about renting, leasing or financing Agilent’s latest technology, visit:

www.agilent.com/find/buy/alternatives

For more accessory information, visit:

www.agilent.com/find/accessories

For additional description of Agilent’s IO Libraries Suite features and installation
requirements, please go to:

www.agilent.com/find/iosuite/database

Security of Agilent Signal Generators

Issues and Solutions, Literature number 5989-1091EN

Web Resources

Related Agilent
Literature

19

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5989-4866EN

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