# HP 83712A 0.01 to 20 GHz Synthesized CW Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned) # HP 83712A 0.01 to 20 GHz Synthesized CW Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned) ## Key Features At A Glance - Synthesized CW frequency coverage from 0.01 GHz to 20 GHz (83712A) or 1 to 20 GHz (83711A) - Typical output power greater than +14 dBm; +20 dBm typical below 1 GHz - Spectral purity with harmonics < -55 dBc and spurious < -60 dBc - Phase noise of -103 dBc/Hz at 500 MHz, -91 dBc/Hz at 2 GHz, -73 dBc/Hz at 18 GHz (10 kHz offset) - Level resolution of 0.01 dB with typical accuracy of ±1.0 dB at any frequency or power level - HP-IB programmable and SCPI compatible for automated test integration - Recommended local oscillator for the HP 8970B noise figure meter - Compatible with HP 83550 Series millimeter wave modules for signal generation to 110 GHz The HP 83712A is a synthesized CW microwave generator covering 0.01 GHz to 20 GHz, designed for local oscillator and exciter applications that demand wide output dynamic range and stringent spectral purity. The companion HP 83711A covers 1 to 20 GHz. Both instruments combine high output power and exceptional signal purity in a low-cost, performance-packed synthesizer platform engineered for reliable field maintenance. A synthesized CW signal generator like the 83712A produces a single, precisely controlled continuous-wave tone at a user-selected frequency and power level. These instruments serve as the stimulus source in RF and microwave test setups — driving devices under test, providing reference signals for receiver characterization, and acting as the local oscillator in down-conversion measurement architectures. The datasheet specifically identifies the 83711A/12A as the recommended local oscillator for the HP 8970B noise figure meter, and when paired with HP 83550 Series millimeter wave modules, the platform extends signal generation up to 110 GHz for higher-frequency applications. ## Compare Other Models in This Series The HP 83711A and 83712A are the two members of this synthesized CW generator family, sharing the same core architecture, output power profile, spectral purity specifications, and HP-IB / SCPI programmability. The two models differ in the low end of their frequency coverage: the 83711A starts at 1 GHz, while the 83712A extends down to 0.01 GHz (10 MHz). All other published characteristics — harmonics, spurious, sub-harmonics, phase noise at common offsets, level resolution, and level accuracy — are common to both instruments. Both models share the same option ecosystem, including the 90 dB Output Step Attenuator (Opt 1E1), High-Stability Timebase (Opt 1E5), 1 Hz Frequency Resolution (Opt 1E8), Extra Operating Manual (Opt 0B2), Service Manuals (Opt 0B3), Rack Mount Kit (Opt 1CM), Rack Mount and Handle Kit (Opt 1CP), and Rack Slide Kit (Opt 1CR). Mechanical, environmental, and EMC characteristics are identical across the family. Each pre-owned unit listed below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and inventory. Select the model that matches your frequency range requirement and review the configuration details on the individual product page before ordering. The HP 83712A extends frequency coverage down to 0.01 GHz (10 MHz), making it the appropriate selection when the application requires sub-GHz CW generation in addition to coverage up through 20 GHz. The 83711A, by contrast, is the appropriate selection when the application is bounded to 1 GHz and above, and the lower frequency range is not required. The primary differentiator between the two models is the lower frequency limit: 1 GHz for the 83711A and 0.01 GHz for the 83712A. The upper limit (20 GHz) and all other electrical and mechanical specifications are common to both. The comparison table below summarizes the model-to-model differences as documented in the published specifications. When the application spans both sub-GHz and microwave frequencies — for example, characterization work that requires both VHF/UHF stimulus and microwave-band stimulus from a single instrument — the 83712A is the appropriate choice. When microwave coverage alone is sufficient, the 83711A meets the requirement at typically lower acquisition cost. Model Frequency Range Max Output Power Frequency Resolution **83712A** 0.01 to 20 GHz +13 dBm (0.01 to 1 GHz with Opt 1E1); +10 dBm (1 to 18 GHz); +8 dBm (18 to 20 GHz) 1 kHz standard, 1 Hz with Opt 1E8 83711A 1 to 20 GHz +13 dBm (0.01 to 1 GHz with Opt 1E1); +10 dBm (1 to 18 GHz); +8 dBm (18 to 20 GHz) 1 kHz standard, 1 Hz with Opt 1E8 Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below. ## Product Core & Specifications Specification Value Frequency Characteristics Frequency range (HP 83711A) 1 to 20 GHz Frequency range (HP 83712A) 0.01 to 20 GHz Frequency resolution 1 kHz standard, 1 Hz with Opt 1E8 Output Characteristics Output power, 0.01 to 1 GHz (with Opt 1E1) +13 dBm Output power, 1 to 18 GHz +10 dBm Output power, 18 to 20 GHz +8 dBm Resolution 0.01 dB Accuracy ±2 dB at any frequency, power level, or temperature Flatness ±0.5 dB Spectral Purity Harmonics < −50 dBc Sub-harmonics None Spurious −60 dBc Phase noise @ 10 kHz offset, 500 MHz −103 dBc/Hz Phase noise @ 10 kHz offset, 2 GHz −91 dBc/Hz Phase noise @ 10 kHz offset, 18 GHz −73 dBc/Hz Phase noise floor −140 dBc/Hz (decreases 6 dB/octave below 500 MHz) General Specifications Operating temperature range 0° to +55°C Size 426 mm W × 133 mm H × 498 mm D (16.8 in × 5.2 in × 19.6 in) Weight < 16 kg (35 lb) Power 90–132 V, 48–440 Hz; 198–264 V, 48–66 Hz; 400 VA maximum EMC Meets or exceeds EN55011/CISPR 11/1990, Class A and Mil-Std-461C Part 2 RE02, CE03, CS02, RS03 MTBF (estimated) \> 20,000 hours Programmability HP-IB and SCPI compatible **Important:** Phase noise floor reaches -140 dBc/Hz, decreasing 6 dB/octave below 500 MHz. Offsets less than 100 Hz require the high stability timebase (Option 1E5).**Important:** Phase noise offsets less than 100 Hz require the high stability timebase, Option 1E5.**Important:** Frequency resolution of 1 Hz requires Option 1E8 (standard resolution is 1 kHz).**Important:** Output power level of +13 dBm in the 0.01 to 1 GHz range requires Option 1E1 (90 dB Output Step Attenuator).**Important:** For complete specifications see HP 83711/12A technical data sheet, HP p/n 5091-5152E.Recommended pairing: the HP 83711A/12A is the recommended local oscillator for the HP 8970B noise figure meter, and pairs with the HP 83550 Series millimeter wave modules to extend signal generation up to 110 GHz. ## About this used unit - Warranty included - Functional verification included - Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data. - Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm). **Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.** ## Details - **Price:** 0.0 USD - 630.0 USD - **Vendor:** HP - **Type:** Rf Gen - **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Signal Generators ## Variants | Variant | Price | Available | |---------|-------|-----------| | None | 0.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable | 490.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable with Full Data | 525.00 USD | In stock | | ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 630.00 USD | In stock | ## Images - HP 83712A 0.01 to 20 GHz Synthesized CW Microwave Signal Generator (Pre-Owned) --- > Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/83712a-agilent-rf-generator-used) > Updated: 2026-05-30