# Fluke 6160B Synthesized RF Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

# Fluke 6160B Synthesized RF Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   High-band frequency range of 10 MHz to 160 MHz with 1 Hz minimum step resolution
-   Low-band frequency range of 1 MHz to 12 MHz with 0.1 Hz minimum step resolution
-   Adjustable main output from +3 dBm to +13 dBm into 50 ohms, maintained ±1 dB
-   Non-harmonic spurious performance to -100 dBc in the 1 to 20 MHz range
-   Frequency division architecture: highest internally-generated frequency is the output VCO (80 to 160 MHz), simplifying servicing and reducing UHF EMC issues
-   Built-in remote programming via DTL/TTL, BCD, positive true logic or contact closures using 34 parallel lines
-   GPIB/IEEE-488 compatibility available via the Fluke 1120A Translator with the 6XXXA-529 Interface
-   Switching speed of less than 800 microseconds to be within 50 Hz of final frequency (80 MHz to 160 MHz range)

The Fluke 6160B Frequency Synthesizer is a VHF signal generator producing frequencies from 1 MHz to 160 MHz across two ranges: 1 MHz to 12 MHz with 0.1 Hz resolution, and 10 MHz to 160 MHz with 1 Hz resolution. The instrument is recognized in the industry for its high spectral purity in the VHF range.

A defining architectural characteristic of the 6160B is that the highest internally-generated frequency is that of the output VCO operating from 80 to 160 MHz. For coverage of lower frequencies, the instrument employs frequency division by contact closures rather than upconversion. This approach simplifies servicing, eliminates UHF EMC problems, and produces improved spurious specifications and reduced phase noise for frequencies below 80 MHz.

ValueTronics International has supported the test and measurement community since 1992, with all inventory stored, inspected, and performance-tested at our 20,000 square foot secure facility at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Legacy synthesizers such as the 6160B remain in active service in many established RF labs and production test environments, and our in-house technical resources allow us to verify these instruments against their original published specifications before shipment.

## Brand Heritage

Fluke's test and measurement product portfolio has evolved through several corporate transitions over the decades. Fluke Corporation became part of the Danaher Corporation group, and certain product families have moved between brand identities over time. Instruments from the 6160B era reflect Fluke's established heritage in precision signal generation and frequency synthesis.

## Accessories Supplied

-   Manual
-   Power cord
-   Mating connector for programming input lines
-   Serialized and dated calibration certificate

## Product Core & Specifications

Parameter

Specification

FREQUENCY

High Band Range

10 MHz to 160 MHz

High Band Minimum Step

1 Hz

Low Band Range

1 MHz to 12 MHz

Low Band Minimum Step

0.1 Hz

Local Control

Front panel rotary switches

Remote Control

BCD per decade, TTL, DTL positive true logic or contact closures. Logic "0" = 0 to 0.9V dc. Logic "1" = 2V to +5V dc or open circuit.

Spectral Purity Non-Harmonic, Spurious

1 to 20 MHz: -100 dBc; 20 to 40 MHz: -95 dBc; 40 to 80 MHz: -89 dBc; 80 to 160 MHz: -83 dBc

Harmonic, Spurious

<-25 dBc, typically <-30 dBc

Amplitude Noise\*\*

<-94 dBc (typical)

Absolute Phase Noise\*\*

<-62 dBc (typical)

Residual Phase Noise\*\*

<-74 dBc (typical)

Phase Noise\* Spectral Density 1 Hz Bandwidth

Offset from Carrier 1.2 kHz: SSB Noise <-115 dBc; 32 kHz: <-121 dBc; 600 kHz: <-135 dBc

OUTPUTS

Main Output

Adjustable from +3 dBm to +13 dBm into 50 Ω (0.3V to 001V rms) with front-panel control or external dc voltage. Level maintained ±1 dB into 50 Ω.

Other Outputs

5 MHz at nominally 1V rms into 50 Ω

Output Options

Rear Panel, Opt -04

MISCELLANEOUS

Reference Frequency

External, 5 MHz at 0 dBm to +16 dBm into 50 Ω

Level Control

External, 0.1 to 0.8V dc nominal into >2 kΩ produces an output level change of from +3 dBm to +13 dBm

Switching Speed

<800 µs to be within 50 Hz of final frequency (applies for frequencies from 80 MHz to 160 MHz. Improves at lower frequencies)

Internal 5 MHz Frequency Aging Rate (Option -02)

±2 x 10⁻⁹/day

Internal 5 MHz Frequency Aging Rate (Option -05)

±5 x 10⁻⁶/yr

Temp. Stability

1 x 10⁻⁸, 0°C to 50°C; 1 x 10⁻⁶, 0°C to 50°C

GENERAL

Altitude

To 3048 meters (10,000 feet), operating; 15,240 meters (50,000 feet), non-operating

Temperature

0°C to 50°C, operating; -62°C to +70°C, non-operating

Relative Humidity

≤80% to 50°C

Power

115V or 230V ac ±10%, switch-selectable, 50 to 440 Hz, 80W

Size

48.3 cm W x 17.8 cm H x 50.8 cm L (19 in W x 7 in H x 20 in L)

Weight

20.5 kg (45 lb)

_\*Noise specifications are for frequencies from 80 MHz to 160 MHz. Noise performance improves for lower frequencies._  
_\*\*Measured in a 30 kHz band excluding the 1 Hz band centered on the signal frequency._

**Important:** Requires an internal frequency standard (Option -02 or -05) or an external 5 MHz time base for operation. Options -02 and -05 are installable at the factory.**Important:** Option -02, -05 or an external 5 MHz time base is required. Option -02 and -05 Frequency Standards are installable at Factory.**Important:** Option -529 IEEE-488 Interface requires 1120A IEEE-488 Translator. Includes 6XXXA-522K and Y7205 Cable.**Important:** GPIB/IEEE-488 compatibility is achieved using the Fluke 1120A Translator and 6XXXA-529 Interface.Recommended pairing: use the Fluke 1120A IEEE-488 Translator together with the 6XXXA-529 Interface to enable GPIB/IEEE-488 automated control of the 6160B per the datasheet's stated compatibility path.

## 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 - 910.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Fluke
- **Type:** Rf Gen
- **Tags:** Fluke, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, RF, Signal Generators

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 560.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 700.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 910.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Fluke 6160B Synthesized RF Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/6160b-fluke-rf-generator-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30
