# Agilent E8247C PSG CW Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

# Agilent E8247C PSG CW Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   CW and analog signal generation spanning 250 kHz to 20 GHz or 40 GHz depending on frequency option
-   Available in CW-only (E8247C) or analog (E8257C) configurations with AM, FM, phase, and pulse modulation
-   GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232, and 10BaseT LAN interfaces standard for ATE integration
-   SCPI 1997.0 command set emulates earlier Agilent 836xxB, 837xxB, and 8340/41B signal generators
-   Step and list sweep standard; ramp (analog) sweep available via Option 007
-   Optional enhanced close-in SSB phase noise via Option UNR
-   Optional step attenuator (Option 1E1) extends output level range down to -135 dBm

The Agilent E8247C and E8257C are PSG-series signal generators covering 250 kHz to 20 GHz (Option 520) or 250 kHz to 40 GHz (Option 540), useable down to 100 kHz. The E8247C is the CW-only model; the E8257C adds analog modulation. Both deliver synthesized continuous-wave output with 0.001 Hz CW frequency resolution.

As a stimulus source, these generators integrate into automated test systems: the SCPI 1997.0 command set emulates earlier Agilent 836xxB, 837xxB, and 8340/41B signal generators for general ATE compatibility. The instruments support two-tone (master/slave) measurements, in which two PSG units synchronously track each other with independent control of start/stop frequencies, and they are fully compatible with the Agilent 8757D scalar network analyzer for swept measurements.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer.

## Brand Heritage

Agilent Technologies originated as the test-and-measurement business of Hewlett-Packard, which spun the unit off as Agilent in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement business was transferred to a newly formed company, Keysight Technologies.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The PSG CW and analog signal generators are offered in two model variants distinguished by modulation capability: the E8247C provides continuous-wave (CW) output only, while the E8257C adds analog modulation. Each model is further configured by frequency option, with Option 520 covering 250 kHz to 20 GHz and Option 540 extending coverage to 40 GHz.

Both models share the same synthesized core, sweep capabilities, leveling architecture, and remote-programming interfaces; the differences between them center on whether analog modulation is included and how far the frequency range extends. A vector signal generator, the E8267C, is documented separately.

Each pre-owned model below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the frequency option and the CW or analog configuration that matches your application, and the corresponding pre-owned unit can be reviewed on its own listing.

The primary difference across the family is modulation: the E8247C is CW-only, whereas the E8257C adds frequency, phase, amplitude, and pulse modulation along with internal modulation and pulse generators. Buyers needing only a clean carrier select the E8247C, while those requiring stimulus modulation select the E8257C.

The second axis is frequency coverage. Option 520 reaches 20 GHz and Option 540 reaches 40 GHz, with connector type varying accordingly: 20 GHz models use precision APC-3.5 connectors and 40 GHz models use precision 2.4 mm connectors. The comparison table below details the per-model frequency range, modulation, and output specifications.

Model

Frequency Range

Modulation

Max Output Power (Standard)

**E8247C**

250 kHz to 20 GHz (Option 520) / 250 kHz to 40 GHz (Option 540)

CW only

+13 dBm (≤20 GHz), +9 dBm (20–40 GHz)

E8257C

250 kHz to 20 GHz (Option 520) / 250 kHz to 40 GHz (Option 540)

AM, FM, ΦM, Pulse

+13 dBm (≤20 GHz), +9 dBm (20–40 GHz)

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   2.4 mm to 2.4 mm female adapter (included with 40 GHz / Option 540 models)
-   2.4 mm to 2.9 mm female adapter (included with 40 GHz / Option 540 models)

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Frequency

Range (Option 520)

250 kHz to 20 GHz

Range (Option 540)

250 kHz to 40 GHz

Resolution, CW

0.001 Hz

Resolution, All Sweep modes

0.01 Hz

Switching speed

< 12 ms (typical)

Phase offset

Adjustable in nominal 0.1 ° increments

Frequency Bands

Band 1: 250 kHz to 250 MHz

N # 1/8

Band 2: > 250 to 500 MHz

N # 1/16

Band 3: > 500 MHz to 1 GHz

N # 1/8

Band 4: > 1 to 2 GHz

N # 1/4

Band 5: > 2 to 3.2 GHz

N # 1/2

Band 6: > 3.2 to 10 GHz

N # 1

Band 7: > 10 to 20 GHz

N # 2

Band 8: > 20 to 40 GHz

N # 4

Internal Timebase Reference Oscillator

Aging rate (Standard)

< ±1 x 10–7/year or < ±4.5 x 10–9/day after 45 days

Aging rate (Option UNR)

< ±3 x 10–8/year or < ±2.5 x 10–10/day after 30 days

Temperature effects (Standard, typical)

< ±5 x 10–8, 0 to 55 °C

Temperature effects (Option UNR, typical)

< ±4.5 x 10–9, 0 to 55 °C

Line voltage effects (Standard, typical)

< ±2 x 10–9 for +5% –10% change

Line voltage effects (Option UNR, typical)

< ±2 x 10–10 for ±10% change

External reference frequency (Standard)

1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10 MHz (within 0.2 ppm)

External reference frequency (Option UNR)

10 MHz only (within 1 ppm)

Reference output frequency

10 MHz

Reference output amplitude

\> +4 dBm into 50 Ω load (typical)

External reference input amplitude

\> –3 dBm (Opt UNR: 5 dBm ±5 dB)

External reference input impedance

50 Ω (nominal)

Digital Sweep

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

Within instrument frequency range

Sweep range, Amplitude

Within attenuator hold range

Dwell time

1 ms to 60 s

Number of points

2 to 1601 (step sweep); 2 to 1601 per table (list sweep)

Triggering

Auto, external, single, or GPIB

Ramp (Analog) Sweep (Option 007)

Operating modes

Synthesized frequency sweep (start/stop, center/span, swept CW); Power (amplitude) sweep (start/stop); Manual sweep; Alternate sweep

Sweep span range

Settable from minimum to full range

Maximum sweep rate, 250 kHz to < 0.5 GHz

25 MHz/ms (max span for 100 ms sweep: 2.5 GHz)

Maximum sweep rate, 0.5 to < 1 GHz

50 MHz/ms (max span for 100 ms sweep: 5 GHz)

Maximum sweep rate, 1 to < 2 GHz

100 MHz/ms (max span for 100 ms sweep: 10 GHz)

Maximum sweep rate, 2 to < 3.2 GHz

200 MHz/ms (max span for 100 ms sweep: 20 GHz)

Maximum sweep rate, ≥3.2 GHz

400 MHz/ms (max span for 100 ms sweep: 36.8 GHz)

Frequency accuracy

± 0.05% of span ± timebase (at 100 ms sweep time, for sweep spans less than maximum values)

Sweep time resolution

1 ms

Sweep time, Manual mode

Settable 10 ms to 99 seconds

Triggering

Auto, external, single, or GPIB

Markers

10 independent continuously variable frequency markers

Marker functions

M1 to center, M1/M2 to start/stop, marker delta

Network analyzer compatibility

Fully compatible with Agilent 8757D scalar network analyzer; also useable with Agilent 8757A/C/E scalar network analyzers for basic swept measurements

Output Power (dBm)

20 GHz models, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz

Standard: –20 to +13; Option 1EA: –20 to +16

20 GHz models, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

Standard: –20 to +13; Option 1EA: –20 to +13

20 GHz models, > 3.2 to 20 GHz

Standard: –20 to +13; Option 1EA: –20 to +20

40 GHz models, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz

Standard: –20 to +9; Option 1EA: –20 to +15

40 GHz models, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

Standard: –20 to +9; Option 1EA: –20 to +12

40 GHz models, > 3.2 to 20 GHz

Standard: –20 to +9; Option 1EA: –20 to +18

40 GHz models, > 20 to 40 GHz

Standard: –20 to +9; Option 1EA: –20 to +14

20 GHz models with step attenuator (Option 1E1), 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz

Standard: –135 to +11; Option 1EA: –135 to +15

20 GHz models with step attenuator, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

Standard: –135 to +11; Option 1EA: –135 to +12

20 GHz models with step attenuator, > 3.2 to 20 GHz

Standard: –135 to +11; Option 1EA: –135 to +18

40 GHz models with step attenuator (Option 1E1), 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz

Standard: –135 to +7; Option 1EA: –135 to +14

40 GHz models with step attenuator, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz (with Option 1E6)

Standard: –135 to +7; Option 1EA: –135 to +11

40 GHz models with step attenuator, > 3.2 to 20 GHz

Standard: –135 to +7; Option 1EA: –135 to +16

40 GHz models with step attenuator, > 20 to 40 GHz

Standard: –135 to +7; Option 1EA: –135 to +12

Output

Step attenuator

0 dB and 5 to 115 dB in 10 dB steps (Option 1E1)

Amplitude switching speed, CW or analog modulation

< 5 ms (typical)

Amplitude switching speed, when using power search

< 25 ms (typical)

Level accuracy, 250 kHz to 2 GHz

\> +10 dBm: ±0.6; +10 to –10 dBm: ±0.6; –10 to –20 dBm: ±1.4

Level accuracy, 2 GHz to 20 GHz

\> +10 dBm: ±0.8; +10 to –10 dBm: ±0.8; –10 to –20 dBm: ±1.2

Level accuracy, > 20 to 40 GHz

\> +10 dBm: ±1.0; +10 to –10 dBm: ±0.9; –10 to –20 dBm: ±1.3

> **Important:** Maximum reverse power into the RF output: 1/2 Watt (nominal).

> **Important:** Maximum power specification is warranted from 15 to 35 °C, and is typical from 0 to 15 °C. Maximum power over the 35 to 55 °C range typically degrades less than 2 dB.

> **Important:** Storage below –20 °C: instrument states may be lost (General Specifications, storage temperature footnote).

> **Important:** For Master/Slave (two-tone) operation, the Agilent 8120-8806 Master/Slave interface cable is required and is ordered separately.

> **Important:** GPIB system interface is supported only with the Agilent 8757D, not with the 8757A/C/E; with 8757A/C/E some features (frequency display, pass-through mode, alternate sweep) do not function with PSG signal generators.

> Recommended pairing: connect Agilent 83550 Series millimeter-wave source modules (83554A-83558A) through the source module interface to extend the generator's frequency coverage to as high as 110 GHz.

## About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

-   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).

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

**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 - 700.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Agilent
- **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 | 560.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 595.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 700.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Agilent E8247C PSG CW Signal Generator (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/e8247c-agilent-rf-generator-used)
> Updated: 2026-07-06