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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.
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.
| 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.
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.
Model No
Fluke
Condition
Used
Manufacturer
Fluke
Frequency
160 MHz
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