Skip to content

The Agilent 8360B Series Synthesized Swept Signal Generators and 8360L Series Synthesized Swept CW Generators are bench/rack RF and microwave sources covering frequencies from 10 MHz to 50 GHz, depending on model. The B-series instruments are full-feature signal generators with modulation capability, while the L-series variants are synthesized swept CW generators configured without modulation. Both lines share the same synthesizer architecture, 1 kHz standard frequency resolution (1 Hz with Option 008), and a common set of sweep modes including CW, manual, step, list, and ramp sweep.
Applications listed in the datasheet center on signal-source duties that the 8360 architecture supports directly: CW reference signal generation, swept stimulus across the instrument's frequency bands, step and list mode frequency sequencing for automated test, ramp sweeps up to 300 MHz/ms, and — for 8360B models — pulse, AM, FM, and scan modulation. Dedicated 8510 system source variants (83621B, 83631B, 83651B) are configured specifically as components of Agilent 8510 vector network analyzer systems, with rear-panel connectors and modulation features omitted. The source module interface drives 83550 series millimeter-wave source modules for measurements above the base instrument frequency range.
Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and Agilent's electronic measurement business was transferred to Keysight Technologies in 2014. The 8360 series carries the Agilent branding from the post-HP, pre-Keysight era, and corresponds in lineage to the broader HP/Agilent/Keysight signal generator catalog of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The 8360 family spans eleven models divided into two product lines that share a common synthesizer architecture but differ in feature scope. The 8360B series — 83620B, 83622B, 83623B, 83624B, 83630B, 83640B, and 83650B — are full-feature synthesized swept signal generators with pulse, AM, FM, and scan modulation capability available. The 8360L series — 83623L, 83630L, 83640L, and 83650L — are synthesized swept CW generators configured without modulation. Across both series, models are differentiated by frequency coverage (20 GHz, 26.5 GHz, 40 GHz, or 50 GHz upper limits), low-frequency cutoff (10 MHz or 2 GHz lower limit), and high-power variants on selected 20 GHz models.
Dedicated 8510 system source models — the 83621B (45 MHz to 20 GHz), 83631B (45 MHz to 26.5 GHz), and 83651B (45 MHz to 50 GHz) — are configured specifically as Agilent 8510 vector network analyzer system components. These dedicated source variants omit modulation capability and the front panel keyboard/display, route connectors to the rear panel, and follow the 8510's accuracy specifications across CW and swept modes.
Each pre-owned model linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Because this is a discontinued product line, configuration depends on the specific unit acquired — confirm the option string (Option 001 attenuator, Option 002 internal modulator, Option 006 fast pulse, Option 008 1 Hz resolution) on the listed serial number before ordering. Calibration and accessory inclusion are documented per unit.
The primary axes of differentiation within the 8360B/L family are frequency coverage and modulation capability. On frequency: the 83620B/L (and 83622B with 2 GHz lower limit) cover to 20 GHz; the 83630B/L extend to 26.5 GHz; the 83640B/L reach 40 GHz; and the 83650B/L reach 50 GHz. High-power output is offered on the 83623B (20 GHz, +17 dBm maximum leveled) and 83624B (20 GHz, +20 dBm maximum leveled), with the 83623L providing +15 dBm at the L-series equivalent. Maximum leveled output power declines as frequency increases — the 83650B/L delivers +2.5 dBm at frequencies above 40 GHz versus +10 dBm at frequencies below 26.5 GHz.
On modulation: only 8360B models support pulse, AM, FM, and scan modulation. Option 002 (internal modulation generator) and Option 006 (fast pulse, 10 ns rise/fall) are restricted to 8360B variants. The 8360L series is the choice when modulation is not required and the application is CW or swept signal source duty only. Spectral purity also varies by frequency band — single-sideband phase noise and harmonics specifications are tabulated per frequency range and per model number in the datasheet, with the high-power 83623B/83624B and the Option 006 high-power variants offering improved harmonic levels in specific bands.
| Model | Frequency Range | Max Leveled Power (Std) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83630B | 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz | +13 dBm (<20 GHz), +10 dBm (≥20 GHz) | Swept Signal Generator |
| 83620B | 10 MHz to 20 GHz | +13 dBm | Swept Signal Generator |
| 83622B | 2 GHz to 20 GHz | +13 dBm | Swept Signal Generator |
| 83623B | 10 MHz to 20 GHz | +17 dBm | Swept Signal Generator |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Resolution | Standard | 1 kHz |
| Frequency Resolution | Option 008 | 1 Hz |
| Internal 10 MHz Time Base | Aging Rate | 5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day, 1 × 10⁻⁷/year |
| Internal 10 MHz Time Base | With Temperature | 1 × 10⁻¹⁰/°C, typical |
| Internal 10 MHz Time Base | With Line Voltage | 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ for 10% line voltage change, typical |
| Sweep Functions — Control | Modes | Start/stop, center/span, marker (M1-M2), alternate sweep |
| Sweep Functions — Trigger | Sources | Auto, external, single, or GPIB |
| CW / Manual Sweep — Switching Time | Within band | 15 ms + (step size/1 GHz) × 5 ms |
| CW / Manual Sweep — Switching Time | Max or across band switch points | 50 ms |
| Step/List Mode — Switching Time | Within band | 5 ms + (step size/1 GHz) × 5 ms |
| Step Sweep Mode | Number of Points | 2 to 801 |
| Step Sweep Mode | Dwell Time | 100 µs to 3.2 s |
| List Mode | Number of Points | 1 to 801 |
| List Mode | Dwell Time | 100 µs to 3.2 s |
| Ramp Sweep Mode | Sweep Time | 10 ms to 100 s, 300 MHz/ms maximum rate |
| Ramp Sweep Mode | Accuracy (sweeps >n × 10 MHz) | Lesser of 1% of sweep width or n × 1 MHz + 0.1% of sweep width |
| Power — Resolution | 0.02 dB | |
| Power — Minimum Settable (Standard) | –20 dBm | |
| Power — Minimum Settable (Option 001) | –110 dBm | |
| Power — Switching Time | Without attenuator change | 10 ms, typical |
| Power — Temperature Stability | 0.01 dB/°C, typical | |
| User Flatness Correction | Number of points/table | 2 to 801 |
| User Flatness Correction | Number of tables | Up to 8 |
| User Flatness Correction | Entry modes | GPIB power meter, GPIB bus, manual |
| Source Match (internally leveled, typical) | <20 GHz | 1.6:1 SWR |
| Source Match (internally leveled, typical) | <40 GHz | 1.8:1 SWR |
| Source Match (internally leveled, typical) | <50 GHz | 2.0:1 SWR |
| External Leveling — Range | At external 33330D/E detector | –36 to +4 dBm |
| External Leveling — Range | At external leveling input | –200 µV to –0.5 volts |
| External Leveling — Bandwidth | External detector mode | 10 or 100 kHz, nominal |
| External Leveling — Bandwidth | Power meter mode | 0.7 Hz, nominal |
| Analog Power Sweep | Range | –20 dBm to maximum available power |
| SSB Phase Noise (10 MHz to <7 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –70 / –78 / –86 / –107 dBc/Hz |
| SSB Phase Noise (7 to <13.5 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –64 / –72 / –80 / –101 dBc/Hz |
| SSB Phase Noise (13.5 to 20 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –60 / –68 / –76 / –97 dBc/Hz |
| SSB Phase Noise (>20 to <26.5 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –58 / –66 / –74 / –95 dBc/Hz |
| SSB Phase Noise (26.5 to <38 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –54 / –62 / –70 / –91 dBc/Hz |
| SSB Phase Noise (38 to 50 GHz) | 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset | –52 / –60 / –68 / –89 dBc/Hz |
| Pulse Modulation (8360B only) | On/Off Ratio | 80 dB (Standard and Option 006) |
| Pulse Modulation (8360B only) | Rise/Fall Times | 25 ns Standard, 10 ns with Option 006 |
| Pulse Modulation — Min Width (Internally Leveled) | 1 µs | |
| Pulse Modulation — Min Repetition Frequency | Internally leveled | 10 Hz |
| Pulse Modulation — Min Repetition Frequency | Search / ALC off modes | DC |
| Pulse Modulation — Level Accuracy | Widths ≥1 µs | ±0.3 dB |
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
Agilent
Condition
Used
Manufacturer
Agilent
Frequency
20 GHz
Request A Quote