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The Agilent 83732B is a synthesized signal generator covering 10 MHz to 20 GHz, designed for applications requiring precise frequency control combined with comprehensive modulation capabilities. As documented in the datasheet, the 8370B series encompasses four models: the 83711B and 83712B synthesized CW generators, and the 83731B and 83732B synthesized signal generators, which add pulse, AM, FM, and optional phase modulation. The 83732B extends frequency coverage down to 10 MHz, distinguishing it from the 83731B which begins at 1 GHz.
The datasheet specifies the 8370B series for use with the Agilent 8970B noise figure meter through Special Function 41.5, and for driving the Agilent 83550 Series Millimeter Wave Source Modules via the rear-panel 0.5V/GHz output. The instruments are intended for ATE system integration, with SCPI programming compatibility and emulation of Agilent 8673 commands for compatibility with existing automated test systems. The pulse modulation capability of the 83731B and 83732B supports radar simulation and pulse characterization applications.
ValueTronics International stocks and supports the Agilent 8370B series from our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every {{CONDITION}} 83732B that ships from our facility has been inventoried, inspected, and prepared in-house by our technical team — not drop-shipped from a third-party broker. This direct handling means we can verify configuration details, confirm option strings, and answer specific questions about each unit before it leaves our dock.
Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement business was further separated as Keysight Technologies, which now holds the lineage of HP and Agilent test and measurement instruments including the 8370B series synthesized signal generators.
The Agilent 8370B series comprises four models that share a common synthesizer architecture and chassis platform but differ along two axes: frequency coverage and modulation capability. The 83711B and 83731B cover 1 to 20 GHz, while the 83712B and 83732B extend the low end down to 10 MHz. The 83711B and 83712B are synthesized CW generators, while the 83731B and 83732B add pulse, amplitude, and frequency modulation capabilities as standard features.
All four models share the same frequency resolution (1 kHz standard, 1 Hz with Option 1E8), the same frequency switching speed, the same maximum leveled output power tiers, and the same option set for step attenuator, high-stability timebase, and 3.5 mm RF output connector. The 83731B and 83732B add the Option 1E2 internal modulation generator and Option 800 analog phase modulation as available options not applicable to the CW-only 83711B and 83712B.
Each model in this family is listed as its own product page with pre-owned-matched pricing and inventory. Select the model that matches both the frequency coverage your application requires and the modulation capability your test setup needs.
The 83732B is the broadest-coverage member of the family, providing 10 MHz to 20 GHz frequency range combined with pulse, AM, FM, and optional phase modulation. The datasheet specifies harmonics at less than -55 dBc at output levels below +6 dBm for the 83731B and 83732B, compared to less than -50 dBc for the 83711B and 83712B.
The primary differentiators across the family are frequency coverage and modulation capability. The 83711B and 83731B begin at 1 GHz; the 83712B and 83732B extend down to 10 MHz. The 83711B and 83712B are CW-only synthesized sources; the 83731B and 83732B add comprehensive modulation including pulse modulation with rise and fall times under 10 ns above 1 GHz.
The comparison table that follows summarizes the frequency range, modulation capabilities, and harmonic performance differences across the four models as printed in the datasheet.
| Model | Type | Frequency Range | Modulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 83731B | Synthesized Signal Generator | 1 to 20 GHz | Pulse, FM, AM (linear and log), optional M |
| 83711B | Synthesized CW Generator | 1 to 20 GHz | None (CW only) |
| 83712B | Synthesized CW Generator | 10 MHz to 20 GHz | None (CW only) |
| 83732B | Synthesized Signal Generator | 10 MHz to 20 GHz | Pulse, FM, AM (linear and log), optional M |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | |
| Resolution | 1 kHz (1 Hz with Option 1E8) |
| Aging rate (with Option 1E5) | <1.5 x 10-9/day after 24-hour warm up |
| Temperature effects (with Option 1E5) | <1 x 10-7 over 0 to 55°C, nominally <1.4 x 10-9/°C |
| Line voltage effects (with Option 1E5) | <5 x 10-10 for 10% change in line voltage |
| Aging rate (standard timebase) | <1.0 x 10-8/day after 72 hours at 25°C ± 10°C |
| Temperature effects (standard timebase) | <5 x 10-6 over 0 to 55°C referenced to 25°C |
| Stability with external 10 MHz reference | Same as external reference |
| Frequency switching time | <50 ms to within 1 kHz for any frequency step; <35 ms to within 1 kHz for <1 GHz steps not across 10 GHz band switch point |
| RF Output - Maximum Leveled Output Power (Standard / with Option 1E1) | |
| 0.01 to 1 GHz | +13 dBm / +13 dBm |
| 1 to 18 GHz | +11 dBm / +10 dBm |
| 18 to 20 GHz | +10 dBm / +8 dBm |
| Minimum leveled output power | -4 dBm (-110 dBm with Option 1E1) |
| Display resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Accuracy (-4 dBm to max leveled power), 10 MHz to 50 MHz | ±1.3 dB |
| Accuracy (-4 dBm to max leveled power), 50 MHz to 20 GHz | ±1.0 dB |
| Accuracy over all power levels, 10 MHz to 50 MHz | ±2.3 dB (power ≥ -90 dBm) |
| Accuracy over all power levels, 50 MHz to 20 GHz | ±2.0 dB (power ≥ -90 dBm) |
| Accuracy over all power levels, 10 MHz to 20 GHz | ±2.5 dB (power < -90 dBm) |
| Flatness | ±0.5 dB (power ≥ -90 dBm); ±0.7 dB (power < -90 dBm) |
| Level switching time | <17 ms (without step attenuator range change) |
| Output SWR | <2.0:1 nominal |
| User Flatness (Level) Correction | |
| Number of points | 2 to 401 points/table |
| Number of tables | up to 4 |
| Entry modes | power meter, GPIB |
| Spectral Purity - SSB Phase Noise (dBc/Hz, CW mode) | |
| 0.5 to <1 GHz | -78 (100 Hz), -92 (1 kHz), -103 (10 kHz), -115 (100 kHz) |
| 1 to <2 GHz | -73 (100 Hz), -83 (1 kHz), -92 (10 kHz), -107 (100 kHz) |
| 2 to <5 GHz | -70 (100 Hz), -78 (1 kHz), -83 (10 kHz), -100 (100 kHz) |
| 5 to <10 GHz | -69 (100 Hz), -78 (1 kHz), -82 (10 kHz), -100 (100 kHz) |
| 10 to 20 GHz | -65 (100 Hz), -73 (1 kHz), -76 (10 kHz), -100 (100 kHz) |
| Harmonics, 83711B/83712B | <-50 dBc (at levels < +6 dBm) |
| Harmonics, 83731B/83732B | <-55 dBc (at levels < +6 dBm) |
| Nonharmonic spurious (≥3 kHz) | <-60 dBc (includes power supply and frequency synthesis spurious) |
| Nonharmonic spurious (<3 kHz) | <-50 dBc |
| Subharmonics | none |
| Residual FM at 1 GHz, 50 Hz to 15 kHz BW | <15 Hz |
| AM noise floor, 0.01 to 1 GHz | <-140 dBm/Hz (at 0 dBm, offsets >5 MHz) |
| AM noise floor, 1 to 20 GHz | <-150 dBm/Hz (at 0 dBm, offsets >5 MHz) |
| General | |
| Programming | SCPI (IEEE 488.2-1987); emulates most Agilent 8673 commands |
| Noise figure meter compatibility | Fully compatible with 8970B via Special Function 41.5 |
| Operating temperature range | 0° to 55°C |
| EMC | Complies with CISPR Pub. 11/1990 Class A, and Mil-Std-461C Part 2 Methods CE03, CS01, CS02, RE02, RS03 |
| Power requirements | 90 to 132 V, 48 to 440 Hz; 198 to 264 V, 48 to 66 Hz; 260 VA maximum |
| Net weight | <16 kg (35 lb) |
| Shipping weight | <23 kg (49 lb) |
| Size (D x W x H) | 498 mm x 426 mm x 133 mm (19.6 in x 16.8 in x 5.2 in) |
| RF output connector | Type-N precision, or 3.5 mm precision (Option 1E9). Nominal impedance 50 ohms. |
| Modulation (83731B/83732B only) - Pulse Modulation | |
| Minimum pulse width (<25 MHz) | <1 µs |
| Minimum pulse width (25 to <500 MHz) | <100 ns |
| Minimum pulse width (500 MHz to 20 GHz) | <25 ns (typically <10 ns) |
| Rise/Fall Time (<25 MHz) | <500 ns |
| Rise/Fall Time (25 to <64 MHz) | <350 ns |
| Rise/Fall Time (64 to <128 MHz) | <50 ns |
| Rise/Fall Time (128 to <500 MHz) | <35 ns |
| Rise/Fall Time (500 to <1000 MHz) | <15 ns |
| Rise/Fall Time (1 to 20 GHz) | <10 ns |
| On/off ratio | >80 dB |
| Maximum pulse repetition frequency | >3 MHz |
| Minimum pulse duty cycle | No restrictions on duty cycle |
| Pulse level accuracy | ±1.0 dB (relative to CW) |
| Pulse overshoot | <10% |
| Input impedance | 50Ω nominal; TTL drive levels |
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
10
Adds 110 dB Output Step Attenuator
100
Adds 110 dB output step attenuator
100000
Adds High-Stability Timebase
100000000
Adds 1 Hz Frequency Resolution
1000000000
Adds internal modulation generator (83731B/32B only)
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