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The Agilent E8663B is a fully synthesized analog signal generator built for low phase noise and high output power. It generates continuous-wave and modulated signals across a broad RF range, with frequency coverage extending from 100 kHz up to 3.2 GHz in the Option 503 configuration and up to 9 GHz in the Option 509 configuration. Continuous-wave frequency resolution is 0.001 Hz, and phase is adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments.
An analog signal generator produces a precise, controllable RF carrier that can be modulated and swept to stimulate a device under test, serving as the known input against which an engineer measures a circuit's response. The E8663B emulates the command set of the 8662A/8663A signal generators, providing general compatibility with ATE systems and with the Agilent E5500 phase noise test system.
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.
Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement division became Keysight Technologies, which carries this product line's heritage forward.
The E8663B analog signal generator is offered in two frequency configurations. Option 503 covers 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz, while Option 509 extends coverage to 9 GHz. Both configurations share the same synthesized architecture, low-phase-noise design, and modulation capabilities.
A separate Option UNW adds narrow pulse modulation for applications needing shorter pulse widths and faster rise and fall times. Mechanical and documentation options — including rackmount flange and front-handle kits and a calibration certificate with test data — are common across the configurations.
Each pre-owned configuration below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the frequency range and options that match your application, and refer to the comparison table to confirm the differences between configurations.
The E8663B is positioned as a fully synthesized source emphasizing low phase noise and high output power, and it emulates the 8662A/8663A command set for general compatibility with ATE systems and the E5500 phase noise test system.
The primary difference between the configurations is frequency coverage: Option 503 reaches 3.2 GHz, and Option 509 reaches 9 GHz. Above 3.2 GHz, the Option 509 instrument provides up to +21 dBm (typically +22 dBm) of output power, compared with up to +15 dBm (typically +18 dBm) over 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz.
Output power, harmonic levels, and phase-noise figures are specified per frequency band, so the 9 GHz configuration carries its own characterized values above 3.2 GHz. The comparison table that follows summarizes the frequency range, output, and optional capabilities for each configuration.
| Model | Frequency Range | Max Output Power | Frequency Resolution (CW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E8663B | 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz | +15 dBm (+18 typ) | 0.001 Hz |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | |
| Range (Option 503) | 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz |
| Resolution (CW) | 0.001 Hz |
| Resolution (all sweep modes) | 0.01 Hz |
| CW switching speed | < 11 ms (typ) (7 ms nom) |
| Phase offset | Adjustable in nominal 0.1° increments |
| Internal timebase aging rate | < ±3 × 10⁻⁸/year or < ±2.5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day after 30 days |
| Temperature effects (typ) | < ±4.5 × 10⁻⁹, 0 to 55 °C |
| Line voltage effects (typ) | < ±2 × 10⁻¹⁰ for ±10% change |
| External reference frequency | 10 MHz only |
| Lock range | ±1.0 ppm |
| Reference output frequency | 10 MHz |
| Reference output amplitude | > +4 dBm into 50 Ω load (typ) |
| External reference input amplitude | 5 dBm ±5 dB |
| External reference input impedance | 50 Ω (nom) |
| Step (Digital) Sweep | |
| Operating modes | Step sweep or list sweep of frequency or amplitude or both |
| Frequency sweep range | Within instrument frequency range |
| Amplitude sweep range | Within attenuator hold range |
| Dwell time | 1 ms to 60 s |
| Number of points | 2 to 65535 (step sweep); 2 to 1601 per table (list sweep) |
| Triggering | Auto, external, single, or GPIB |
| Settling time (frequency) | < 8 ms (typ) |
| Settling time (amplitude) | < 5 ms (typ) |
| Output | |
| Power, 100 to 250 kHz | –135 to +10 dBm (nom) |
| Power, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz | –135 to +15 dBm (+18) |
| Power, 250 kHz to 3.2 GHz with Option UNW | –135 to +10 dBm (+13) |
| Step attenuator | 0 dB and 5 dB to 115 dB in 10 dB steps |
| Amplitude switching speed (ALC on or off) | < 3 ms (typ) |
| Level accuracy, 250 kHz to 2 GHz | ±0.6 dB (+10 to –10 dBm), ±0.7 dB (–10 to –70 dBm), ±0.8 dB (–70 to –90 dBm) |
| Level accuracy, > 2 to 3.2 GHz | ±0.8 dB (+10 to –10 dBm), ±0.9 dB (–10 to –70 dBm), ±1.0 dB (–70 to –90 dBm) |
| Level accuracy resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Temperature stability | 0.01 dB/°C (typ) |
| Output impedance | 50 Ω (nom) |
| SWR, 250 kHz to 2 GHz | < 1.4:1 (typ) |
| SWR, > 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz | < 1.6:1 (typ) |
| User flatness correction points | 2 to 1601 points/table |
| User flatness number of tables | Up to 10,000, memory limited |
| Maximum reverse power | 1/2 Watt, 0 VDC |
| Spectral Purity | |
| Harmonics, < 10 MHz | –28 dBc (typical below 1 MHz) |
| Harmonics, 10 MHz to 2 GHz | –30 dBc |
| Harmonics, > 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz | –55 dBc |
| Sub-harmonics, 100 kHz to 3.2 GHz | None |
| Non-harmonics, 250 kHz to 250 MHz | –65 dBc (–72 typ for > 10 kHz offsets) |
| Non-harmonics, > 250 MHz to 1 GHz | –80 dBc (–88 typ) |
| Non-harmonics, > 1 to 2 GHz | –74 dBc (–82 typ) |
| Non-harmonics, > 2 to 3.2 GHz | –68 dBc (–76 typ) |
| Absolute SSB Phase Noise, dBc/Hz, CW (spec at 1 Hz / 10 Hz / 100 Hz / 1 kHz / 10 kHz / 100 kHz offset) | |
| 250 kHz to 250 MHz | –58 / –87 / –104 / –121 / –128 / –130 |
| > 250 to 500 MHz | –61 / –88 / –108 / –126 / –132 / –136 |
| > 500 MHz to 1 GHz | –57 / –84 / –101 / –121 / –130 / –130 |
| > 1 to 2 GHz | –51 / –79 / –96 / –115 / –124 / –124 |
| > 2 to 3.2 GHz | –46 / –74 / –92 / –111 / –120 / –120 |
| Frequency Modulation | |
| Residual FM (CW mode, 50 Hz to 15 kHz BW) | < N × 4 Hz (typ) |
| Maximum deviation, 250 kHz to 250 MHz | 2 MHz |
| Maximum deviation, > 250 to 500 MHz | 1 MHz |
| Maximum deviation, > 500 MHz to 1 GHz | 2 MHz |
| Maximum deviation, > 1 GHz to 2 GHz | 4 MHz |
| Maximum deviation, > 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz | 8 MHz |
| Resolution | 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, whichever is greater |
| Deviation accuracy | < ±3.5% of FM deviation + 20 Hz (1 kHz rate) |
| Distortion | < 1% (1 kHz rate) |
| Sensitivity | ±1 Vpeak for indicated deviation |
| Phase Modulation | |
| Maximum deviation (Normal BW / High BW), 250 kHz to 250 MHz | 20 rad / 2 rad |
| Maximum deviation, > 250 to 500 MHz | 10 rad / 1 rad |
| Maximum deviation, > 500 MHz to 1 GHz | 20 rad / 2 rad |
| Maximum deviation, > 1 GHz to 2 GHz | 40 rad / 4 rad |
| Maximum deviation, > 2 GHz to 3.2 GHz | 80 rad / 8 rad |
| Resolution | 0.1% of set deviation |
| Deviation accuracy | < ±5% of deviation + 0.01 radians (1 kHz rate, normal BW mode) |
| Modulation frequency response (3 dB BW) | DC to 100 kHz (normal); DC to 1 MHz typ (high BW) |
| Distortion | < 1% (1 kHz rate, THD, normal BW mode) |
| Sensitivity | ±1 Vpeak for indicated deviation |
| Amplitude Modulation (Typical) | |
| Depth maximum (ALC On) | > 90% (linear) / > 20 dB (exponential) |
| Depth maximum (ALC Off w/ Power Search or ALC On w/ Deep AM) | > 95% (linear) / > 40 dB (exponential) |
| Settable depth | 0 to 100% / 0 to 40 dB |
| Resolution | 0.1% / 0.01 dB |
| Rates (DC coupled, 3 dB BW, 30% depth) | 0 to 100 kHz |
Important: Maximum reverse power into the RF output: 1/2 Watt, 0 VDC.
Important: Storage below –20 °C: instrument states may be lost.
Important: As with all signal generation equipment, phase noise specifications are not warranted in a vibrating environment.
Recommended pairing: use Agilent EPM Series power meters (E4418B and E4419B) for the remote power-meter entry mode in user flatness correction.
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.
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.
Model No
Agilent
Condition
Pre-Owned
Manufacturer
Agilent
Rf_gen_freq
3.2 GHz
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