The HP 83712A is a synthesized CW microwave generator covering 0.01 GHz to 20 GHz, designed for local oscillator and exciter applications that demand wide output dynamic range and stringent spectral purity. The companion HP 83711A covers 1 to 20 GHz. Both instruments combine high output power and exceptional signal purity in a low-cost, performance-packed synthesizer platform engineered for reliable field maintenance.

A synthesized CW signal generator like the 83712A produces a single, precisely controlled continuous-wave tone at a user-selected frequency and power level. These instruments serve as the stimulus source in RF and microwave test setups — driving devices under test, providing reference signals for receiver characterization, and acting as the local oscillator in down-conversion measurement architectures. The datasheet specifically identifies the 83711A/12A as the recommended local oscillator for the HP 8970B noise figure meter, and when paired with HP 83550 Series millimeter wave modules, the platform extends signal generation up to 110 GHz for higher-frequency applications.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The HP 83711A and 83712A are the two members of this synthesized CW generator family, sharing the same core architecture, output power profile, spectral purity specifications, and HP-IB / SCPI programmability. The two models differ in the low end of their frequency coverage: the 83711A starts at 1 GHz, while the 83712A extends down to 0.01 GHz (10 MHz). All other published characteristics — harmonics, spurious, sub-harmonics, phase noise at common offsets, level resolution, and level accuracy — are common to both instruments.

Both models share the same option ecosystem, including the 90 dB Output Step Attenuator (Opt 1E1), High-Stability Timebase (Opt 1E5), 1 Hz Frequency Resolution (Opt 1E8), Extra Operating Manual (Opt 0B2), Service Manuals (Opt 0B3), Rack Mount Kit (Opt 1CM), Rack Mount and Handle Kit (Opt 1CP), and Rack Slide Kit (Opt 1CR). Mechanical, environmental, and EMC characteristics are identical across the family.

Each pre-owned unit listed below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and inventory. Select the model that matches your frequency range requirement and review the configuration details on the individual product page before ordering.

The HP 83712A extends frequency coverage down to 0.01 GHz (10 MHz), making it the appropriate selection when the application requires sub-GHz CW generation in addition to coverage up through 20 GHz. The 83711A, by contrast, is the appropriate selection when the application is bounded to 1 GHz and above, and the lower frequency range is not required.

The primary differentiator between the two models is the lower frequency limit: 1 GHz for the 83711A and 0.01 GHz for the 83712A. The upper limit (20 GHz) and all other electrical and mechanical specifications are common to both. The comparison table below summarizes the model-to-model differences as documented in the published specifications.

When the application spans both sub-GHz and microwave frequencies — for example, characterization work that requires both VHF/UHF stimulus and microwave-band stimulus from a single instrument — the 83712A is the appropriate choice. When microwave coverage alone is sufficient, the 83711A meets the requirement at typically lower acquisition cost.

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

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• 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).

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.