ValueTronics International, Inc. Sweep Generator 83525A

The 83525A is a 8.4 GHz sweep generator from Agilent. A sweep generator is a tool engineers use to generate sinusoidal outputs while testing electronic equipment. The output will automatically have its frequency varied or swept between frequencies. A sweep is one complete cycle of a frequency variation. Engineers use sweep signal generators as test equipment, mostly to measure responses of filters, amplifiers, and electrical components. Additional Features: Frequency range: 10 MHz to 8.4 GHz Leveled power output: 20 mW Frequency accuracy: ±12 MHz The Agilent 83525B is an RF Sweep Generator Plug-in for 8350A/B mainframe. The Agilent 83525A/B cover the frequency range of 10 MHz to 8.4GHz with excellent frequency stability, accuracy, and output power. This wide frequency range is created by automatically switching two bands together with a PIN diode switch. The lower frequency band covers 0.01-2.1 GHz which results from a heterodyne circuit. The upper frequency band is produced by a 2-8.4 GHz YIG oscillator. This 0.1 GHz frequency overlap is provided to enable smooth, narrowband sweeps around the switch point. On a full band sweep (10 MHz to 8.4 GHz) the band discontinuity at the switchpoint will be typical <8 MHz. The 83525B maintain excellent frequency parameters with a lower band accuracy within ±5 MHz and an upper band accuracy within 8 MHz. Full band frequency linearity is ±3 MHz while the lower band maintains a linearity of ±2 MHz. The 83525A plug-in, with its extremely broad frequency range, does not sacrifice power. This plug-in provides at least +13 dBm of output power while being internally leveled to a flatness of ±1 dBm. The 83525B plug-in provides the same outstanding specifications as the 83525A plus 45 dBc harmonics for maximum dynamic range in RF component and system measurements. The 83525B has a Crystal Marker capability. This capability provides harmonic markers at 10 or 50 MHz intervals below 2 GHz. In addition, 1 MHz harmonic markers are available below 1 GHz with all three plug-ins. These markers may either be seen as intensity spots or amplitude dips. The x-axis intensity markers are compatible with the Agilent 8755 Swept Frequency Response Test Set. These crystal markers simplify and speed up precision frequency measurements. The Agilent 83525B plug-in has a calibrated output power range of typically 15 dB that may be extended to >80 dB with Option 002 (70 dB attenuator). The output power level accuracy is within 1.5 dB. The front panel digital resolution enables the power to be manually set to a 0.1 dB resolution. The power may be remotely HP-IB programmed to 0.02 dB resolution. These plug-ins also offer a variety of power functions. An innovative feature offered on these plug-ins is Power Sweep, which sweeps the output power from one level to another. With this function, power response measurements may be made in a single test. Slope compensation is provided for situations that involve lossy cables or test set ups. This function slopes the power to compensate for high frequency losses via a "Slope" control. The Agilent 83525B is a completely programmable plug-in. This infers that the power level, power mode (Power Sweep, Slope, etc.), crystal markers and other plug-in functions may be externally controlled via the HP-IB. Programmability is a key feature for automatic test systems or production environments requiring multiple, repetitive tests.