• Calibrated output power with 0.1 dB resolution
• +13 dBm from 0.01 to 18.6 GHz
• 12 MHz frequency accuracy at 26.5 GHz
• -55 dBc harmonics and subharmonics from 3.5 to 20 GHz
• Internal leveling and slope standard
• HP-IB

The six HP 83590 series plug-ins feature wideband frequency coverage as exemplified by the HP 83595A which covers 0.01-26.5 GHz in a single sweep. While the HP 83590 series feature broadband sweeps, they still maintain narrowband precision. The frequency output exhibits excellent stability and accuracy. At 26.5 GHz the HP 83595A maintains an accuracy of ± 12 MHz. The HP 83592B does not sacrifice power for broadband high frequency coverage; the output power is internally leveled for a minimum +13 dBm (to 18.6 GHz) output with ± 0.9 dB flatness. The HP 83592C provides a clean test signal with -55 dBc harmonic and subharmonic levels (3.5-20 GHz) to maximize dynamic range. Power output capabilities have been expanded to provide power sweep and slope control. In addition, the HP 83590 series plug-ins are completely HP-IB programmable.

The most outstanding feature of the HP 83590 series plug-ins is their broad frequency range. Innovative technology is used to create this precision frequency range. The principle behind this technology is the Switched YIG Tuned Multiplier circuit (SYTM). The YTM circuit uses the output of a fundamental oscillator to drive a high-efficiency multiplier that has been integrated with a tracking YIG filter in order to create and select high order harmonics to be used as output frequencies.

A figure of merit for the HP 83590 series is their flat output power over the entire frequency range. The output power is internally leveled within 0.9 dB with a displayed resolution of 0.1 dB. The power level may be controlled to a minimum settable power level of -5 dBm (-2 dBm for the HP 83592B). This level may be extended to -75 dBm on the HP 83592A and HP 83590A or to -72 dBm on the HP 83592B with Option 002 (70 dB Step Attenuator), or to -60 dBm on the HP 83592C, the HP 83595A and HP 83594A with Option 002 (55 dB Step Attenuator).

Since power parameters are critical to high frequency measurements, the HP 83590 Series (along with all HP 83500 series plug-ins) offer many modes of power output. In addition to a single power output, the HP 83590 Series offer a Power Sweep function. The Power Sweep function sweeps a power range for characterizing level sensitive devices like amplifiers and transistors. The Slope mode is supplied to provide compensation for cable or test set losses. In all these modes the power output is internally monitored and leveled. If preferred, the power may be externally leveled. The HP 83590 Series plug-ins are capable of power meter leveling with the HP 432A/B/C, 436A, and 438A power meters.

HP-IB programmability is an essential feature when one of the HP 83590 series is used in automatic test systems. For example, the automated tests of amplifiers for gain compression are possible. These plug-ins are completely programmable, which means the power mode may be selected and the power level may be set with .01 dB resolution.