The Anritsu 68037B is a discontinued, synthesized continuous-wave microwave signal generator with a native frequency range of 2 to 20 GHz. It is suited to CW output, frequency stepping and power sweeps, but its exact performance depends on installed options and the condition of the individual unit. Before buying one, confirm its configuration and obtain current verification results: Anritsu lists its factory repair-support discontinuation date as June 1, 2006.
Anritsu 68037B at a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Instrument | Synthesized CW microwave signal generator |
| Native frequency range | 2 to 20 GHz |
| Frequency resolution | 1 kHz standard; 0.1 Hz with Option 11 |
| Output power | Configuration-dependent; dealer listings include approximately –15 to +13 dBm for a particular unit, while broader listings cite higher maxima. Verify the exact unit and frequency. |
| Sweep capabilities | Frequency stepping and power sweep; listed power-sweep steps are 0.01 dB |
| Remote control | GPIB; SCPI capability is associated with Option 19 |
| Availability | Discontinued; generally encountered used, refurbished or as rental equipment |
| Factory repair support | Discontinued June 1, 2006 |
ATEC’s 68037B product page identifies the model as discontinued and describes its range and options. The official Anritsu support notice gives the repair-support end date.
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RF Explorer Signal Generator Carrying Case Included - Frequency 24-6000 MHZ in The CW Area. | $258.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What the 68037B is—and what it is not
The 68037B belongs to Anritsu/Wiltron’s older 68000B-era family of synthesized sources. It is a CW generator intended for stable single-frequency output, frequency changes and power sweeps. It is not a modern vector signal generator, and its native output range ends at 20 GHz. Waveguide multipliers or extensions used in a larger system do not change the 68037B’s native frequency range.
Do not treat nearby model numbers as interchangeable. The 68337B is a related sweep/high-performance family member; the 68037C is a later designation, not proof of equivalence; and MG369xB/C instruments are later product families. A 68000-series model listing identifies the 68037B as a 2–20 GHz CW generator: model-family listing.
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- Frequency range supported: 24 to 6000 MHz, Frequency step/resolution: 1KHz, Stability: 0.5ppm
- Temperature compensated (0-45C), Backlight for great indoor visibility, SMA 50 ohms connector
- Programmable Amplitude with included internal programmable attenuator:-40dBm to -30dBm in 3dB steps
- -10dBm to 0dBm in 3dB steps, Amplitude accuracy: +-0.5dB (normalized) or +-3dB (absolute),
- Switch measurement point speed < 10ms, Graphics LCD 128x64 pixels, great visibility outdoors
Specifications and the qualifications that matter
Frequency, switching and sweeps
- Range: 2–20 GHz for the 68037B.
- Resolution: 1 kHz standard; 0.1 Hz requires Option 11.
- Switching: A product listing gives less than 40 ms to within 1 kHz of the final frequency as a typical maximum. This is an instrument specification, not a guarantee of end-to-end system settling time.
- CW memories: Twenty presettable frequencies, identified as F0–F9 and M0–M9.
- Power sweep: Listed step resolution is 0.01 dB, with dwell from 1 ms to 99 seconds. Crossing a step-attenuator setting may add about 20 ms.
These figures are summarized on ATEC’s 68037B page. Check the applicable manual and installed options for the operating mode and conditions behind a value.
Output level
There is no safe universal maximum-output figure for an unspecified used 68037B. Dealer listings include approximately –15 to +13 dBm for a particular configuration, while other listings cite values as high as +17 dBm. Minimum-level claims also vary; approximately –125 dBm is reported for some configurations. These figures must not be read as guaranteed across every frequency, attenuator configuration and option set. The unit’s original specifications, option list and a recent calibration or verification report are more useful than a model-level headline. See the examples from Alliance Test Equipment and Leasametric.
Phase noise and spectral purity
Phase noise is a key reason to consider this class of source, but a used instrument’s actual performance cannot be inferred from its model number. A dealer cites approximately –83 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset from a 10 GHz carrier; another service listing reports a different figure. Do not combine these into a universal specification. Confirm carrier frequency, offset, output level, reference configuration, temperature and whether the value is typical or guaranteed in the exact model’s documentation. For a unit whose phase noise matters, request a current analyzer-based measurement at the frequencies and offsets relevant to your test.
The available 680-series operation-manual copy discusses spectral purity and phase noise for its covered family. It is a 680-series family manual, not a dedicated 68037B/B-series manual; do not substitute a neighboring model’s table for the 68037B specification. Related calibration context is available from Micro Precision.
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Reference, modulation and connectors
Frequency accuracy follows the internal or external 10 MHz time base. Option 16 provides an ovenized high-stability time base. Modulation capabilities depend on model and installed options; verify the exact functions required rather than assuming every unit offers the same AM, FM, phase or complex modulation features. The default RF output is at the front; Option 9 provides a rear-panel RF output. The actual connector location and condition should be checked in photographs and in person.
Options to verify before buying
| Option | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Option 9 | Rear-panel RF output |
| Option 10 | Complex modulation |
| Option 11 | 0.1 Hz frequency resolution |
| Option 15 | High-power output |
| Option 16 | High-stability ovenized time base |
| Option 17 | Deleted front panel |
| Option 19 | SCPI programmability |
| Options 2A–2D | Step-attenuator configurations |
| Option 8 | Internal power meter |
Option details are listed on ATEC’s product page. Ask for the installed-option list and a clear rear-panel photograph; a listing that gives only “68037B” does not establish which functions are present.
Manuals, programming documents and drivers
- Operation: The available 680-series operation manual covers setup, operation and performance information for its family. Confirm model and revision applicability before relying on a specification or procedure.
- Programming: An official Anritsu programming manual includes a 68037B instrument-identification example and discusses GPIB data transfer. Use it to check command syntax rather than assuming modern SCPI commands work.
- Maintenance: A surfaced maintenance manual covers related equipment, not necessarily the 68037B. Procedures for MG369xB or other family instruments are not automatically valid for this model.
- Downloads and drivers: Anritsu’s MG3690B support page and software page describe documentation or driver relationships with older 68000B-family instruments. Confirm firmware, interface, commands and option compatibility for the specific unit.
GPIB automation: confirm the command set first
The 68037B is a legacy GPIB instrument. It may require a suitable GPIB controller or USB-to-GPIB adapter, IEEE-488 cabling and the correct instrument address. GPIB connection alone does not establish that the instrument supports SCPI: SCPI programmability is associated with Option 19, while other configurations may use the older Anritsu/Wiltron command set.
- Check the rear panel for the GPIB connector and determine the instrument address.
- Connect a known-good GPIB controller and use the identification command or query documented for the unit.
- Confirm that the response identifies the instrument and firmware before sending setup commands.
- Set a safe frequency and low output level, then measure the signal through suitable attenuation with a calibrated power meter or spectrum analyzer.
- Verify frequency, output level and settling before testing sweeps, modulation or automated sequences.
The exact command depends on the applicable programming manual and option set; do not paste a generic modern SCPI example into a legacy system and assume it will work.
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How to assess a used unit
Request these details before paying
- Model and serial-number label photographs, plus front- and rear-panel photographs.
- Installed-option list and firmware revision.
- Last calibration date, calibration certificate or test report, and the frequencies and levels actually verified.
- Phase-noise results if spectral purity is central to your application.
- Confirmation that the RF connector and GPIB interface work.
- Included accessories, return terms, warranty duration and what the warranty covers.
Run a functional check
- Check power-on behavior, display, keypad and cooling fans.
- Enter frequencies near the low, middle and high ends of the band and verify them with a counter or analyzer.
- Measure output level at several frequencies; check level accuracy and repeatability against the unit’s applicable specification.
- Check frequency switching and settling, reference or phase-lock behavior, and step-sweep operation.
- Test power sweep, GPIB and advertised modulation functions if those capabilities are part of the purchase.
- Inspect RF connectors for wear or damage; listen for noisy relays and note intermittent keys, display issues or other signs of faults.
- Review whether the calibration report is traceable and covers enough points for your application; “powers on” or “tested” is not equivalent to calibrated verification.
Possible risks include aging time-base components, output drift, attenuator or relay wear, connector damage, front-panel or GPIB faults, missing option hardware and phase-noise performance below expectations. These are inspection concerns, not claims that every unit has failed. Factory repair support ended in 2006, so ask an independent service provider whether it can calibrate or repair the exact unit and obtain a written estimate before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability, cost and ownership
The 68037B is a discontinued model, so availability is generally through used-equipment dealers, refurbished suppliers or rental providers rather than normal current production. ATEC points readers toward the MG3692C as a related replacement path; it is an alternative to evaluate, not a confirmed drop-in replacement.
Leasametric’s listing has shown quotation-based sale and rental, with historical/vendor-specific signals of about €743 per week for rental, €14,500 for refurbished equipment and €27,950 as a new-equipment reference, all excluding VAT. The page also showed calibration as an option. These are vendor- and geography-specific listing figures, not a current universal market price or a guaranteed offer. See Leasametric’s listing for availability and terms. Other dealers may provide different configurations; for example, Alliance Test Equipment describes a particular 2–20 GHz unit.
Compare total ownership cost, not just asking price: include calibration, shipping, GPIB integration, connector inspection and possible repair. An independent calibration or repair provider such as Micro Precision can be a useful point of contact, but request a written quote and confirm the scope of service before committing.
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It can make sense when
- You need a verified 2–20 GHz CW source for a specific legacy test or lab application.
- Your existing setup already uses GPIB and can accommodate the instrument’s command set.
- The unit’s options, output performance and calibration status match the requirement, and independent service is available.
- A tested used or refurbished instrument is more economical than acquiring a supported newer source.
Choose a newer or different source when
- Your system requires factory-backed long-term support, modern interfaces or predictable parts availability.
- You need modern vector modulation or current modulation standards.
- Phase-noise performance must be dependable without commissioning measurements on an aged unit.
- Your required output, frequency range or control interface exceeds the verified configuration of the particular 68037B.
Alternatives and replacement planning
ATEC identifies the Anritsu MG3692C as a related replacement path for the discontinued 68037B. Treat it as a newer-generation alternative, not an automatic drop-in substitute: compare frequency coverage, output power, phase noise, modulation, remote interfaces, calibration and service, physical connections, and compatibility with existing test software. Anritsu’s MG3690B series product information is a starting point for evaluating the later family.
Other possibilities include MG3690-series or MG362x sources, competing Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz microwave generators, a modern vector signal generator when modulation is the priority, or a lower-frequency source with an external multiplier where the application permits it. Select by the actual required frequency range, phase noise, output level, modulation, interface and service needs—not by brand or family name alone.
Quick Recap
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