Description
HP 8620C Sweep Oscillator Hughes 41061H 85.8-96.2 GHz MM Wave Generator Plug-In
The HP 8620C is a modular sweep oscillator mainframe from Hewlett-Packard designed to accept interchangeable RF and microwave plug-in sources. This unit is configured with a Hughes Electron Dynamics Division 41061H millimeter wave generator plug-in covering 85.8 to 96.2 GHz — a W-band frequency range used in high-frequency radar, radiometry, and advanced microwave research. The system also includes the Hughes 44415H housing frame and the Hughes 44420H plug-in module.
Specifications & What's Included
- Mainframe: HP (Hewlett-Packard) 8620C Sweep Oscillator
- Primary plug-in: Hughes Electron Dynamics Division Model 41061H MM Wave Generator
- Frequency range: 85.8 GHz to 96.2 GHz (W-band)
- Additional included module: Hughes 44420H plug-in
- Housing/frame: Hughes 44415H
- Sweep modes: Full Sweep and CW (continuous wave)
- Marker functions: Start Marker (Full Sweep), CW Marker, Frequency Marker/Sweeper
- CW Vernier tuning control
- Modulation: AM, FM, External Modulation input, Modulator/Leveler control
- Power Level control knob on plug-in front panel
- Unleveled indicator lamp on plug-in panel
- MM Wave Generator label on plug-in bottom panel with RF Power, Modulation, Ext Mod Freq, and Ext Mod Input connectors
- Rear panel: parallel (Centronics-style) interface connector, RF Out, FM, Freq Ref connectors, FM/PL switch
- Rear switches: 1kHz Sq WV, RF Blanking, Display Blanking, Negative Blanking, Z-Axis/MKR/Pen Lift, Ext AM, Ext Trigger
- Power: 100/120V 3A or 220/240V 1.5A, 48–440Hz, 250VA Max
- Overall dimensions: approximately 17" × 13" × 7"
- Country of manufacture: USA
Applications
The HP 8620C sweep oscillator platform was a widely used modular signal generation system introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the 1970s and 1980s, designed to support a broad range of microwave and millimeter-wave plug-in heads. Its open plug-in architecture allowed labs and production facilities to configure a single mainframe for many frequency bands simply by swapping plug-in sources. The W-band (75–110 GHz) millimeter-wave range covered by the Hughes 41061H plug-in is used in applications including atmospheric and radiometric research, high-resolution radar development, millimeter-wave component characterization, and military/aerospace testing. Hughes Electron Dynamics Division (later acquired by Boeing) was a leading manufacturer of millimeter-wave and traveling-wave tube devices, and their 8620-compatible plug-ins were prized for pushing the HP platform into frequencies well above what standard microwave sources could reach. Systems like this remain relevant to researchers and engineers working on legacy mmWave test setups, component testing, or frequency extension work where W-band stimulus is needed.
This HP 8620C Sweep Oscillator with Hughes 41061H millimeter wave plug-in (85.8–96.2 GHz) powers on and lights up when connected. We were not able to test it further at our facility — it is being sold as-is for parts, repair, or further evaluation by a buyer with the appropriate mm-wave test setup. The mainframe and plug-in modules are all present (Hughes 44415H housing frame, 44420H, and 41061H). The unit shows cosmetic wear consistent with lab use — scuffing on the front panel faces, some darkening on the Hughes plug-in panels, and general surface wear on the chassis. The rear panel connectors and switches appear intact. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Hewlett-Packard |
Model: |
8620C |
MPN: |
8620C |
Secondary Model: |
Hughes 41061H |
Type: |
Sweep Oscillator / Millimeter Wave Signal Generator |
SKU: |
24987 |
Plug-In Module 1: |
Hughes 41061H (85.8–96.2 GHz MM Wave Generator) |
Plug-In Module 2: |
Hughes 44420H |
Plug-In Housing/Frame: |
Hughes 44415H |
Frequency Range: |
85.8 GHz to 96.2 GHz |
Frequency Band: |
W-Band (millimeter wave) |
Sweep Type: |
Full Sweep and CW modes |
Marker Functions: |
Start Marker, CW Marker, Frequency Marker/Sweeper |
Modulation: |
AM, FM, External Modulation, Modulator/Leveler |
Power Level Control: |
Power Level and Modulator/Leveler knobs |
RF Output: |
RF Out connector on rear panel |
Rear Interface: |
Parallel (Centronics-style) connector, RF Out, FM, Freq Ref |
Blanking Functions: |
RF Blanking, Display Blanking, Negative Blanking, Z-Axis/MKR |
Trigger: |
External Trigger input on rear panel |
Power Requirements: |
100/120V 3A or 220/240V 1.5A, 48–440Hz, 250VA Max |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop / Mainframe with plug-in modules |
Dimensions: |
17" x 13" x 7" (approx.) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Seller Notes: |
Includes Hughes 44415H housing frame, 44420H plug-in, and 41061H plug-in |
Condition Notes: |
HP 8620C Sweep Oscillator w/ Hughes 41061H plug-in powers on and lights up. Unable to test further at our facility. Sold as-is for parts or repair. All three plug-in modules present. Cosmetic wear throughout. |
