ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited · Trusted by Engineers Worldwide · Serving 11 Industries
+1 530-268-1860 contact@microprecision.com
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited · Trusted by Engineers Worldwide · Serving 11 Industries
+1 530-268-1860 contact@microprecision.com
RF noise sources generate calibrated broadband noise signals for noise figure measurement and system testing. RF preamplifiers — including wideband low noise amplifiers — boost weak signals before measurement, improving receiver sensitivity. Micro Precision stocks certified noise sources and RF preamplifiers from Keysight and Noisecom, covering 10 MHz through 26.5 GHz. All units are ISO/IEC 17025 inspected and ship within 2 business days.
Image | Name | Brand | Condition | Frequency Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Keysight 346B Noise Source – 10 MHz to 18 GHz white noise generator with 15 dB ENR, compact design, and stable performance for RF and microwave system testing. | Keysight | Used | 10 MHz – 18 GHz | $1,145.00 |
 | The Keysight 87405A Microwave Component Amplifier is a compact, high-performance amplifier designed for use by systems integrators and microwave designers. Operating in the 0.01 to 3 GHz range, it delivers… | Keysight | Used | 10 MHz – 3 GHz | $1,095.00 |
 | Keysight 87405B Amplifier: 40 dB gain, 2-26.5 GHz, 15 dBm output, low noise figure, automatic leveling control for efficient microwave amplification.
| Keysight | Used | 10 MHz – 4 GHz | $1,395.00 |
 | Noise Com NC4361 noise source delivers 0.01–26.5 GHz range, low phase noise, and rugged design for RF, microwave, and test applications. | Noisecom | Used | 10 kHz – 26.5 GHz | $995.00 |
Buying Guide
Understand the difference between these two instrument types and select the right unit for your application.
An RF noise source generates a calibrated broadband noise signal used to measure the noise figure of a device under test — the Keysight 346B and Noisecom NC4361 serve this role. An RF preamplifier amplifies weak input signals before measurement to improve sensitivity. The Keysight 87405A and 87405B are wideband low noise amplifiers designed for this purpose.
Match the noise source to your device's operating frequency. The Keysight 346B covers 10 MHz–18 GHz while the Noisecom NC4361 extends to 26.5 GHz for microwave applications. Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) is the key spec — the 346B offers a nominal 15 dB ENR, suitable for most noise figure analyzers. Always verify your noise figure meter accepts the ENR level of your source.
For broadband test setups, choose a wideband low noise amplifier like the Keysight 87405B (10 MHz–4 GHz) — ideal as a high gain RF amplifier in spectrum analyzer preselector chains. The 87405A covers 10 MHz–3 GHz at a lower price point. Both are solid state RF amplifiers designed for low noise figure, not for high output power applications.
FAQ
An RF noise source is used to measure the noise figure of amplifiers, receivers, and other two-port devices. It generates a calibrated amount of broadband noise power when switched on (hot state) versus off (cold state). The ratio of these states — called Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) — is used by a noise figure meter or analyzer to calculate the noise figure of the device under test.
A noise source generates noise — it is the stimulus. An RF preamplifier amplifies signals — it is a receiver component. They serve opposite roles but are often used together: a preamplifier improves spectrum analyzer noise floor, while a noise source characterizes how much noise that preamplifier adds to the signal chain.
Excess Noise Ratio (ENR) is the key specification of an RF noise source. It expresses, in dB, how much more noise power the source produces in its "on" state compared to a matched termination at room temperature. A 15 dB ENR source is standard for most noise figure measurements. Each noise source ships with a frequency-by-frequency ENR calibration table referenced to NIST standards.
Yes. Every RF preamplifier and noise source from Micro Precision undergoes full ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration verification before shipping. Noise sources include updated ENR calibration tables. All units are backed by our 30-day return policy.