The Agilent/Keysight 8552A is an Intermediate Frequency (IF) section that extends the measurement capability of compatible spectrum analyzer mainframes such as the 140T and 141T display sections. This module delivers stable, precision measurements across narrow resolution bandwidths by providing flexible IF filtering, precise amplitude calibration, and multiple scan rates. Though discontinued, the 8552A remains operational in field applications where legacy spectrum analysis is required.
Technical Specifications
IF Bandwidths & Selectivity
• IF bandwidth range: 50 Hz to 300 kHz (1, 3 sequence)
• Bandwidth accuracy: ±20% at 3 dB points; 10 kHz bandwidth at ±15%
• Selectivity (60 dB/3 dB ratio): 20:1 (10 kHz–300 kHz); 11:1 (1 kHz–3 kHz); 26:1 (0.1 kHz–0.3 kHz)
Amplitude Specifications
• Absolute calibration range: −117 dBm (0.4 µV) to +10 dBm (0.8 V)
• Display range: 70 dB
• Log reference level: −130 dBm to +10 dBm in 10 dB steps with 0 to −12 dB vernier
• Linear sensitivity: 0.1 mV/div to 100 mV/div in 1, 2 sequence
• Logarithmic display accuracy: ±0.25 dB/dB (max ±1.5 dB over full range)
• Linear display accuracy: ±2.8% of full 8-division deflection
Calibrator Output
• Amplitude: −30 dBm ±0.3 dB
• Frequency: 30 MHz ±0.3 MHz
Scan Specifications
• Internal scan rates: 16 selections
• Scan rate range: 0.1 ms/div to 10 sec/div (1, 2, 5 sequence)
• Scan accuracy: ±10% (0.1–20 ms/div); ±20% (50 ms/div–10 sec/div)
– Key Features
• 50 Ω nominal input impedance (0.01–18 GHz)
• Type N female RF input connector
• Input reflection coefficient 10 dB
• BNC female external mixer input; 2.00 GHz IF return; 0 dBm typical LO power
• RF attenuator frequency response: ±0.6 dB typical (10 MHz–18 GHz)
• Input attenuation ≥30 dB required for signals +33 dBm or higher
– Typical Applications
RF spectrum analysis, signal monitoring, and narrow-band measurement in frequencies from 10 MHz to 18 GHz when paired with appropriate analyzer mainframes and external mixers for extended range.
