The Agilent/Keysight 8559A is a plug-in spectrum analyzer module for compatible display mainframes such as the HP 853A or 180-series. It delivers broadband RF and microwave analysis from 0.01 GHz to 21 GHz with direct CRT readout in dBm, making it suitable for research, production, and field service environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage & Accuracy
• Frequency range: 0.01 GHz to 21 GHz
• Selectable spans from 10 kHz to 200 MHz/division in 1–2–5 sequence
• Zero-span mode enables time-domain observation of signal modulation
• Tuning accuracy (0.01–3 GHz): ±(1 MHz + 0.3% of center frequency)
• Tuning accuracy (3–21 GHz): ±(5 MHz + 0.2% of center frequency)
• Frequency span accuracy: ±5% of displayed separation
• Frequency readout resolution: 1 MHz
Resolution & Selectivity
• Eight selectable resolution bandwidths from 1 kHz to 3 MHz in 1–3 sequence
• Resolution bandwidth accuracy: ±15% (3 MHz: <+30%)
• 60 dB / 3 dB selectivity ratio: <15:1
• Video filter MAX position: approximately 1.5 Hz for noise measurement
Amplitude Performance
• Amplitude range: –111 dBm to +30 dBm
• Absolute amplitude calibration via direct CRT readout without external standards
• Reference level selectable: 10 dB/div, 1 dB/div, or linear scale
• Gain compression: <0.5 dB at +10 dBm input with 0 dB attenuation
• Residual responses: <–90 dBm (0.01–3.06 GHz) at 0 dB attenuation, no signal
Spectral Stability
• Residual FM: 30 kHz from center frequency (1 kHz RBW, full video filtering)
Input Characteristics
• Input impedance: 50 Ω nominal
• Input SWR: Typically <2.0 at 0 dB attenuation; <1.3 at 10 dB attenuation
– Key Features
• Independent or coupled resolution bandwidth and frequency span control
• Automatic sweep time adjustment maintains amplitude calibration across all configurations
• Plug-in module architecture integrates with HP 853A and 180-series mainframes
– Typical Applications
RF and microwave research, production testing, field service, and signal characterization from DC monitoring through microwave frequencies.
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for use with compatible HP display mainframes including the 853A and 180-series.
