The Agilent/Keysight 8563A is a portable microwave spectrum analyzer delivering high-performance signal analysis from 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz. Synthesized tuning ensures drift-free measurements across demanding applications in telecommunications, radar, electronic warfare, and aerospace. The instrument combines exceptional sensitivity (−131 dBm DANL at 10 Hz RBW) with 128 dB dynamic range and straightforward operation via hardkey and softkey interface.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 22 GHz standard; extended to 26.5 GHz with Option 026. Span capability from 100 Hz to 19.25 GHz enables detailed signal characterization across the full band.
Resolution and Video Bandwidth: Minimum RBW of 10 Hz and maximum of 19.25 MHz in 1, 3, 10 sequence steps. Video bandwidth ranges from 1 Hz to 3 MHz using the same step sequence.
Frequency Accuracy: Standard accuracy of 0.00000000013 %. Optional Precision Frequency Reference (Option 003) delivers sub-0.13 × 10⁻⁶ per year drift.
Amplitude Characteristics: Reference level from −120 dBm to +30 dBm in 0.1 dB steps. Input attenuation selectable from 0 to 70 dB in 10 dB increments. RF input impedance 50 ohms via Type-N connector.
Dynamic Range: Maximum dynamic range of 128 dB (compressive to noise). Harmonic distortion suppression reaches 81 dB below 2.9 GHz and 110 dB above. Intermodulation distortion maintained at 90 dB and 92 dB respectively across the same bands.
– Key Features
• Synthesized tuning with offset tracking capability when paired with synthesized sources
• Limit-line capability for automated test criteria definition
• Built-in AM and FM demodulators for modulation analysis
• Advanced marker functionality with stimulus-response measurement support
• Battery-backed RAM (128 Kbytes) storing up to 100 traces and instrument states
• Integrated clock/calendar for trace and data timestamping
– Typical Applications
Optimal for signal detection, component characterization, and system-level troubleshooting in microwave and RF systems. Offset tracking supports verification of synthesized source performance across frequency bands.
– Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB interface supports SH1, AH1, T6, TEO, L4, LEO, SRI, RLI, PPI, PCI, DTI, CI, and C28 functions. External 10 MHz frequency reference input/output (BNC). Second IF access at 310.7 MHz (SMA). Direct plotter output compatible with HP 7440A, 7470A, and 7475A models.
