The Keysight N9917A FieldFox is a portable microwave field analyzer integrating spectrum analysis, vector network analysis, and cable/antenna testing in a single instrument. Operating across 100 kHz to 18 GHz, it delivers laboratory-grade measurements in demanding aerospace, defense, and telecommunications environments. The N9917A combines a -164 dBm typical noise floor, 100 dB dynamic range, and ±0.5 dB amplitude accuracy with field-deployment durability, enabling installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex RF/microwave systems without bench equipment.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage
• Spectrum Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz
• Vector Network Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz
• Cable and Antenna Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz
Spectrum Analysis Performance
• Displayed Average Noise Level: -164 dBm typical
• Phase noise: -115 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset typical (1 GHz)
• Third-order intercept: +17 dBm typical (1 GHz)
• Resolution Bandwidth: 1 Hz to 10 MHz in 1/3/10 sequence
• Video Bandwidth: 1 Hz to 10 MHz in 1/3/10 sequence
• Sweep time: 10 ms to 1000 s
Vector Network Analysis
• Ports: 2
• Dynamic range: Up to 100 dB
• S-parameters: S11, S21, S12, S22
• Measurements: Transmission magnitude/delay, reflection magnitude/delay
• Amplitude accuracy: ±0.5 dB typical (calibrated)
• Phase accuracy: ±5 degrees typical (calibrated)
Cable and Antenna Measurements
• Parameters: Return loss, VSWR, insertion loss, distance-to-fault (DTF)
• Functions: Cable loss, VSWR, return loss, DTF magnitude and phase
Frequency Reference
• Standard accuracy: ±2.5 ppm typical (aging ±1 ppm/year)
• Option H08: ±0.02 ppm (high-stability reference)
Spectrum Analyzer Amplitude Accuracy
• ±1.0 dB typical
– Key Features
• Type N male RF connectors (50 ohm)
• USB ports for external storage and peripherals
• Ethernet port for remote control and data transfer
• DC power input for external adapter
• Headphone jack for audio output
– Typical Applications
• Aerospace and defense RF system commissioning
• Telecommunications network installation and verification
• Component and subsystem characterization
• Cable integrity and antenna performance diagnostics
• Field-based return loss and VSWR measurements
– Compatibility & Integration
Data transfer and remote operation supported via USB and Ethernet interfaces. External frequency reference option available for applications requiring ±0.02 ppm stability.
