This repair and service evaluation covers a family of portable HP/Agilent spectrum analyzers and associated tracking generators: models 8563A, 8563E, 8563EC, 85640A, 85640B, 85644A, and 85645A. These instruments deliver high-performance RF measurement capabilities across microwave frequencies, engineered for laboratory, field, and manufacturing environments. The 8563A provides frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 22 GHz (extendable to 26.5 GHz), while the 8563E and 8563EC extend to 26.5 GHz standard with optional low-frequency extension to 30 Hz. All models feature MIL-T-28800 ruggedness ratings and synthesized frequency control with precision timebases. Resolution bandwidths span 1 Hz to 3 MHz across the lineup, delivering sensitivity down to -151 dBm/Hz and dynamic range exceeding 128 dB. Phase noise performance reaches -113 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset on premium models. Demodulation options include AM/FM, with integrated counter resolution to 1 Hz. HP-IB interfaces enable remote control and data acquisition in automated test systems.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range
• 8563A: 9 kHz to 22 GHz (standard); 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 026)
• 8563E/8563EC: 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (standard); 30 Hz to 26.5 GHz (Option 006)
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW)
• 8563A: 10 Hz to 2 MHz
• 8563E: 1 Hz to 1 MHz or 1 Hz to 3 MHz
• 8563EC: 1 Hz to 3 MHz
Measurement Sensitivity
• 8563A: -131 dBm
• 8563E/8563EC: -151 dBm/Hz or -149 dBm/Hz (DANL)
Phase Noise (8563E/8563EC)
• <-113 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz offset
Amplitude Accuracy (8563E/8563EC)
• ±1.0 dB absolute
Dynamic Range
• Up to 128 dB
Ruggedness
• MIL-T-28800C/MIL-T-28800 compliant; 30g shock rated (8563A)
Counter Resolution
• 1 Hz (8563E/8563EC)
Demodulation
• AM/FM with speaker output
Interface
• HP-IB
– Key Features
• Portable, synthesized design for field and benchtop deployment
• Fast digital resolution bandwidths for occupancy and spectral analysis
• AM/FM demodulation with integrated audio output (8563A)
• Color display option (8563EC)
• Adjacent channel power (ACP) testing capability
• Occupied bandwidth percentage measurement support
• Optional digitized fast time-domain sweeps (8563E, Option 007)
• Optional frequency extension to 30 Hz low end (8563E/8563EC, Option 006)
– Typical Applications
• RF and microwave signal measurement and characterization
• Spectrum occupancy analysis and interference detection
• Modulation quality assessment
• Adjacent channel power compliance verification
• Field service and maintenance diagnostics
• Manufacturing and acceptance testing
– Compatibility & Integration
HP-IB interface enables integration into automated test environments and remote operation from external controllers. Optional second IF output (8563E, Option 001) and APC 3.5 mm input connector (8563E, Option 026) extend signal monitoring and injection capabilities.
