Agilent / Keysight 8530A Microwave Receiver 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz, with extensions to 110 GHz.

The Agilent/Keysight 8530A is a microwave receiver engineered for precision RF and millimeter-wave measurements. Operating from 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz with external mixer extension to 110 GHz, the instrument delivers fast data acquisition, excellent sensitivity, and wide dynamic range for antenna measurements, RCS analysis, and component testing.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz (base); up to 110 GHz with external mixers


• Measurement Linearity: Better than 0.5° phase and 0.06 dB magnitude over a 70 dB range


• Data Acquisition Rate: Up to 5,000 points per second


• Data Buffer: 100,000 measurement points


• Internal Storage: 1.44 MB floppy disk drive (DOS or HP LIF format)

Key Features

• High sensitivity across wide dynamic range


• Multiple measurement channels with frequency agility


• Multi-parameter capability for simultaneous measurement of multiple antenna outputs


• Angle-domain measurement capability for antenna performance analysis with respect to angle


• Optional time-domain measurement capability


• HP-IB (IEEE-488) control interface with external TTL triggering support

Typical Applications

• Antenna characterization and RCS measurements


• Microwave and millimeter-wave component testing


• Manual and automated measurement systems


• Integration within larger antenna and RCS measurement platforms

Compatibility & Integration The 8530A requires a frequency converter to downconvert RF input to 20 MHz IF. Compatible converters include the HP 85310A Distributed Frequency Converter (2 to 26.5 GHz with remote mixers) and HP 8511A/B. The HP 85325A millimeter-wave subsystem extends coverage to 110 GHz. Integration with HP 8340/41 and HP 8360 series synthesized sources is supported. HP-IB connectivity accommodates up to 2 meters per instrument with a 20-meter system maximum; extenders may be required for longer installations.