Agilent / Keysight 8560E Portable Spectrum Analyzer, 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8560E is a portable spectrum analyzer spanning 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz, designed for RF signal monitoring, component characterization, and general-purpose RF testing. Synthesized tuning delivers drift-free measurements across a third-order dynamic range exceeding 100 dB, with a noise floor typically at -145 dBm. The instrument meets MIL-T-28800 ruggedness specifications, withstanding 30 g shock loads and operating across -10 °C to +55 °C, making it suitable for field deployment in harsh environments and demanding manufacturing or design workflows.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz Resolution Bandwidth: Digital RBW from 1 Hz to 100 Hz; analog RBW spanning 300 Hz to 2 MHz. Selectivity maintains < 5:1 ratio (60 dB/3 dB BW) for RBW ≤ 100 Hz and < 15:1 for RBW ≥ 300 Hz. Dynamic Range & Sensitivity: Third-order dynamic range and spurious-free third-order dynamic range both exceed 100 dB. Noise floor typically -145 dBm; sensitivity typically -145 dBm (1 Hz RBW at 1 GHz). Third-order intercept point reaches +15 dBm. Phase Noise: Typically less than -115 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from 1 GHz. Frequency Accuracy & Tuning: ±135 Hz at 1 GHz after 15-minute warmup with 1 Hz counter resolution. Synthesized tuning architecture ensures frequency stability. Amplitude: 100 dB on-screen calibrated display; amplitude correction (AMPCOR) available. Physical: 337 mm W × 187 mm H × 461 mm D; approximately 20 kg. Operating temperature -10 °C to +55 °C. Shock rating 30 g.

Key Features

• Adjacent channel power, channel power, and carrier power measurements


• Occupied bandwidth percentage and time-gated measurements


• Phase noise and digital radio measurement personalities


• RF input (Type N female, 50 Ω); IF input and first LO output (SMA female, 50 Ω)


• Calibration output (BNC), 10 MHz reference in/out, and probe power supplies (+15 Vdc, -12.6 Vdc, 150 mA max)


• HP-IB interface for PC integration

Typical Applications

• RF design validation and component characterization


• Manufacturing test and signal monitoring


• Field service diagnostics in portable platforms

Options & Compatibility Option 002 (Tracking Generator, 300 kHz to 2.9 GHz), Option 001 (Second IF output at 310.7 MHz), Option 007 (Digitized Fast Time Domain Sweeps), and Option 008 (Signal Identification) are available.