Agilent / Keysight 8563E Portable Spectrum Analyzer, 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8563E is a portable spectrum analyzer delivering benchtop performance in a field-deployable package. Operating from 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (expandable to 30 Hz with Option 006), It has precise RF and microwave signal analysis across demanding measurement scenarios. This instrument combines high measurement accuracy, wide dynamic range, and rugged construction for reliable operation in harsh environments.

Technical Specifications

• Standard range: 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz (preselected 2.75 GHz to 26.5 GHz)


• Optional low-frequency extension: 30 Hz to 26.5 GHz


• Frequency accuracy: ±1.2 kHz at 10 GHz center; ±135 Hz at 1 GHz after 15-minute warm-up (typical)


• Frequency reference stability: ±1 × 10⁻⁷ aging per year; ±5 × 10⁻¹⁰ per day (nominal)


• Frequency span: 0 Hz, 100 Hz to maximum frequency Resolution & Filtering


• Resolution bandwidth: 1 Hz to 3 MHz with fast digital RBWs (1, 3, 10, 30, 100 Hz)


• RBW accuracy: ±10% (1 Hz to 300 kHz); ±25% (1 MHz); +50%/–25% (2 MHz)


• Video bandwidth: 1 Hz to 3 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence)


• Sweep time: 50 µs to 6,000 s (zero span); 50 ms to 100 ks (100 Hz span) Amplitude Characteristics


• Displayed average noise level: –117 dBm (narrowest RBW)


• Noise floor: –148 dBm (typical)


• Input range: –117 dBm to +30 dBm


• Maximum safe input: +30 dBm


• Amplitude accuracy: ±2.7 dB


• Dynamic range: 103 dB (2nd order); 81 dB (3rd order)


• Third-order intermodulation distortion (two –30 dBm signals ≥1 kHz apart): – 20 MHz to 2.9 GHz: ≤–100 dBc (–10 dBm mixer level); +90 dBm TOI – 13.25 GHz to 25 GHz: ≤–90 dBc (–10 dBm mixer level); +80 dBm TOI


• Outstanding phase noise performance

Key Features

• Built-in adjacent channel power (ACP) measurement


• Channel power and carrier power analysis


• Occupied bandwidth percentage calculation


• Time-gated measurements standard


• Integrated frequency counter


• DC-coupled operation available (Option 006)


• AC-coupled operation (100 kHz to 26.5 GHz with Option 006)

Typical Applications RF/microwave signal characterization, interference detection, component testing, and field deployment where portability without performance compromise is essential.