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

The Agilent/Keysight 8563EC is a portable microwave spectrum analyzer spanning 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz, engineered for field-deployed RF and microwave signal characterization in demanding environments. This synthesized analyzer delivers wide dynamic range, excellent phase noise performance, and versatile measurement personalities within a ruggedized, transportable form factor.

Technical Specifications

• Standard range: 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz


• Preselected mode: 2.75 GHz to 26.5 GHz


• Optional low-end extension (Option 006): 30 Hz to 26.5 GHz


• External mixing capability: 18 GHz to 325 GHz across 12 waveguide bands Resolution and Bandwidth


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


• Fast digital RBW options: 1, 3, 10, 30, 100 Hz


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


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


• Displayed average noise level: typically –151 dBm/Hz; –117 dBm at narrowest RBW


• Phase noise: typically 148 dB overall


• Frequency counter resolution: 1 Hz Sweep Capability


• Continuous sweep from 30 Hz to 26.5 GHz


• Zero-span sweep time: 50 µs to 6,000 s


• 100 Hz span sweep time: 50 ms to 100 ks Input Protection


• Maximum continuous input power: +30 dBm (1 W, ≥10 dB attenuation)


• Maximum peak pulse power: +50 dBm (100 W, ≥30 dB attenuation) Power Requirements


• 115 VAC: 90–140 V rms, 3.2 A rms max, 47–440 Hz


• 230 VAC: 180–250 V rms, 1.8 A rms max, 47–66 Hz


• Maximum dissipation: 180 W

Key Features

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


• Digital radio and phase noise measurement personalities


• Type N female (50 Ω) RF input; optional APC 3.5 mm connector (Option 026)


• IF input and first LO output (SMA female, 50 Ω)


• Shared 10 MHz reference in/out (BNC female, 50 Ω)


• Optional second IF output at 310.7 MHz (Option 001)


• Video output and blanking/gate control (BNC connectors)


• External trigger capability (>10 kΩ input impedance)

Typical Applications

• Field characterization of microwave and RF systems


• Adjacent channel and occupied bandwidth compliance testing


• Phase noise analysis and digital radio signal assessment


• Time-gated measurement of pulsed signals