Agilent / Keysight 8566A Spectrum Analyzer, 100 Hz to 22 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8566A Spectrum Analyzer delivers signal analysis from 100 Hz to 22 GHz, with optional external mixer capability extending to 325 GHz. Purpose-built for research, development, and manufacturing environments requiring precise amplitude and frequency measurements across demanding RF and microwave applications. The instrument combines exceptional sensitivity, dynamic range up to 90 dB, and flexible resolution bandwidth control to support both broadband surveys and narrowband signal characterization.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 100 Hz to 22 GHz (extendable to 325 GHz with external mixers) Resolution Bandwidth: 10 Hz to 3 MHz in 1, 3, 10 sequence. Manual or AUTO coupled selection. Bandwidth accuracy: ±20% (10 Hz to 3 MHz filters); ±10% (3 kHz to 1 MHz filters). Selectivity ratios: <15:1 (3 MHz to 100 kHz), <13:1 (30 kHz to 10 kHz), <11:1 (3 kHz to 30 Hz). 60 dB bandwidth separation <100 Hz at 10 Hz RBW. Filter topology: synchronously tuned 5-pole (10 Hz to 30 kHz) and 4-pole Gaussian-approximating (100 kHz to 3 MHz). Amplitude Measurement: -134 dBm to +30 dBm standard. Expandable to +60 dBm to -119 dBm or -139.9 dBm for RBW <1 kHz. Displayed Average Noise Level (10 Hz RBW):

• -95 dBm (100 Hz to 50 kHz)


• -112 dBm (50 kHz to 1.0 MHz)


• -134 dBm (1.0 MHz to 2.5 GHz)


• -132 dBm (2.0 GHz to 5.8 GHz)


• -125 dBm (5.8 GHz to 12.5 GHz)


• -119 dBm (12.5 GHz to 18.6 GHz)


• -114 dBm (18.6 GHz to 22 GHz) Sensitivities to -135 dBm achievable. Scale fidelity (log): ±0.1 dB/dB incremental over 0–80 dB; <±1.0 dB cumulative (0–80 dB) or 70 dB below input for signals <-40 dBm. Spectral Purity: 85 dB below peak at 1 kHz offset (5.8 GHz), >79 dB (12.5 GHz), >75 dB (18.6 GHz), >73 dB (22 GHz). Power line sidebands >80 dB below peak (5.8 GHz, <360 Hz). Synthesis spurious sidebands <-90 dBc. Frequency Stability: Internal standard aging 1×10⁻⁹/day; <1×10⁻⁸/day and <2×10⁻⁷/year for displayed values.

Key Features

• Selectable manual or AUTO bandwidth coupling


• High spectral purity with suppressed spurious responses


• Extended measurement range supports low-noise and high-power characterization


• Proven frequency standard stability for long-term measurement confidence

Typical Applications

• Component and subsystem characterization (RF/microwave)


• EMI/EMC precompliance testing


• Signal source verification and monitoring


• Harmonic and spurious analysis


• Noise figure contributor identification

Compatibility & Integration External mixer support enables operation beyond native 22 GHz upper limit. Modular bandwidth and attenuation control accommodates diverse signal levels and measurement resolutions.