Agilent / Keysight 8568B Spectrum Analyzer, 100 Hz to 1500 MHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8568B is a benchtop and ATE spectrum analyzer covering 100 Hz to 1500 MHz with exceptional frequency stability and sensitivity. It delivers noise floors as low as −135 dBm using a 10 Hz resolution bandwidth, enabling precise measurement of small signals amid interference. The instrument combines narrow-bandwidth crystal filters, wide dynamic range (−135 dBm to +30 dBm), and temperature-stable frequency reference accuracy of better than 7 × 10⁻⁹ across 0° to 55 °C.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 100 Hz to 1500 MHz


• Resolution bandwidth (crystal filters): 10 Hz, 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz


• Sweep time (full span): 20 msec to 1500 sec


• Sweep time (zero span): 1 µsec to 1500 sec Sensitivity & Amplitude


• Measurement range: −135 dBm to +30 dBm


• Noise floor: −135 dBm (10 Hz RBW); −129 dBm at RF Input #1 above 1 MHz (10 Hz RBW)


• Amplitude accuracy: ±1.0 dB across full frequency range


• Readout accuracy: Center frequency accuracy + ½ frequency span accuracy Frequency Stability


• Temperature stability: <7 × 10⁻⁹ over 0° to 55 °C


• Frequency reference accuracy: <7 × 10⁻⁹ over 0° to 55 °C


• Frequency span accuracy: ±(2% of span + reference accuracy × tune frequency + 10 Hz) after zero-frequency adjustment at stabilized temperature Display & Memory


• CRT monochrome display with 10-division horizontal axis


• User RAM: 16 KB for trace data, instrument states, and downloadable programs


• Non-volatile memory for analyzer control settings Inputs & Interfaces


• RF Input #1: 100 Hz to 1500 MHz, DC coupled (BNC, 75 Ω, unfused)


• RF Input #2: 100 kHz to 1500 MHz, AC coupled


• External tracking generator (not included) Operating Environment


• Temperature range: 0° to 55 °C


• Power: External AC source required

Key Features

• Multiple trace display for residual FM and drift measurement


• Real-time signal surveillance across wide frequency range


• Downloadable programs executable via custom softkeys


• Stored analyzer configurations recalled from non-volatile memory

Typical Applications

• Benchtop RF signal measurement and analysis


• Automatic test equipment integration


• Small signal detection in high-interference environments


• Signal stability and spectral purity assessment

Compatibility & Integration The 85685A RF preselector can be added to enhance spectrum analysis and convert the 8568B into a specialized test receiver.