HP / Agilent 8970A Noise Figure Meter

The HP/Agilent 8970A Noise Figure Meter is a microprocessor-based instrument for measuring noise figure and gain across RF and microwave devices. It delivers noise figure measurements from 0 to 30 dB with 0.01 dB resolution and ±0.1 dB instrumentation uncertainty, plus gain measurements from -20 dB to +40 dB with ±0.2 dB uncertainty. The meter tunes from 10 MHz to 1500 MHz natively, extending to 26.5 GHz with external local oscillator control.

Automatic second-stage correction accounts for measurement system contributions, while swept measurements and adjustable exponential smoothing optimize characterization of multi-stage amplifiers and low-noise components. Storage and interpolation of excess noise ratio data across up to 27 frequencies ensure accurate corrections without manual calibration tables. HP-IB programmability provides remote control of virtually all functions, making the 8970A suitable for production test, design validation, and system integration laboratories.

Technical Specifications

• Noise Figure: 0 to 30 dB; 0.01 dB resolution (0.001 dB over HP-IB); ±0.1 dB instrumentation uncertainty (0 to 55°C)


• Gain: -20 dB to +40 dB; 0.01 dB resolution (0.001 dB over HP-IB); ±0.2 dB instrumentation uncertainty


• Input Frequency: 10 MHz to 1500 MHz tunable; up to 26.5 GHz with external LO; 1 MHz resolution; ±(1 MHz + 0.01 × frequency) tuning accuracy, max 6 MHz


• IF Range: 10 MHz to 1500 MHz


• Input Power: -10 dBm maximum operating; -5 dBm max (standard/Opt 001); +20 dBm max (Opt 002)


• DC Input: ±20 Vdc maximum safe level


• Noise Source Drive: 28.0 ±0.1 Vdc


• Output Units: Noise figure (dB or ratio), Y-Factor (dB or ratio), effective input noise temperature (kelvins)


• Measurement Speed: 3 to 5 measurements/second (6 to 9 with minimum smoothing)


• ENR Storage: Up to 27 frequencies; -7 to +17 dB stored table; 0 to 14824 K spot frequency


• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C

Key Features

• Automatic second-stage correction for system noise figure and gain


• Swept measurements across full or partial frequency range


• Exponential averaging with adjustable smoothing factor


• HP-IB (IEEE 488) full programmability

Typical Applications

• Low-noise amplifier characterization


• RF and microwave device measurement


• Production noise figure test


• Multi-stage amplifier system validation

Compatibility & Integration HP-IB (IEEE 488) interface with SH1, AH1, T5, L4, SR1, RL1, PPO, DC1, DT1, C1, C3, C28, E1 compliance codes. Rear panel analog outputs (X, Y, Z axes) support external oscilloscope and recorder integration.