Agilent/Keysight N9917A

The Keysight N9917A FieldFox is a portable microwave field analyzer integrating spectrum analysis, vector network analysis, and cable/antenna testing in a single instrument. Operating across 100 kHz to 18 GHz, it delivers laboratory-grade measurements in demanding aerospace, defense, and telecommunications environments. The N9917A combines a -164 dBm typical noise floor, 100 dB dynamic range, and ±0.5 dB amplitude accuracy with field-deployment durability, enabling installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex RF/microwave systems without bench equipment.

Technical Specifications

• Spectrum Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz


• Vector Network Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz


• Cable and Antenna Analyzer: 100 kHz to 18 GHz Spectrum Analysis Performance


• Displayed Average Noise Level: -164 dBm typical


• Phase noise: -115 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset typical (1 GHz)


• Third-order intercept: +17 dBm typical (1 GHz)


• Resolution Bandwidth: 1 Hz to 10 MHz in 1/3/10 sequence


• Video Bandwidth: 1 Hz to 10 MHz in 1/3/10 sequence


• Sweep time: 10 ms to 1000 s Vector Network Analysis


• Ports: 2


• Dynamic range: Up to 100 dB


• S-parameters: S11, S21, S12, S22


• Measurements: Transmission magnitude/delay, reflection magnitude/delay


• Amplitude accuracy: ±0.5 dB typical (calibrated)


• Phase accuracy: ±5 degrees typical (calibrated) Cable and Antenna Measurements


• Parameters: Return loss, VSWR, insertion loss, distance-to-fault (DTF)


• Functions: Cable loss, VSWR, return loss, DTF magnitude and phase Frequency Reference


• Standard accuracy: ±2.5 ppm typical (aging ±1 ppm/year)


• Option H08: ±0.02 ppm (high-stability reference) Spectrum Analyzer Amplitude Accuracy


• ±1.0 dB typical

Key Features

• Type N male RF connectors (50 ohm)


• USB ports for external storage and peripherals


• Ethernet port for remote control and data transfer


• DC power input for external adapter


• Headphone jack for audio output

Typical Applications

• Aerospace and defense RF system commissioning


• Telecommunications network installation and verification


• Component and subsystem characterization


• Cable integrity and antenna performance diagnostics


• Field-based return loss and VSWR measurements

Compatibility & Integration Data transfer and remote operation supported via USB and Ethernet interfaces. External frequency reference option available for applications requiring ±0.02 ppm stability.