Agilent/Keysight P5026B

The Keysight P5026B is a portable 4-port vector network analyzer delivering RF and microwave component characterization from 100 kHz to 32 GHz. It connects to a host PC via Thunderbolt 3 for fast data transfer and operates as a faceless, PC-controlled instrument with a compact, lightweight form factor. The P5026B employs the same measurement engine, graphical interface, and SCPI command set as Keysight's PNA, ENA, and PXI VNA platforms, ensuring measurement consistency across instrument families.

The analyzer achieves 140 dB dynamic range, 0.0015 dB rms trace noise at 10 kHz IFBW, and 2 ms sweep time for 201-point traces. It delivers +10 dBm output power into 50 Ω impedance loads. Optional second source capability (Option 402) reduces dynamic range to 137 dB.

The Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C interface eliminates internal data storage, making the instrument suitable for classified laboratory and field environments.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 100 kHz to 32 GHz


• Ports: 4-port configuration; optional second source available (Option 402)


• Dynamic Range: 140 dB (137 dB with Option 402)


• Output Power: +10 dBm


• Trace Noise: 0.0015 dB rms @ 10 kHz IFBW


• Measurement Speed: 2 ms for 201-point sweep


• Input Impedance: 50 Ω


• Interface: Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C)

Key Features

• Fast electronic calibration using Keysight ECal modules


• Pulsed-RF, gain compression, and spectrum analysis measurements


• Time-domain analysis with TDR capability (enhanced via S97011B option)


• Noise figure measurement with vector correction (S97029B option)


• Intermodulation distortion (IMD) and S-parameter characterization


• Multiport calibrated and Direct Receiver Access (DRA) configurations


• Embedded LO capability with frequency offset mode (S97082B)


• Internal pulse generators and modulators (S970250B/S970251B options)


• Automatic fixture removal and high-power device testing


• Multiple sweep types: Linear, Log, Segment, CW, Power, DC source

Typical Applications

• Component and subsystem RF/microwave characterization


• Time-domain reflectometry and fixture de-embedding


• Gain and compression analysis


• Noise figure and spectrum measurement


• Field-portable measurements in space-constrained environments

Compatibility & Integration The P5026B shares measurement science, GUI design, and SCPI command syntax with Keysight's established VNA platforms. Companion software applications expand measurement capabilities beyond basic S-parameters, supporting full N-port calibration and multiport device analysis.