Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N9918A vs Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N9914A
This technical comparison covers the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N9918A and N9914A handheld microwave analyzers. Both instruments are part of the FieldFox family of rugged, portable test solutions designed for field installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. While they share identical physical form factors, environmental sealing, and basic software capabilities, they target different frequency bands and hardware configurations. This guide outlines their key differences and shared specifications to help engineers and technical buyers select the correct unit for their microwave and RF testing needs.
- N9918A Max Frequency
- 26.5 GHz
- N9914A Max Frequency
- 6.5 GHz
- N9918A RF Connectors
- 3.5 mm (male)
- N9914A RF Connectors
- Type-N (female)
- Battery Operating Time
- 3.5 hours
- Weight
- 3.0 kg
Specifications
| Specification | Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP)N9918A | Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP)N9914A |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Interfaces | 2x USB 2.0 (Type A), 1x USB 2.0 (mini-B), LAN (100Base-T, RJ-45) | LAN (RJ-45), 2x USB 2.0 Host (Type-A), 1x USB 2.0 Device (Mini-B) |
| Display | 6.5-inch VGA (640 x 480) transflective color LED-backlit LCD | 6.5-inch VGA (640 x 480) transflective color LCD with anti-glare and LED backlight |
| Internal Storage Capacity | Minimum 4 GB | — |
| Data Storage | — | Internal storage, micro SD/SDHC card slot, USB flash drive support |
| System Impedance | — | 50 Ω (nominal) |
| Physical | ||
| Power Supply | 15 to 19 VDC (4 A max), from included AC/DC adapter (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz) | External DC input: 15 to 19 VDC (40 W max); AC/DC adapter: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature(°C) | -10 to 55 | -10 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D)(mm) | 292 × 188 × 72 | 292 x 188 x 72 |
| Weight(kg) | 3.0 | 3.0 kg |
| General & System Characteristics | ||
| Base Frequency Range | 30 kHz to 26.5 GHz | — |
| Base Function | Cable and Antenna Analyzer (CAT) | — |
| Configurable Measurement Modes | Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), Spectrum Analyzer (SA), Vector Voltmeter (VVM), Power Meter, Independent Signal Generator, Interference Analyzer, Variable DC Source, Built-in GPS | — |
| Standard Warranty | 3 years | — |
| Cable and Antenna Analyzer (CAT) | ||
| CAT Frequency Range | 30 kHz to 26.5 GHz | — |
| CAT Supported Measurements | Distance-to-fault (DTF), return loss, cable loss | — |
| Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) | ||
| VNA Frequency Range | 30 kHz to 26.5 GHz | — |
| Supported S-Parameters | S11, S21, S22, S12 (Magnitude and Phase) | — |
| System Impedance | 50 Ω (nominal); 75 Ω with adapter and calibration kit | — |
| Data Points | 101, 201, 401, 601, 801, 1001, 1601, 4001, 10001; arbitrary via SCPI | — |
| IF Bandwidth Settings | 10 Hz, 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 10 kHz, 30 kHz, 100 kHz | — |
| System Dynamic Range (9 to 14 GHz) | 97 dB (typical, 100 Hz IFBW) | — |
| System Dynamic Range (14 to 18 GHz) | 94 dB (typical, 100 Hz IFBW) | — |
| System Dynamic Range (18 to 20 GHz) | 90 dB (typical, 100 Hz IFBW) | — |
| System Dynamic Range (20 to 25 GHz) | 79 dB (typical, 100 Hz IFBW) | — |
| System Dynamic Range (25 to 26.5 GHz) | 70 dB (typical, 100 Hz IFBW) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (30 kHz to 300 kHz) | -11 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (>300 kHz to 2 MHz) | -3 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (>2 MHz to 625 MHz) | -2 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (>625 MHz to 3 GHz) | +1 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (3 GHz to 6.5 GHz) | -1 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (6.5 GHz to 9 GHz) | -2 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (9 GHz to 14 GHz) | -4 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (14 GHz to 18 GHz) | -6 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (18 GHz to 23 GHz) | -10 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Test Port Output Power (23 GHz to 26.5 GHz) | -12 dBm (typical, high power) | — |
| Power Sweep Range | High, low (-45 dBm nominal), and manual | — |
| Power Level Step Size | 1 dB steps across power range | — |
| Maximum Input Level (Average CW Power) | +27 dBm (0.5 W) at Port 1/2 | — |
| Number of Traces | 4 (Tr1, Tr2, Tr3, Tr4) | — |
| Trace Formats | Log magnitude, linear magnitude, VSWR, phase, Smith chart, polar, group delay, unwrapped phase, real impedance, imaginary impedance | — |
| Display Resolution (Return Loss) | 0.01 dB | — |
| Data Markers | 6 independent markers per trace (plus delta markers) | — |
| Supported Calibration Types | QuickCal (built-in, no external accessories required) | — |
| Independent Source / Tracking Generator | ||
| Tracking Generator | Full band (by option) | — |
| Interfaces & Connectivity | ||
| RF Port Connectors | 3.5 mm (male) | — |
| Power & Battery | ||
| Battery Operating Time | 3.5 hours | — |
| Physical & Environmental | ||
| Shock and Vibration Standard | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 compliant | — |
| Enclosure Design | Completely sealed, vertical/portrait orientation | — |
| Spectrum Analyzer | ||
| Spectrum Analyzer Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) | 10 Hz to 5 MHz (Option 233) | — |
| Spectrum Analyzer Video Bandwidth (VBW) | 1 Hz to 5 MHz (Option 233) | — |
| SSB Phase Noise (1 GHz, 10 kHz Offset) | -111 dBc/Hz (typical, Option 233) | — |
| Input Attenuator Range | 0 to 30 dB, in 5 dB steps (Option 233) | — |
| Trace Detectors | Normal, Positive Peak, Negative Peak, Sample, Average (RMS) | — |
| Video Bandwidth (VBW) | — | 1 Hz to 5 MHz (1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7.5 sequence) |
| Preamplifier Range (Option 235) | — | 100 kHz to 6.5 GHz (Full band) |
| Audio Demodulation | — | AM, FM Narrowband, FM Wideband (listen via built-in speaker or headphones) |
| Inputs & Outputs | ||
| External Reference Input | SMB (male), 50 Ω, 10 MHz | — |
| External Trigger Input | SMB (male), TTL / CMOS compatible | — |
| USB Interfaces | 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 × USB 2.0 Mini-B | — |
| GPS Antenna Connector (Option 307) | SMA (female), 3.3 VDC | — |
| Test Port Connectors | — | Type-N (female), 50 Ω |
| Overvoltage Protection (RF Ports) | — | ±50 VDC |
| Environmental | ||
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP53 (IEC 60529) | — |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 9,144 m (30,000 ft) | Up to 9,144 m (30,000 ft) |
| Environmental Testing Standard | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 | — |
| Storage Temperature | — | -51 °C to 71 °C |
| Battery Charging Temperature | — | 0 °C to 45 °C |
| Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer | ||
| Maximum Real-Time Bandwidth (Option 350) | 10 MHz | — |
| Cable and Antenna Analyzer (CAT) Specifications | ||
| CAT Frequency Range | — | 30 kHz to 6.5 GHz |
| Supported Measurements | — | Distance-to-fault (DTF), return loss, cable loss |
| Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Specifications | ||
| VNA Frequency Range | — | 30 kHz to 6.5 GHz |
| Supported S-Parameters | — | S11, S21, S22, S12 (magnitude and phase) |
| Spectrum Analyzer (SA) Specifications | ||
| SA Frequency Range | — | 100 kHz to 6.5 GHz (usable to 5 kHz) |
| Frequency Span Range | — | 0 Hz (zero span), 10 Hz to maximum frequency range |
| Phase Noise (10 kHz offset) | — | -111 dBc/Hz |
| Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range | — | 10 Hz to 5 MHz (-3 dB bandwidth) |
| Amplitude Accuracy | — | ±0.5 dB (at power-up, no warm-up required) |
| Maximum Safe Input Level | — | +27 dBm (0.5 W) Average CW / ±50 VDC |
| Amplitude Scale Units | — | dBm, dBmV, dBµV, W, V, A, dBmA, dBµA |
| Trace Detectors | — | Normal, positive peak, negative peak, sample, average (RMS) |
| Trace States | — | Clear/write, max hold, min hold, average, view, blank |
| Number of Traces | — | 4 |
| Number of Averages | — | 1 to 10,000 |
| Power and Battery Specifications | ||
| Battery Operating Time | — | 3.5 hours |
| Environmental and Ruggedness | ||
| Vibration / Shock Standard | — | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 compliant |
| Enclosure Features | — | Completely sealed, compliant with tough field environment standards |
| Physical Specifications | ||
| Form Factor | — | Vertical (portrait) orientation with glove-compatible buttons |
| System Specifications | ||
| Optional Built-in Features | — | Tracking generator, vector voltmeter, power meter, interference analyzer, built-in GPS |
| Regulatory and Compliance | ||
| Standard Warranty | — | 3-year warranty |
| Power | ||
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion, 10.8 V, 4.6 Ah |
| Power Consumption | — | 15 W (typical) |
| Compliance | ||
| EMC Compliance | — | IEC/EN 61326-1, CISPR 11 / EN 55011 |
| Safety Compliance | — | IEC/EN 61010-1 |
| Cable & Antenna Analyzer / VNA | ||
| Number of Data Points (CAT / VNA) | — | 101, 201, 401, 601, 801, 1001, 1601, 4001, 10001 |
| Vector Network Analyzer | ||
| IF Bandwidth Settings (VNA) | — | 10 Hz to 100 kHz (1, 3, 10 sequence) |
| Options & Accessories | ||
| Variable DC Bias Voltage (Option 330) | — | +1 to +32 V |
| Variable DC Bias Maximum Current (Option 330) | — | 650 mA |
| Variable DC Bias Maximum Power (Option 330) | — | 8 W |
| Built-in GPS (Option 307) | — | Provides latitude, longitude, elevation, and time data |
| Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA) | ||
| Real-Time Bandwidth (Option 350) | — | Up to 10 MHz |
| Minimum Signal Duration for 100% POI (Option 350) | — | 12.2 µs |
Frequency Coverage and Measurement Modes
The primary differentiator between these two handheld analyzers is their frequency range. The N9918A supports cable and antenna analysis (CAT) and vector network analysis (VNA) across a range from 30 kHz up to 26.5 GHz. This high-frequency range makes it suitable for millimeter-wave and high-frequency microwave testing. In comparison, the N9914A covers 30 kHz to 6.5 GHz for CAT and VNA measurements, and has a spectrum analysis (SA) frequency range of 100 kHz to 6.5 GHz (usable to 5 kHz).
Both units are highly configurable. The N9918A can be equipped with a spectrum analyzer, vector voltmeter, power meter, independent signal generator, and interference analyzer. Similarly, the N9914A supports optional tracking generators, vector voltmeters, power meters, and interference analyzers, allowing both models to act as multi-functional combination tools within their respective frequency domains.
RF Ports and Hardware Differences
Due to the difference in high-frequency capabilities, the two models utilize different RF port connector types. The N9918A features 3.5 mm (male) RF port connectors to support up to 26.5 GHz signals. The N9914A is equipped with Type-N (female) 50 Γ© connectors.
For system impedance, both instruments operate at a nominal 50 Γ©. However, the N9918A offers specified capability to adapt to 75 Γ© systems using a dedicated adapter and calibration kit. Storage options also vary slightly. The N9918A specifies a minimum of 4 GB of internal storage, whereas the N9914A datasheet explicitly lists support for an external micro SD/SDHC card slot and USB flash drives alongside its internal storage.
Shared Physical and Environmental Characteristics
The N9918A and N9914A are built on the same rugged mechanical platform. Both instruments share the following properties:
- Dimensions and Weight: Each unit weighs 3.0 kg and measures 292 x 188 x 72 mm.
- Enclosure: Completely sealed, portrait-oriented housing designed to comply with IP53 ingress protection ratings and MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 standards for shock and vibration.
- Operating Temperature: Safe operation from -10 to 55 °C.
- Operating Altitude: Up to 9,144 m (30,000 ft).
- Power and Battery: Operates for up to 3.5 hours on a lithium-ion battery. Both accept external DC inputs from 15 to 19 VDC.
- Display: A 6.5-inch VGA (640 x 480) transflective color LED-backlit LCD optimized for outdoor readability.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the N9914A be upgraded to match the 26.5 GHz frequency limit of the N9918A?
- No. The frequency ranges of these models are bound to their hardware configurations, such as the N-type RF ports on the N9914A versus the 3.5 mm ports on the N9918A. The N9914A is limited to a maximum frequency of 6.5 GHz.
- Do both models support real-time bandwidth analysis?
- Yes. Both the N9918A and the N9914A can be configured with Option 350 to support a maximum real-time bandwidth of up to 10 MHz.
- What standard warranty is provided for these instruments?
- Both the N9918A and the N9914A include a standard 3-year warranty.