The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8515A is an S-parameter test set designed for the HP 8510 series network analyzers. It covers a wide frequency range from 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz, featuring a built-in solid-state electronic switch and dedicated reference channels for active and passive device characterization. It supports external DC bias application to the test ports, making it highly versatile for semiconductor and RF component testing.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | HP 8510 Test Set Interconnect, Rear-panel RF/LO/IF coaxial connectors |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC ±10%, 48 to 66 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm × 133 mm × 546 mm |
| Weight | 16 kg |
Frequency and Port Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Test Port Connector Type | Precision 3.5 mm (male) |
RF Signal Path Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Switch Type | Electronic (solid-state) |
| Reference Channel Configuration | Separate reference channel for each incident port (4-sampler architecture) |
DC Bias and Aux Input/Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External DC Bias Inputs | Rear panel BNC connectors (Port 1 and Port 2) |
| Maximum DC Bias Current | 500 mA |
| Maximum DC Bias Voltage | 40 VDC |
System Performance (Corrected)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Dynamic Range (0.045 to 2 GHz) | 79 dB (with HP 8510C) |
| System Dynamic Range (2 to 8 GHz) | 92 dB (with HP 8510C) |
| System Dynamic Range (8 to 20 GHz) | 86 dB (with HP 8510C) |
| System Dynamic Range (20 to 26.5 GHz) | 79 dB (with HP 8510C) |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Calibration Kits | HP 85052B / 85052D (3.5 mm) |
| Compatible Verification Kits | HP 85053B (3.5 mm) |
Physical and Mechanical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rack Unit Height | 3U |
| Shipping Weight | 21 kg |
Uncorrected Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Uncorrected Directivity (0.045 to 2 GHz) | 30 dB |
| Uncorrected Directivity (2 to 8 GHz) | 26 dB |
| Uncorrected Directivity (8 to 20 GHz) | 22 dB |
| Uncorrected Directivity (20 to 26.5 GHz) | 18 dB |
| Uncorrected Source Match (0.045 to 2 GHz) | 20 dB |
| Uncorrected Source Match (2 to 8 GHz) | 16 dB |
| Uncorrected Source Match (8 to 20 GHz) | 14 dB |
| Uncorrected Source Match (20 to 26.5 GHz) | 12 dB |
| Uncorrected Load Match (0.045 to 2 GHz) | 20 dB |
| Uncorrected Load Match (2 to 8 GHz) | 16 dB |
| Uncorrected Load Match (8 to 20 GHz) | 14 dB |
| Uncorrected Load Match (20 to 26.5 GHz) | 12 dB |
Rear Panel Connections
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rear RF Input Connector | Type-N female |
| Rear Bias Inputs | Two BNC female connectors (Port 1 and Port 2) |
Options & Configurations
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Step Attenuators Range | 0 to 90 dB in 10 dB steps (Option 001 dependent) |
Hardware Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Bias Tees | Standard on both test ports |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum RF Input Power | +20 dBm |
| Step Attenuators Step Size | 10 dB |
Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Set Interconnect | 25-pin D-sub (female) |
| Receiver RF Outputs | Four Type-N (female), designated a1, b1, a2, b2 |
Technology
RF S-Parameter Test Set
Applications
RF and Microwave Vector Network Analysis