The Keysight / Agilent HP 8560E is a high-performance portable RF spectrum analyzer operating from 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz. It delivers benchtop-level measurement capability, including fast digital resolution bandwidths down to 1 Hz, exceptional phase noise, and synthesized tuning, in a ruggedized MIL-T-28800 compliant package. It features built-in time-gated spectrum analysis and standard measurements for adjacent channel power (ACP), carrier power, and occupied bandwidth.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (IEEE-488)
DisplayMonochrome CRT
Warm-up Time5 minutes (in ambient conditions)

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply115/230 VAC (nominal); 47-440 Hz (115V), 47-66 Hz (230V)
Operating Temperature-10 to 55
Dimensions (W×H×D)327 × 163 × 427 mm (without handle/feet)
Weight20

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range30 Hz to 2.9 GHz (Continuous Sweep)
Frequency Band BreakdownBand 0: 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz
Internal Reference Frequency10 MHz
Frequency Counter Resolution1 Hz (Selectable up to 1 MHz)
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range1 Hz to 2 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence)
Digital Resolution Bandwidths1, 3, 10, 30, 100 Hz
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range1 Hz to 3 MHz

Sweep Specifications

ParameterValue
Sweep Time Range50 ms to 100 s (Span > 0 Hz), 50 µs to 6000 s (Zero Span)
Sweep Trigger ModesFree Run, Line, Video, External

Amplitude and Level Specifications

ParameterValue
Measurement RangeDisplayed Average Noise Level (DANL) to +30 dBm
Maximum Safe Input (Continuous Wave)+30 dBm (1 W)
Input Attenuator Range0 to 70 dB
Input Attenuator Step Size10 dB
Reference Level Range-119.9 dBm to +30 dBm
Reference Level Resolution0.1 dB (Log scale)
1 dB Gain Compression Point-5 dBm (at 0 dB input attenuation)

Spectral Purity and Spurious Responses

ParameterValue
Phase Noise (10 kHz offset)≤ -113 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz center frequency)

Inputs and Outputs

ParameterValue
RF Input ConnectorType-N (female)
Input Impedance50 Ω
External Reference Input10 MHz
External Reference Output10 MHz
Remote Control Interface (GPIB)HP-IB (IEEE-488)

Display and Processing

ParameterValue
Trace DetectorsNormal, Positive Peak, Negative Peak, Sample
Number of Traces3 (A, B, C)
Built-In MeasurementsAdjacent Channel Power, Channel Power, Carrier Power, Occupied Bandwidth Percentage, Time-Gated Measurements

Options and Configurations

ParameterValue
Tracking Generator OptionOption 002
Measurement Personalities/Software OptionsDigital Radio, Phase Noise Measurements

Environmental and Compliance

ParameterValue
Vibration and Shock ToleranceMIL-T-28800 Rugged

Outputs

ParameterValue
Amplitude Calibrator Output300 MHz, -10 dBm ± 0.3 dB
IF Output Frequency310.7 MHz
Video Output0 to 1 V (uncallibrated), 50 Ω

Performance

ParameterValue
Local Oscillator (LO) Emission≤ -80 dBm (with 10 dB input attenuation)

Features

ParameterValue
Audio DemodulationAM and FM (includes built-in speaker and front-panel headphone jack)

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-40 °C to +75 °C
Operating AltitudeUp to 4,572 m (15,000 ft)

Compliance

ParameterValue
EMC ComplianceMIL-STD-461C, CISPR 11

Frequency Reference

ParameterValue
Standard Timebase Aging Rate± 2 × 10^-6 / year
Precision Timebase Aging Rate (Option 103)± 1 × 10^-7 / year
Standard Timebase Temperature Stability± 5 × 10^-6
Precision Timebase Temperature Stability (Option 103)± 1 × 10^-8

Sweep

ParameterValue
Sweep Time Accuracy (Span > 0 Hz)± 10%
Sweep Time Accuracy (Zero Span)± 1%

Amplitude Accuracy

ParameterValue
Log Scale Fidelity± 0.1 dB/dB (up to ± 0.85 dB maximum over 90 dB range)
Linear Scale Fidelity± 3% of reference level

Spurious Responses

ParameterValue
Third-Order Intermodulation (TOI)> +11 dBm (> 10 MHz)
Residual Responses< -90 dBm (frequencies ≥ 200 kHz, 0 dB attenuation)

Technology

Superheterodyne Spectrum Analysis

Applications

RF Spectrum Analysis, Adjacent-Channel Power (ACP) Testing, Digital Modulation Testing