The Keysight Agilent HP 8561A is a high-performance portable RF spectrum analyzer designed for analyzing signals over a frequency range of 1 kHz to 6.5 GHz. Known for its durability and laboratory-grade performance in a portable form factor, the 8561A is ideal for field service, manufacturing, and research and development environments. It features outstanding frequency accuracy, dynamic range, and spectral purity.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (GPIB)
DisplayMonochrome CRT

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 to 140 V AC (47 to 440 Hz), 195 to 250 V AC (47 to 66 Hz); <170 W power consumption
Operating Temperature0 to +55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)337 mm × 187 mm × 461 mm

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range1 kHz to 6.5 GHz
Frequency Span Range0 Hz, 100 Hz to 6.5 GHz
Counter Resolution10 Hz to 1 MHz (selectable)
Residual FM< 10 Hz p-p in 20 ms
Spectral Purity< (-100 + 20 Log n) dBc/Hz at 30 kHz offset

Bandwidth (RBW/VBW)

ParameterValue
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range10 Hz to 1 MHz (in 1, 3, 10 sequence), and 2 MHz
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range1 Hz to 3 MHz

Amplitude & Measurement Range

ParameterValue
Amplitude Rangedisplayed average noise level to +30 dBm
Dynamic Range125 dB
Maximum Safe Input RF Power+30 dBm (1 Watt)
Input Attenuator Range0 to 70 dB
Input Attenuator Steps10 dB

Inputs, Outputs & Connectivity

ParameterValue
RF Input Connector TypeType-N, female
RF Input Impedance50 ohms (nominal)

Sweep & Trigger Specifications

ParameterValue
Sweep Time Range (Span > 0 Hz)50 ms to 100 s
Sweep Time Range (Zero Span)50 µs to 100 s

Physical & Environmental Specifications

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-40 to +75 °C

Signal Outputs

ParameterValue
Calibrator Output Frequency300 MHz
Calibrator Output Amplitude-20 dBm

Performance

ParameterValue
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL)≤ -130 dBm (10 MHz to 2.9 GHz, 10 Hz RBW)
Phase Noise≤ -100 dBc/Hz @ 30 kHz offset (1 GHz carrier)
1 dB Gain Compression≥ -5 dBm (10 MHz to 2.9 GHz at mixer)
Second Harmonic Distortion≤ -70 dBc (10 MHz to 2.9 GHz, -40 dBm mixer level)
First IF Frequency3.9107 GHz (for 1 kHz to 2.9 GHz band)
Second IF Frequency310.7 MHz
Third IF Frequency10.7 MHz
RBW Shape Factor (60 dB to 3 dB ratio)< 15:1 (for 300 Hz to 2 MHz RBW); < 5:1 (for 10 Hz to 100 Hz RBW)
Log Scale Display Divisions10 divisions (1, 2, 5, 10 dB/division)
DemodulationAM and FM (internal speaker and phone jack)

Triggering

ParameterValue
Sweep Trigger ModesFree Run, Line, Single, Video, External

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
IF Output (310.7 MHz)BNC female, -20 to -10 dBm (nominal)
Video OutputBNC female, 0 to 1 V (nominal, open circuit)
Sweep OutputBNC female, 0 to 10 V (nominal, ramp)
External Reference Input10 MHz, BNC female, -2 to +10 dBm

Environmental

ParameterValue
Ruggedness ComplianceDesigned to meet MIL-T-28800D, Type III, Class 3, Style C

Technology

Superheterodyne Spectrum Analysis

Applications

RF testing, spectral analysis, transmitter troubleshooting, field maintenance