The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8561E is a portable RF spectrum analyzer delivering benchtop-level measurement capability in a highly ruggedized package. Operating continuously from 30 Hz to 6.5 GHz, it combines outstanding phase noise, wide dynamic range, and synthesized tuning. Standard features include fast digital resolution bandwidths down to 1 Hz, a precision timebase, and built-in measurement personalities for adjacent-channel power, occupied bandwidth, and time-gated measurements. Compliant with MIL-T-28800 ruggedness standards, it is engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions in both field and manufacturing applications.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488) |
| Display | Monochrome CRT |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | -10 to +55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 337 × 187 × 461 |
| Weight | 20 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 30 Hz to 6.5 GHz (Continuous) |
| Frequency Band Breakdown | Band 0: 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz; Band 1: 2.75 GHz to 6.5 GHz |
| Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range | 1 Hz to 2 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence) |
| Fast Digital Resolution Bandwidths | 1, 3, 10, 30, 100 Hz |
| Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range | 1 Hz to 3 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence) |
| Phase Noise (SSB) at 10 kHz Offset | ≤ -113 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz) |
Amplitude Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Safe Input Level (Average Power) | +30 dBm (1 W) continuous |
| Maximum Safe DC Voltage | 0 V (DC coupled), 50 V (AC coupled) |
| Input Attenuator Range | 0 to 70 dB |
| Input Attenuator Step Size | 10 dB |
| Reference Level Range | -119.9 dBm to +30.0 dBm |
| Log Scale Fidelity | ±0.85 dB (0 to -90 dB from reference level) |
| Linear Scale Fidelity | ±3% of reference level |
| Calibration Output Signal | 300 MHz, -10 dBm ±0.3 dB |
Sweep and Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Time (Span > 0 Hz) | 50 ms to 100 s |
| Sweep Time (Zero Span) | 50 µs to 100 s |
Trace and Display
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trace Detectors | Normal, Peak, Sample, Negative Peak |
| Standard Measurement Personalities | Adjacent channel power (ACP), channel power, carrier power, occupied bandwidth (OBW) percentage, time-gated measurements |
Inputs, Outputs, and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Connector Type | Type-N (female) |
| RF Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| 10 MHz Reference Input Connector | BNC (female) |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Connector | BNC (female) |
| External Trigger Input Connector | BNC (female) |
| Video Output Connector | BNC (female) |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -51 °C to +71 °C |
| Shock and Vibration Tolerance | MIL-T-28800 Class 3 |
Sweep Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Points per Trace | 601 |
| Sweep Time Accuracy (Span > 0 Hz) | ±10% |
| Sweep Time Accuracy (Zero Span) | ±1% |
Demodulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Audio Demodulation | AM and FM |
Tracking Generator (Option 002)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tracking Generator Frequency Range | 300 kHz to 2.9 GHz (Option 002 only) |
| Tracking Generator Output Power | -80 dBm to -10 dBm (Option 002 only) |
Front Panel Connections
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Probe Power Output | +15 VDC, -12.6 VDC (150 mA max) |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Span Range | 0 Hz, 100 Hz to 6.5 GHz |
| Resolution Bandwidth Selectivity (60 dB / 3 dB) | < 15:1 (300 Hz to 2 MHz), < 5:1 (10 Hz to 100 Hz) |
Amplitude
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Range | Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) to +30 dBm |
| Amplitude Display Range | 1, 2, 5, 10 dB/div (10 divisions) log; 10 divisions linear |
| LO Emission (at RF Input) | ≤ -80 dBm (with 10 dB attenuation) |
Technology
Superheterodyne RF Spectrum Analysis
Applications
RF Component Testing, Digital Radio Measurements, Phase Noise Analysis, Field Maintenance