The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) 8563A is a high-performance, synthesized portable microwave spectrum analyzer, covering a frequency range from 9 kHz to 22 GHz (extendable to 26.5 GHz with Option 026). Engineered for demanding field and bench environments, the 8563A meets MIL-T-28800C requirements for ruggedness, including a 30g shock tolerance, and offers up to 128 dB dynamic range.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (GPIB)
DisplayMonochrome CRT
Internal Memory10 states, 8 traces
Option 001Provides 310.7 MHz IF output
Option 006Extends frequency range down to 30 Hz
Storage Temperature-62 °C to +85 °C

Physical

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature-10 to +55 °C
Weight20 kg

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range9 kHz to 22 GHz (9 kHz to 26.5 GHz with Option 026)
Frequency Span Range0 Hz (zero span), 100 Hz to 22 GHz (26.5 GHz with Option 026)
Phase Noise at 10 kHz Offset<-100 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz)
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range10 Hz to 2 MHz (in 1, 3, 10 sequence)
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range1 Hz to 3 MHz
System Sweep Time Range (Span > 0 Hz)50 ms to 100 s
System Sweep Time Range (Zero Span)50 µs to 6000 s
Sweep Trigger SourcesFree Run, Line, Single, Video, External

Amplitude Specifications

ParameterValue
Measurement RangeDANL to +30 dBm
Dynamic RangeUp to 128 dB
Maximum Safe Input Power+30 dBm (1 W) with >= 10 dB RF attenuation
Maximum DC Input Voltage0 V DC (DC coupled)
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) at 1 GHz<-134 dBm (10 Hz RBW)
Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) at 22 GHz<-115 dBm (10 Hz RBW)
1 dB Gain Compression Point-3 dBm (at input mixer)
Input Attenuator Range0 to 70 dB in 10 dB steps

Inputs and Outputs

ParameterValue
RF Input Connector TypePrecision 3.5 mm (female)
RF Input Impedance50 ohms (nominal)
Calibrator Output (Cal Out)300 MHz, -20 dBm
10 MHz Reference Input10 MHz, -2 to +10 dBm

Environmental & Calibration

ParameterValue
Environmental ComplianceMIL-T-28800C Class 3
Shock Resistance30 g (pulse shock)

Performance

ParameterValue
RBW Shape Factor (60 dB/3 dB)<15:1 (10 Hz to 2 MHz)
Log Scale Fidelity±0.4 dB per 4 dB, max ±1.0 dB over 0 - 90 dB range
Linear Scale Fidelity±3% of reference level
Residual Responses<-90 dBm (150 kHz - 6.46 GHz), <-75 dBm (6.46 GHz - 22 GHz) with 0 dB attenuation
Image and Multiple Responses<-70 dBc (10 MHz - 18 GHz), <-60 dBc (18 GHz - 22 GHz)
Reference Level Range (Log)-120 dBm to +30 dBm (0.1 dB resolution)
Reference Level Range (Linear)2.2 µV to 7.07 V
Input Attenuator Step Size10 dB
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Step Size1, 3, 10 sequence
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Step Size1, 3, 10 sequence
Phase Noise at 30 kHz Offset<-100 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise at 100 kHz Offset<-110 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise at 1 MHz Offset<-125 dBc/Hz
Frequency Response (9 kHz to 2.9 GHz)±1.0 dB
Frequency Response (2.75 GHz to 6.46 GHz)±1.5 dB
Frequency Response (5.86 GHz to 13.0 GHz)±2.2 dB
Frequency Response (12.4 GHz to 22.0 GHz)±2.5 dB
Resolution Bandwidth Switching Uncertainty< ±0.5 dB
Demodulation ModesAM, FM (standard, built-in speaker and phone jack)
Marker Amplitude Resolution0.01 dB
Marker Frequency Counter Resolution1 Hz to 1 kHz (selectable)
Internal Reference Temperature Stability±1 x 10^-8 (-10 °C to +55 °C, referenced to 25 °C)

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
First LO OutputSMA female, +13 to +18 dBm (3.0 - 6.81 GHz)
IF InputBNC, 310.7 MHz, -10 to -30 dBm
IF OutputBNC, 310.7 MHz, -35 dBm (nominal)
Video OutputBNC, 0 to 1 V (detector output)
Sweep OutputBNC, 0 to +10 V ramp
Blanking/Gate OutputBNC, TTL level
Probe Power Output+15 VDC, -12.6 VDC (150 mA max)
External Trigger Input ConnectorBNC female, impedance > 10 kΩ

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating Humidity95% relative humidity at 40 °C for 5 days
Maximum Operating Altitude4,600 meters (15,000 feet)
Maximum Non-Operating Altitude15,240 meters (50,000 feet)

Power

ParameterValue
Power Consumption< 180 VA (115 Watts nominal)

Options

ParameterValue
Option 103Deletes precision frequency reference, replaces with standard TCXO

Technology

Synthesized Spectrum Analysis

Applications

RF and Microwave Signal Analysis