The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8563EC is a high-performance, portable microwave spectrum analyzer offering benchtop measurement capabilities in a rugged package. It features a standard frequency range of 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz, fast digital resolution bandwidths down to 1 Hz, and a color VGA display, making it ideal for both laboratory and demanding field applications.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
DisplayColor LCD (VGA)
Warm-up Time5 minutes (to meet electrical specifications in ambient temperature)

Physical

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature-10 to +55
Dimensions (W×H×D)327 × 163 × 427

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range (Standard)9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
Frequency Range (Option 006)30 Hz to 26.5 GHz
Preselected Frequency Range2.75 GHz to 26.5 GHz
Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range1 Hz to 2 MHz
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range1 Hz to 3 MHz
Phase Noise (Offset at 10 kHz)≤ -113 dBc/Hz (@ 1 GHz)

Amplitude Specifications

ParameterValue
Maximum Safe Input Level (Continuous Wave)+30 dBm (1 W)
Maximum Safe Input Level (Peak Pulse)+50 dBm (100 W) for < 10 µs pulse width, < 1% duty cycle
Maximum DC Input Voltage0 V (DC coupled)
Input Attenuator Range0 to 70 dB
Input Attenuator Step Size10 dB

Sweep Specifications

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

Input and Output Interfaces

ParameterValue
RF Input Connector TypeAPC-3.5 mm (male)
RF Input Impedance50 Ω
10 MHz Reference InputBNC (female), -10 to +10 dBm

Available Options and Upgrades

ParameterValue
Low End Frequency Coverage OptionOption 006 (Extends frequency down to 30 Hz)

Frequency

ParameterValue
Span Range0 Hz (zero span), 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz

Sweep

ParameterValue
Trace Sweep Points601 points
Sweep Time Accuracy (Span > 0 Hz)±10%
Sweep Time Accuracy (Zero Span)±1% (sweep time ≥ 30 ms)

Performance

ParameterValue
Trace DetectorsNormal, Positive Peak, Negative Peak, Sample
Audio DemodulationAM and FM (built-in speaker and front-panel earphone jack)

Display

ParameterValue
Amplitude Scale (Log)1, 2, 5, and 10 dB/division
Amplitude Scale (Linear)10% of Reference Level/division

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Rear Panel IF Output310.7 MHz (nominal)
Calibrator Signal Output300 MHz, -10 dBm ±0.3 dB

Amplitude

ParameterValue
Resolution Bandwidth Switching Uncertainty±0.5 dB (normalized to 300 kHz RBW)

Spurious Responses

ParameterValue
Residual Responses< -90 dBm (no signal at input, 0 dB attenuation, ≥ 200 kHz)

Compliance

ParameterValue
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)CISPR 11 / EN 55011, MIL-STD-461C

Technology

Superheterodyne Spectrum Analysis

Applications

Microwave test, field service, R&D, and manufacturing