The HP 8720B is a high-performance microwave vector network analyzer manufactured by Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent / HP). Designed for comprehensive reflection and transmission measurements, it integrates a synthesized microwave source, a switching S-parameter test set, and a dual-channel receiver. Operating over a broad frequency range from 130 MHz to 20 GHz, it is a staple instrument for microwave component design and characterization. Its advanced digital signal processing capabilities and color CRT display enable highly accurate, real-time S-parameter measurements.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | HP-IB (IEEE-488) |
| Display | 9-inch monochrome CRT |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 V / 198 to 264 V, 47 to 66 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm × 267 mm × 567 mm |
| Weight | 34 |
Frequency Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 130 MHz to 20 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution (Standard) | 100 kHz |
| Frequency Resolution (Option 001) | 1 Hz |
| Frequency Accuracy | ±10 ppm |
Source (Stimulus) Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Power Range | -10 to -65 dBm |
| Source Type | Synthesized microwave source |
Receiver & Dynamic Range Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Dynamic Range (130 to 500 MHz) | 70 dB |
| System Dynamic Range (500 MHz to 2 GHz) | 80 dB |
| System Dynamic Range (2 to 8 GHz) | 85 dB |
| System Dynamic Range (8 to 20 GHz) | 85 dB |
| Receiver Architecture | Dual channel receiver |
Measurement Port Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Port Connector Type | 3.5 mm (male) |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Test Set Configuration | Integrated switching S-parameter test set |
Measurement & Display Capabilities
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measured Parameters | S-parameters (reflection and transmission) |
| Measurement Formats | Logarithmic, linear, and Smith chart |
| Display Channels | 2 independent channels |
| Trace Manipulation | Trace math, data averaging, trace smoothing, and electrical delay |
| Instrument State Memory | Saves settings for at least 3 days without line power |
| External Storage Control | Compatible external disk drive control |
Factory Options & Upgrades
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 001 | 1 Hz frequency resolution |
| Option 003 | Extended dynamic range |
| Option 010 | Time-domain analysis |
| Option 802 | Disk drive support |
| Option 830 | Calibration kit and cables |
| Option 913 | Rack mount kit with handles |
Sweep Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Points per Sweep | 3, 11, 26, 51, 101, 201, 401, 801, 1601 |
| Sweep Types | Linear frequency, logarithmic frequency, list frequency, power sweep |
| Sweep Modes | Continuous, Single, Number of Groups, Hold |
| Power Sweep Range | 15 dB |
Measurement Capabilities
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Limit Lines | Up to 22 segments per channel for pass/fail testing |
| Group Delay Aperture Range | 0.25% to 20% of the frequency span |
| IF Bandwidth Range | 10 Hz to 3 kHz (in 1-3-10 steps) |
| Sweep-to-Sweep Averaging | Selectable factor from 1 to 999 |
| Marker Functions | Up to 4 markers per channel, with marker tracking, delta markers, and search functions (min, max, target, bandwidth) |
Display Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Level Range (Magnitude) | ±500 dB |
| Reference Level Resolution (Magnitude) | 0.001 dB |
| Scale Resolution (Magnitude) | 0.001 to 100 dB/div |
| Phase Range | ±180° |
| Scale Resolution (Phase) | 0.01° to 360°/div |
| Reference Level Range (Phase) | ±500° |
| Reference Level Resolution (Phase) | 0.01° |
Rear Panel Connectors
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Port Bias Inputs | Rear-panel BNC connectors, max 500 mA, 40 V |
| External Reference Input | 1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz (±10 ppm), -10 dBm to +20 dBm |
| Auxiliary Voltage Input | Rear-panel BNC, ±10 V range |
| External Trigger Input | Rear-panel BNC, TTL active low |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +75 °C |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 011 | Direct receiver access (bypasses internal S-parameter test set) |
Source Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Source Harmonics | <-15 dBc at maximum output power |
| Non-Harmonic Spurious (135 MHz to 2 GHz) | <-35 dBc |
| Non-Harmonic Spurious (2 to 20 GHz) | <-30 dBc |
| Output Power Accuracy | ±3.0 dB at -10 dBm output power |
| Output Power Linearity | ±0.5 dB (from -10 to -20 dBm relative to -10 dBm), ±1.0 dB (from -20 to -65 dBm relative to -10 dBm) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AC Power Requirements | 90 to 132 V AC (48 to 66 Hz) or 198 to 264 V AC (48 to 66 Hz) |
| Power Consumption | 280 VA max |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibration Types Supported | Response, response/isolation, 1-port, 2-port (full), one-path 2-port |
| Error Correction | 12-term vector error correction |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Output | 10 MHz, ≥ 0 dBm (typically +4 dBm), BNC female |
| External AM Input | BNC female, DC to 100 kHz, 10 kΩ nominal input impedance, 0 to 10 V for up to 20 dB of RF attenuation |
| External Monitor Output | Red, Green, Blue, and Sync BNC connectors for external color monitor |
| Test Port Bias Limits | 40 VDC maximum, 500 mA maximum |
Receiver Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Crosstalk | 100 dB (135 MHz to 8 GHz), 85 dB (8 to 20 GHz) |
| Maximum Test Port Input Level | -10 dBm (for < 0.5 dB receiver compression), +20 dBm maximum safe input |
Measurement Functions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Marker Count | 4 active markers per display channel |
| Marker Resolution (Magnitude) | 0.001 dB |
| Marker Resolution (Phase) | 0.01° |
| Power Meter Calibration | Compatible with HP 437B and HP 438A power meters for source power leveling |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIB Control Capability | HP-IB (IEEE 488.1) compatibility |
Technology
Vector Network Analysis
Applications
Microwave component testing and S-parameter characterization