The Keysight / Agilent (originally Hewlett-Packard) 8903B is an industry-standard audio analyzer that operates from 20 Hz to 100 kHz. It integrates a low-distortion programmable audio source with a high-performance distortion analyzer, frequency counter, AC voltmeter, DC voltmeter, and SINAD meter in a single unit. Under microprocessor control, the 8903B performs complex stimulus-response measurements automatically, tuning and autoranging for optimal accuracy. With standard internal low-pass filters, dual slots for optional plug-in weighting networks, and true-rms, average, and quasi-peak detection, it remains a highly versatile workhorse for transceiver testing and precision audio analysis.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (IEEE 488)
DisplayDual LED
Sweep ModesLinear and Logarithmic

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 / 120 / 220 / 240 Vac (+5%, -10%), 48-66 Hz
Operating Temperature0 to 55
Dimensions (W×H×D)425 × 146 × 462
Weight12.3

Source/Generator Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range20 Hz to 100 kHz
Output Level Range0.6 mV to 6 V (open circuit)
Residual Distortion & Noise (THD+N)< 0.003% (-90 dB) from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (1 V to 6 V output)
Output Impedance600 Ω

Distortion Measurement (THD+N)

ParameterValue
Fundamental Frequency Range20 Hz to 100 kHz
Measurement Range0.001% to 100% (-100 dB to 0.0 dB)
Detection TypeTrue-rms

SINAD & Signal-to-Noise Measurement

ParameterValue
Measurement TypesSINAD, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

AC/DC Level Measurement

ParameterValue
AC Measurement Range300 µV to 300 V full scale
Measurement FunctionsTrue-rms AC volts, DC volts
Detector TypesTrue-rms

Frequency Measurement

ParameterValue
Resolution5 digits

Input Characteristics

ParameterValue
Input Impedance100 kΩ shunted by < 300 pF
Maximum Input Voltage300 V AC

Audio Filters & Weighting

ParameterValue
Standard Low-Pass Filters30 kHz, 80 kHz (Internal)
Optional Plug-in Filter Slots2 slots (for CCITT, CCIR, A-Weighting, etc.)

Interfaces & Connectivity

ParameterValue
Remote InterfaceHP-IB (IEEE 488)

General, Physical & Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-55 °C to +75 °C
Power Consumption50 VA max

Signal Source

ParameterValue
Frequency Accuracy±0.3% of setting
Frequency Resolution0.3%

Analyzer Performance

ParameterValue
DC Voltage Measurement Range4 mV to 300 V full scale
SINAD Measurement Range0 to 99.99 dB
Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Range0 to 99.99 dB
Distortion Measurement Accuracy±1 dB (20 Hz to 50 kHz)

Options

ParameterValue
Option 013C-Message Filter
Option 001Rear-panel input and output connections
Option 010400 Hz High-pass Filter
Option 017A-Weighting Filter

Measurement Functions

ParameterValue
Ratio MeasurementsExpressed in dB or %

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Input ConfigurationBalanced or Unbalanced (Floating or Grounded)
Output ConfigurationBalanced or Unbalanced (Floating or Grounded)

Technology

Audio Analysis

Applications

Audio equipment testing, transceiver testing, distortion and SINAD measurement, stimulus-response analysis