The Keysight (Agilent / HP) 8970B is a dedicated Noise Figure Meter designed for easy, accurate, and repeatable noise figure and gain measurements of amplifiers and frequency converting devices. It simultaneously measures noise figure (0 to 30 dB) and gain (-20 to >+40 dB), seamlessly integrating with the HP 346 and 347 family of noise sources. Featuring a base tuning range of 10 to 1600 MHz (extendable to 2047 MHz via option), the 8970B supports simple single-stage components as well as complex mixer measurements, providing automatic second-stage correction and automated control of external local oscillators and the 8971C Noise Figure Test Set.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | HP-IB (IEEE-488) |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100, 120, 220, or 240 V (+5%, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 150 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 × 146 × 476 |
| Weight | 15.5 |
Frequency Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Frequency Range | 10 to 1600 MHz (Standard); 10 to 2047 MHz (with Option 020) |
| Displayed Measurement Frequency Range | 10 to 99999 MHz |
| IF Measurement Bandwidth | ~4 MHz |
Noise Figure Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Range | 0 to 30 dB |
| Measurement Resolution | 0.01 dB |
Gain Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Net External Gain | >65 dB |
Input Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Noise Figure | <7 dB + 0.003 dB/MHz |
| Input SWR (Standard) | <1.7 (0.26 ρ) at 10 to 1600 MHz |
| Input SWR (Option 020) | <1.8 (0.286 ρ) at 10 to 1600 MHz; <2.0 (0.33 ρ) at >1600 to 2047 MHz |
| Maximum Operating Input Power | -10 dBm (wideband) |
| Damage Level | ±20 Vdc, +20 dBm peak (or average) at RF |
| Input Connector Type | Type-N (female) |
Noise Source Drive
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Noise Sources | Agilent / HP 346 or 347 family |
Sweep and Measurement Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Speed | 6 to 9 measurements per second (minimum smoothing) |
| Sweep Speed | 140 ms per frequency point (10 to 1600 MHz, minimum smoothing) |
| Number of Calibration Points | 181 per sweep (maximum) |
Interfaces and Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Equipment Control | External local oscillators, 8971C noise figure test set |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Audible Noise Level | <5.5 bels at 1 meter |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Noise Figure Instrumentation Uncertainty | ±0.1 dB |
| Gain Instrumentation Uncertainty | ±0.15 dB |
| Gain Measurement Range | -20 to +40 dB |
| Gain Measurement Resolution | 0.01 dB |
Measurement
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Smoothing (Averaging) | Exponential averaging, 1 to 512 readings |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -55 to 75 °C |
| Operating Humidity | < 95% RH at 40 °C |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuning Resolution | 1 MHz |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Noise Source Drive Voltage | 28.0 ± 0.1 V (pulsed) |
| Noise Source Drive Connector | BNC (female) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 150 VA maximum |
Technology
RF / Microwave
Applications
Noise Figure and Gain Measurement