The Keysight (Agilent/HP) 8971B Noise Figure Test Set is a dedicated downconverter designed to extend the frequency range of the HP 8970B Noise Figure Meter. It enables automatic, high-performance single-sideband (SSB) and double-sideband (DSB) noise figure measurements up to 18 GHz (or 26.5 GHz with Option 002) by utilizing internal preamplifiers, switches, filters, and mixers to downconvert high-frequency signals to the 10 to 1600 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) range of the meter.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (System Interface, Hewlett-Packard Interface)

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC (+5%, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz (48 to 440 Hz for 100/120 VAC), 100 VA max
Operating Temperature0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)425.5 mm × 132.6 mm × 503.2 mm
Weight16.0

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Standard Frequency Range10 MHz to 18 GHz
Option 002 Frequency Range10 MHz to 26.5 GHz

RF Input and Port Characteristics

ParameterValue
RF Input Impedance50 ohms nominal
Maximum RF Input Power+20 dBm (100 mW) continuous wave
Maximum DC Input Voltage0 V
RF Input Damage Level+20 dBm (100 mW)
Standard RF Input Connector TypeType-N female
Option 002 RF Input Connector TypeAPC-3.5 male

Local Oscillator Input

ParameterValue
LO Input Frequency Range2.4 to 18.0 GHz (up to 26.5 GHz with Option 002)
LO Input Power Range1 to 3 mW (0 to 5 dBm)
LO Input Impedance50 ohms nominal
LO Input Connector TypeType-N female (Option 002: APC-3.5 male)

IF Output Characteristics

ParameterValue
IF Output Frequency Range10 to 1600 MHz
IF Output Connector TypeType-N female

RF Input VSWR

ParameterValue
SWR (Bypass Mode, 10 MHz to 1.6 GHz)< 1.35
SWR (SSB Mode, 1.6 to 12.4 GHz)< 2.2
SWR (SSB Mode, 12.4 to 18 GHz)< 2.5
SWR (SSB Mode, 18 to 26.5 GHz, Option 002)< 3.2
SWR (DSB Mode, 1.6 to 18 GHz)< 2.0
SWR (DSB Mode, 18 to 26.5 GHz, Option 002)< 3.0

Noise Figure and Gain Performance

ParameterValue
Image and Out-of-Band Rejection> 20 dB (SSB Mode)

Environmental and Compliance

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-55 to +75 °C

Power and Physical Characteristics

ParameterValue
Cooling TypeInternal forced-air fan

Noise Source Drive and Calibration

ParameterValue
Noise Source Drive Front PortBNC female (loop-through from rear input)
Noise Source Drive Rear Input PortBNC female (connection from HP 8970B)

Measurement Configuration and Processing

ParameterValue
Measurement ModesSSB (Single Sideband), DSB (Double Sideband), Bypass

Configuration Options

ParameterValue
Option 001 DescriptionRear panel RF Input, LO Input, and IF Output connectors
Option 002 DescriptionExtends operating frequency range up to 26.5 GHz

System Noise Figure

ParameterValue
System Noise Figure (Bypass Mode, 10 to 1600 MHz)< 8 dB (includes HP 8970B)
System Noise Figure (SSB Mode, 1.6 to 12.4 GHz)< 18 dB (includes HP 8970B)
System Noise Figure (SSB Mode, 12.4 to 18.0 GHz)< 20 dB (includes HP 8970B)
System Noise Figure (SSB Mode, 18.0 to 26.5 GHz)< 23 dB (Option 002, includes HP 8970B)
System Noise Figure (DSB Mode, 1.6 to 18.0 GHz)< 14 dB (includes HP 8970B)
System Noise Figure (DSB Mode, 18.0 to 26.5 GHz)< 17 dB (Option 002, includes HP 8970B)

RF Performance

ParameterValue
Bypass Mode Insertion Loss (10 to 1600 MHz)< 3.0 dB
Gain (SSB Mode, 1.6 to 12.4 GHz)> 23 dB
Gain (SSB Mode, 12.4 to 18.0 GHz)> 21 dB
Gain (SSB Mode, 18.0 to 26.5 GHz)> 16 dB (Option 002)
Gain (DSB Mode, 1.6 to 18.0 GHz)> 23 dB
Gain (DSB Mode, 18.0 to 26.5 GHz)> 18 dB (Option 002)

LO Input

ParameterValue
LO Input SWR (2.4 to 18.0 GHz)< 2.0
LO Input SWR (18.0 to 26.5 GHz)< 2.5 (Option 002)

Control & Interfaces

ParameterValue
HP-IB Interface CapabilitiesSH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT0, C0, E1

Frequency

ParameterValue
YIG-Tuned Filter Frequency Range1.6 to 18.0 GHz (standard) / 1.6 to 26.5 GHz (Option 002)

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating AltitudeUp to 4,570 m (15,000 ft)
Storage AltitudeUp to 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
Operating HumidityUp to 95% relative humidity at 40 °C

Applications

Noise Figure Measurement Downconversion

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