The Keysight Agilent HP 8971C is a high-performance Noise Figure Test Set designed specifically to extend the frequency range of the 8970B noise figure meter. Utilizing a stable YIG filter and an integrated low-noise preamplifier, it enables broad single-sideband measurements from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz with simplified calibration and sweep routines.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | HP-IB (GPIB) |
| Display | None (front panel LED status indicators only, remote-controlled by host) |
| GPIB Interface Capabilities | SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E1 |
| Warm-up Time | 1 hour |
| Shipping Weight | 13.6 kg |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 V AC (+5%, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 150 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 425 mm × 146 mm × 476 mm |
| Weight | 7.6 kg |
Frequency and Signal Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz |
| Input VSWR (SSB) | 1.5, 2.0, 2.25, 2.5, or 3.0 (frequency and option dependent) |
| Maximum Operating RF Noise Input Power | -29 / -26 / -20 dBm (depending on option and frequency) |
| Maximum Safe RF Input Power | -5 dBm or +20 dBm (depending on option) |
| LO Input Power Minimum | +1 dBm or +7 dBm (depending on option) |
| LO Input Power Maximum | +20 dBm |
Noise Measurement Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SSB Noise Figure (Standard) | <=18 dB (at 10 MHz - 18 GHz) |
| SSB Noise Figure (Option 002) | <=11.5 dB (at 18 GHz - 26.5 GHz) |
| Image and Odd Harmonic Rejection SSB | 20 dB typical |
Control and Calibration Functions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Modes | Supports double down-conversion using the 8971C as the second downconverter |
| Host Compatibility | Compatible with HP 8970B and NFA series noise figure analyzers |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Audible Noise Level | <5.5 bels at 1 meter |
Frequency Range
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LO Input Frequency Range | 2.4 GHz to 26.5 GHz |
| RF Output Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 1600 MHz |
| SSB Band 1 Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 1600 MHz |
| SSB Band 2 Frequency Range | 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz |
| SSB Band 3 Frequency Range | 2.4 GHz to 12.0 GHz |
| SSB Band 4 Frequency Range | 12.0 GHz to 18.0 GHz |
| SSB Band 5 Frequency Range | 18.0 GHz to 26.5 GHz |
Connectors
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Connector | Type-N female (Standard) / APC-3.5 female (Option 002) |
| LO Input Connector | Type-N female |
| RF Output Connector | Type-N female |
| System Interface Connector | 25-pin D-sub (rear panel) |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output SWR | < 2.0:1 |
| LO Input SWR | < 2.0:1 |
| SSB Gain (Standard, Bands 1-4) | -2 dB to +4 dB (nominal) |
| SSB Gain (Standard, Band 5) | -6 dB to +2 dB (nominal) |
| SSB Gain (Option 002, Bands 1-4) | +16 dB to +26 dB (nominal) |
| SSB Gain (Option 002, Band 5) | +10 dB to +20 dB (nominal) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -55 °C to +75 °C |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,600 m (15,000 ft) |
| Non-operating Altitude | Up to 15,300 m (50,000 ft) |
| Operating Humidity | Up to 95% RH @ 40 °C |
Power & Electrical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 125 VA max |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Mains Line Voltage | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 VAC (+10%, -15%) |
| Mains Line Frequency | 48 to 66 Hz |
Technology
YIG-tuned filtering & RF down-conversion
Applications
Broadband Noise Figure Measurement