The Keysight (Agilent) N8973A is a high-performance Noise Figure Analyzer from the NFA series, designed for fast, accurate, and repeatable measurements. Operating from 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz, it is optimized for characterizing amplifiers and frequency translating devices. It features simultaneous noise figure and gain measurements, six user-selectable measurement bandwidths, and includes a dedicated secondary GPIB interface for direct Local Oscillator (LO) control. It offers seamless integration with Keysight's SNS series noise sources.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (Primary), Dedicated 2nd GPIB (LO control) |
| Display | 17.0 cm (6.5 in) TFT color LCD |
| Removable Data Storage | 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy disk drive |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 Vrms (47 to 440 Hz), 195 to 250 Vrms (47 to 66 Hz) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz |
| Measurement Bandwidths | 6 user-selectable (100 kHz, 200 kHz, 400 kHz, 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz) |
System and Measurement Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Modes | Simultaneous noise figure and gain |
| Device Characterization | Amplifiers and frequency translating devices |
Noise Source Drive Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Noise Sources | SNS series |
| Noise Source Drive Voltage | +28 V (pulsed) |
Amplitude and Input Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Connector Type | N-type (f) |
| RF Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LO Control Interface | Dedicated 2nd GPIB |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Noise Figure Measurement Range | 0 to 30 dB |
| Gain Measurement Range | -20 to +40 dB |
| Noise Figure Display Resolution | 0.01 dB |
| Gain Display Resolution | 0.01 dB |
Display & Analysis
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Display Formats | Graph, Table, Meter |
Software & Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming Compatibility | SCPI, Agilent 8970B emulation |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 to +70 °C |
Measurement
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Points | Up to 401 (user-selectable) |
Applications
Noise Figure and Gain Characterization