Keysight Technologies 8560 Series Spectrum Analyzers

Model selection within this series is primarily driven by frequency requirements. For standard RF applications, the 8560A and 8560E operate up to 2.9 GHz, while the 8561E and 8561EC extend coverage to 6.5 GHz. The 8561EC includes standard time-gated signal analysis, making it well-suited for pulsed RF and burst signals like TDMA. For microwave testing, the 8562A covers up to 22 GHz, whereas the 8562E and 8562EC sweep up to 13.2 GHz. The 8562EC is specifically optimized for high-speed digital wireless tasks such as GSM spur testing. The 8563E and 8563EC cover up to 26.5 GHz, featuring a preselected range starting at 2.75 GHz. Millimeter-wave requirements are met by the 8564E and 8564EC (up to 40 GHz) or the 8565E and 8565EC (up to 50 GHz), which provide continuous sweeps using a single 2.4 mm coaxial RF input connector.

The series has evolved through three physical and functional configurations. The early A-generation models, such as the 8560A and 8562A, provide fundamental synthesized tuning with legacy CRT displays. The 8562A features a minimum resolution bandwidth of 100 Hz. The E-generation models (8560E, 8561E, 8562E, 8563E, 8564E, and 8565E) introduced monochrome CRT displays and fast digital resolution bandwidth filters down to 1 Hz, with several models weighing 20 kg. The EC-generation models (8561EC, 8562EC, 8563EC, 8564EC, and 8565EC) update the platform with color active-matrix LCD screens. Physical changes include a lighter chassis, with the 8562EC weighing 16.5 kg and the 8564EC/8565EC weighing 17.3 kg. Select EC-series models, such as the 8562EC and 8565EC, also integrate built-in AM and FM audio demodulation.

Across all generations, these instruments maintain high performance standards. They share a maximum safe RF input power level of +30 dBm (1 W) continuous and feature a standard 0 to 70 dB input attenuator. Standard DC input limits are 0 V for DC-coupled configurations. For phase noise performance, several models (including the 8561E, 8562E, 8562EC, 8563EC, 8564E, and 8565E) deliver a single-sideband phase noise of -113 dBc/Hz or less at a 10 kHz offset on a 1 GHz carrier. Interface connectivity is standard via GPIB (IEEE-488) on almost all models, enabling straightforward integration into automated test environments.