Keysight PNA-L Series Vector Network Analyzers
3 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) PNA-L Series vector network analyzers provide general-purpose, cost-effective microwave measurement capabilities up to 50 GHz. Designed primarily for passive component analysis and simple active device measurements, these vector network analyzers offer a balance of performance and value for both R&D and manufacturing environments. Operating on Windows-based platforms, the series standardizes S-parameter measurement capabilities and supports Electronic Calibration (ECal) to simplify testing routines. This comparison covers the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525), the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C, and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A to help you select the ideal instrument for your testing requirements.
- Frequency Range
- 300 kHz to 50 GHz (model dependent)
- Port Options
- 2 or 4 measurement ports
- System Impedance
- 50 Ω
- Operating Systems
- Windows / Windows Embedded Standard
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | Frequency Range | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5230A (Option 520/525) | *misc | Integrated 10.4-inch LCD | 10 MHz to 50 GHz (Option 520/525 dependent) | LAN (Ethernet), USB (Front/Rear), GPIB, VGA, DVI-D, External Trigger I/O, Auxiliary I/O |
| N5230C | Microwave | 8.4-inch color LCD touch screen | 300 kHz to 6 GHz / 13.5 GHz / 20 GHz, or 10 MHz to 40 GHz / 50 GHz (option dependent) | USB, LAN, GPIB |
| N5232A | Microwave | 10.4-inch XGA color touchscreen LCD | 300 kHz to 20 GHz | USB, LAN, GPIB |
Frequency Coverage and Port Configurations
Each analyzer within the PNA-L Series is tailored to different frequency thresholds and connection interfaces:
- Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C: This analyzer provides the broadest configurable frequency options, covering 300 kHz to 6 GHz, 13.5 GHz, or 20 GHz, as well as 10 MHz to 40 GHz or 50 GHz depending on the selected option. It supports 2 or 4 ports (with the 4-port option available up to 20 GHz). Test port connectors are 3.5 mm ruggedized male up to 20 GHz, and 2.4 mm ruggedized male for 40 GHz and 50 GHz models.
- Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525): This configuration specializes in high-frequency S-parameter measurements from 10 MHz up to 50 GHz, using either 2 or 4 ports.
- Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A: Covering 300 kHz to 20 GHz with a 1 Hz frequency resolution, this mid-range analyzer features 2 or 4 ports utilizing 3.5 mm male test port connectors.
Display and Interface Differences
The physical interfaces and visual displays differ across these models, impacting how local operators interact with the instruments:
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525) features an integrated 10.4-inch XGA (1024 x 768) LCD where a touchscreen is optional. For external connectivity, it is equipped with LAN, USB (front and rear), GPIB, VGA, DVI-D, External Trigger I/O, and Auxiliary I/O.
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A standardizes a 10.4-inch XGA color touchscreen LCD and includes front/rear USB ports, LAN, GPIB, and an External Reference Input (10 MHz).
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C uses a smaller 8.4-inch color LCD touchscreen. Its interface suite includes USB, LAN, and GPIB.
Measurement Capabilities and Sweep Types
These analyzers support diverse sweep and display configurations to capture electrical characteristics. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C supports linear frequency, CW frequency, power, and segmented frequency sweeps, alongside optional time domain analysis and frequency-offset capabilities. Both the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525) and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C support up to 32 measurement channels.
Data point capability also varies. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525) allows from 2 to 20,001 points per trace, whereas the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A expands maximum data point capacity to 100,001 points, supporting high-resolution analysis of complex devices.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the warm-up times required for these analyzers?
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525) requires a 60-minute warm-up time, while the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C requires 90 minutes of warm-up time to guarantee specified measurement accuracy.
- Do these models support Electronic Calibration (ECal)?
- Yes. Electronic Calibration (ECal) support is standard across the series, with optional ECal modules supported on both the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C and the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A.
- Which operating systems are installed on these PNA-L analyzers?
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230A (Option 520/525) operates on Windows Embedded Standard. Both the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5230C and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) N5232A run standard Windows-based operating systems.