Keysight PNA Series Vector Network Analyzers
14 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
Keysight Technologies PNA Series vector network analyzers (VNAs) share a unified architecture and software platform designed for high-performance active and passive device characterization. Covering a broad frequency spectrum from RF to microwave, these instruments provide technical buyers and engineers with scalable configurations, high trace-point capacities, and precision measurement capabilities. This page details the primary differences in port configuration, frequency range, connector interfaces, and display systems across classic and modern PNA series models to assist in instrument selection.
- Frequency Range
- 300 kHz to 67 GHz
- Port Configuration
- 2 or 4 ports
- Impedance
- 50 Ω
- Maximum Points per Sweep
- Up to 100,001
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Frequency Range | Frequency Resolution | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5222A | Microwave | 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz | 1 Hz | 10.4-inch color LCD touch screen |
| E8362C | *misc | 10 MHz - 20 GHz | 1 Hz | 26.4 cm (10.4 inch) TFT color LCD with touch screen |
| E8362B | Vector | 10 MHz to 20 GHz | 1 Hz | 10.4-inch color LCD touchscreen (800 x 600 SVGA) |
| E8364B | Vector | 10 MHz - 50 GHz | 1 Hz | — |
| E8363C | Microwave | 10 MHz to 40 GHz | 1 Hz | 10.4-inch TFT color LCD touch screen |
| N5224A | Microwave | 10 MHz - 43.5 GHz | 1 Hz | 10.4-inch color LCD touchscreen |
| E8364C | Vector | 10 MHz to 50 GHz | 1 Hz | — |
| N5225A | Microwave | 10 MHz to 50 GHz | — | 10.4-inch color touch screen |
| E8361A | Vector | 10 MHz - 67 GHz | 1 Hz | 8.4-inch color LCD touch screen |
| E8358A | Vector | 300 kHz to 9 GHz | 1 Hz | 8.4-inch color LCD touch screen |
| E8361C | *misc | 10 MHz to 67 GHz | 1 Hz | — |
| E8363B | Vector | 10 MHz - 40 GHz | 1 Hz | 10.4-inch color LCD touchscreen |
| E8357A | Vector | 300 kHz - 6 GHz | 1 Hz | Color LCD Touchscreen |
| N5222B | *misc | — | 1 Hz | 12.1-inch capacitive multi-touch TFT color LCD (1280 x 800) |
Frequency Coverage and Interface Standards
The PNA Series covers an expansive frequency spectrum. RF and low-microwave requirements are served by the E8357A (300 kHz to 6 GHz) and E8358A (300 kHz to 9 GHz). Standard microwave measurements are supported by the E8362B and E8362C models operating up to 20 GHz, and the N5222A and N5222B operating up to 26.5 GHz. High-frequency applications are covered by the E8363B and E8363C (up to 40 GHz), the N5224A (up to 43.5 GHz), and the E8364B, E8364C, and N5225A (up to 50 GHz). For millimeter-wave frequencies, the E8361A and E8361C extend coverage up to 67 GHz.
Test port connectors scale with frequency to preserve signal integrity. The E8357A utilizes Type-N (female) connectors, while models up to 26.5 GHz (such as the N5222A, N5222B, E8362B, and E8362C) use 3.5 mm (male) connectors. Instruments operating up to 40 GHz, 43.5 GHz, or 50 GHz use 2.4 mm (male) connectors. The 67 GHz E8361A and E8361C models employ 1.85 mm (male) connectors.
Port Configurations and Measurement Processing
The architecture varies between fixed 2-port configurations and flexible 2- or 4-port setups. Classic models such as the E8362B, E8364B, E8361A, E8361C, E8363B, E8357A, and E8358A are strictly 2-port instruments. In contrast, newer PNA models including the N5222A, N5224A, N5225A, and N5222B can be configured with either 2 or 4 ports. The N5222A 2-port version includes 1 internal source, while its 4-port version offers 2 internal sources.
Measurement processing capabilities also differ across generations. Older PNA models support up to 20,001 data points per sweep, as seen on the E8362C, E8363C, and E8364C, with a sweep speed of less than 26 µs per point on the E8364B and E8364C. Modern series members, such as the N5222A, N5222B, N5224A, and N5225A, expand this capacity up to 100,001 points per trace, allowing high-resolution analysis of complex devices.
Display, Operating System, and Storage Evolution
User interfaces have evolved across the PNA family. Early models like the E8361A and E8358A feature 8.4-inch color LCD touch screens. The majority of the series, including the E8362C, E8362B, E8363C, E8363B, N5222A, N5224A, and N5225A, use 10.4-inch touch screens. The N5222B updates the user interface with a 12.1-inch capacitive multi-touch TFT display (1280 x 800) and runs on Windows 10, utilizing a removable solid-state drive (SSD) for data storage rather than the older mechanical hard drives found in models like the E8361C and E8357A.
Standard interface ports for data transfer and automation remain consistent, utilizing GPIB, LAN, and USB on models like the N5222A and N5225A, and standardizing on Windows-based environments to facilitate programming via SCPI, COM, or DCOM commands.
Frequently asked questions
- Which PNA Series models operate up to 67 GHz?
- The 2-port E8361A and E8361C models support frequencies up to 67 GHz and are equipped with 1.85 mm (male) test port connectors.
- How does the N5222B differ from the older N5222A?
- While both cover 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, the N5222B features a larger 12.1-inch capacitive multi-touch display (1280 x 800 resolution) and runs on Windows 10 with a removable solid-state drive (SSD). The N5222A features a 10.4-inch display.
- What is the maximum number of sweep points available on these VNAs?
- PNA series instruments like the E8362C, E8363C, and E8364C support up to 20,001 points per sweep, whereas newer models like the N5222A, N5222B, N5224A, and N5225A support up to 100,001 points.