Keysight PNA-X Series Vector Network Analyzers
7 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) PNA-X Series represents a family of premier-performance microwave vector network analyzers (VNAs) designed for complex active and passive device characterization. Engineered for high-speed, high-accuracy measurements, these instruments integrate multiple test functions into a single hardware platform. With options for 2-port or 4-port configurations, dual independent internal RF sources, and built-in signal routing switches, the PNA-X Series allows engineers to perform S-parameters, gain compression, intermodulation distortion (IMD), and noise figure measurements with a single connection. The series serves technical buyers and design engineers who require advanced RF and microwave component testing across broad frequency ranges.
- Frequency Range
- 900 Hz to 67 GHz
- Port Configurations
- 2 or 4 ports
- Internal Sources
- Up to 2 independent sources
- System Impedance
- 50 Ω
- Measurement Channels
- Up to 32
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | Frequency Range | Interfaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5242A | Microwave | 10.4 inch LCD Touch Screen | 10 MHz - 26.5 GHz | LAN, GPIB, USB (Host/Device), External Reference, Trigger I/O |
| N5245A | Microwave | 10.4 inch color touch screen | 10 MHz to 50 GHz | LAN, GPIB, USB |
| N5242B | *misc | 12.1-inch WXGA color capacitive multi-touch LCD | 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (starts at 900 Hz with option) | LAN (10/100/1000Base-T), USB (front and rear), GPIB (IEEE-488) |
| N5244A | Microwave | 10.4-inch TFT color touchscreen (1024 x 768 XGA) | 10 MHz to 43.5 GHz | GPIB, LAN (10/100/1000Base-T), USB 2.0 (Host and Device) |
| N5247B | *misc | 12.1-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD | 10 MHz to 67 GHz (900 Hz with option) | LAN, USB, GPIB |
| N5247A | Microwave | — | — | LAN, GPIB, USB |
| N5241A | Microwave | 10.4-inch active matrix color LCD touch screen | 10 MHz to 13.5 GHz | — |
Frequency Coverage and Connector Configurations
The PNA-X family covers a broad frequency spectrum, spanning from 900 Hz up to 67 GHz, depending on the model and installed options.
- N5241A: Covers 10 MHz to 13.5 GHz with 3.5 mm male test port connectors.
- N5242A & N5242B: Cover frequencies up to 26.5 GHz. The N5242A uses a standard frequency range of 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, while the N5242B can start down at 900 Hz with specific options. Both models utilize 3.5 mm test port connectors.
- N5244A: Operates from 10 MHz to 43.5 GHz and utilizes 2.4 mm male test port connectors.
- N5245A: Operates from 10 MHz to 50 GHz and utilizes 2.4 mm male test port connectors.
- N5247A & N5247B: Provide the highest frequency coverage in the series, reaching up to 67 GHz. The N5247B supports an optional low-frequency start at 900 Hz. These models utilize 1.85 mm male test port connectors to accommodate higher frequency measurements.
Measurement Capability and Signal Routing
A defining characteristic of the PNA-X Series is its highly configurable internal architecture. This hardware setup simplifies many common test paths:
- Dual Internal Sources: 4-port configurations for models like the N5241A, N5242B, N5244A, N5245A, N5247A, and N5247B can include up to two independent internal sources, simplifying intermodulation distortion (IMD) testing by eliminating the need for external signal generators.
- Signal Routing and Combiners: Features such as built-in combiners, internal pulse modulators, and internal signal-routing switches (available in models like the N5245A, N5244A, N5247A, and N5241A) enable switching between different measurement setups without reconnecting the device under test (DUT).
- Advanced Applications: The hardware supports optional applications such as Nonlinear Vector Network Analysis (NVNA) on the N5245A and N5244A, pulsed-RF measurements on the N5241A, N5244A, and N5247B, and spectrum analysis or noise figure capabilities across several models in the series.
Display and Interface Differences
The series features two distinct generations of user interfaces and physical displays:
- Standard Touchscreens: The N5241A, N5242A, N5244A, and N5245A feature a 10.4-inch color LCD touchscreen. The N5242A display has an active-matrix design with physical dimensions of 426 mm x 235 mm x 483 mm and a total instrument weight of 25 kg.
- Capacitive Multi-Touch Displays: The "B" generation models, including the N5242B and N5247B, are equipped with a larger 12.1-inch capacitive multi-touch LCD display. The N5242B features a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels (WXGA) and runs the Windows 10 operating system, providing a modern user interface experience.
Frequently asked questions
- Which PNA-X models can extend their start frequency down to 900 Hz?
- The N5242B and N5247B models support an optional configuration that allows the frequency range to start at 900 Hz rather than the standard 10 MHz.
- What test port connectors are used on the 67 GHz models?
- The N5247A and N5247B models utilize 1.85 mm male test port connectors to support measurements up to 67 GHz.
- Do the PNA-X analyzers support external millimeter-wave extenders?
- Yes, models like the N5247B support millimeter-wave extenders and are compatible with VDI, OML, and Keysight N529x series extender modules.