Keysight PSA Series Spectrum Analyzers
5 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) PSA (Performance Spectrum Analyzer) series is a family of benchtop spectrum analyzers engineered for high-performance RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave signal analysis. Operating from a low frequency of 3 Hz, these instruments are designed for engineers and technical buyers who require high dynamic range, precision amplitude accuracy, and flexible analysis bandwidths. This series supports a wide variety of laboratory and manufacturing applications, covering frequencies from RF ranges up to 50 GHz, and can be extended further using external mixing options. This page outlines the common platform capabilities and details the key differences between the five core models: E4443A, E4445A, E4440A, E4446A, and E4448A.
- Frequency Range
- 3 Hz to 50 GHz
- Resolution Bandwidth
- 1 Hz to 8 MHz
- Attenuation Range
- 0 to 70 dB (2 dB steps)
- Maximum Input Power
- +30 dBm (1 W)
- Display Size
- 8.4 in (21.3 cm) color TFT LCD
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Frequency Range | Display | Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E4440A | Agilent | 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz | 21.3 cm (8.4 in) color TFT LCD (640 × 480 resolution) | 0 to 55 |
| E4448A | Microwave | 3 Hz to 50 GHz | 21.3 cm (8.4 in) color TFT LCD, VGA (640 x 480) | 0 to +55 °C |
| E4446A | Agilent | 3 Hz to 44 GHz | 8.4 inch color LCD | 0 to 55 |
| E4445A | Agilent | 3 Hz to 13.2 GHz | — | — |
| E4443A | Agilent | 3 Hz to 6.7 GHz | 21.3 cm (8.4 in) color TFT LCD, 640 × 480 pixels | 0 to +55 |
Shared Platform and Hardware Design
The PSA series instruments share a common physical footprint and structural design. Models such as the E4443A, E4440A, and E4448A feature an 8.4-inch (21.3 cm) color TFT LCD display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. They operate within a temperature range of 0 to 55 °C and are built to demanding benchtop standards. The E4446A complies with the MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 environmental standard. Every instrument in this series incorporates a highly adjustable input attenuator ranging from 0 to 70 dB in 2 dB steps, protecting the internal mixer while allowing fine-grained control over signal levels. The maximum safe input level across the series is +30 dBm (1 W) of average continuous power. For communication and system integration, the E4440A and E4448A provide standard interfaces including GPIB (IEEE-488), LAN (10Base-T), RS-232, and Centronics outputs.
Frequency Coverage and Input Connectors
The primary distinguishing factor among the PSA series models is their frequency range, which determines their suitability for RF, microwave, or millimeter-wave tasks. The E4443A operates from 3 Hz to 6.7 GHz, while the E4445A extends coverage from 3 Hz to 13.2 GHz. Both utilize Type-N female RF input connectors. For higher-frequency applications, the E4440A reaches 26.5 GHz. The E4446A covers 3 Hz to 44 GHz, and the E4448A reaches up to 50 GHz. Both the E4446A and E4448A utilize 2.4 mm male RF input connectors. Additionally, the E4440A and E4448A support optional external mixing to extend frequency coverage up to 325 GHz.
Signal Analysis and Performance Metrics
Measurement capabilities vary slightly by model configuration. The standard resolution bandwidth (RBW) range is 1 Hz to 8 MHz for most models, while the E4445A specifies 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 10% steps, along with fixed 4, 5, 6, and 8 MHz settings. The E4443A and E4446A offer a sweep time range of 1 ms to 2000 s in span mode, and 1 µs to 6000 s in zero span mode. Performance benchmarks for the E4440A include a typical phase noise of -118 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (1 GHz carrier), a typical Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) of -155 dBm at 1 GHz, and a typical Third-Order Intercept (TOI) of +19 dBm, which matches the typical TOI of the E4443A at 1 GHz.
Frequently asked questions
- Which models support optional analysis bandwidths up to 80 MHz?
- The E4443A, E4445A, and E4448A can be configured with optional analysis bandwidths up to 80 MHz.
- What is the recommended calibration interval for the PSA series?
- The E4440A, E4443A, and E4446A models have a manufacturer-recommended calibration cycle of 1 year.