Keysight X-Series Signal Analyzers
10 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).
The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) X-Series represents a modular family of signal and spectrum analyzers engineered to cover everything from basic RF troubleshooting to high-performance real-time analysis. Built on a shared instrument framework, the series spans multiple performance tiers: the flagship UXA, the high-performance PXA, the mid-range MXA, the economy EXA, the general-purpose CXA, and the specialized MXE EMI receiver. This guide outlines the key differences in frequency coverage, phase noise, dynamic range, and operating interfaces to help technical buyers and engineers select the optimal instrument for their laboratory or production environment.
- Frequency Range
- 2 Hz (N9040B) to 50 GHz (N9030B / N9040B)
- Maximum Optional Bandwidth
- Up to 510 MHz (N9030B / N9040B)
- Display Sizes
- 8.4, 10.4, 10.6, or 14.1 inches
- Standard Reference Frequency
- 10 MHz
- Platform Generations
- A-Series (Resistive) and B-Series (Multi-touch)
Models in this series
| Model | Type | Display | Interfaces | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N9020A | *misc | 8.4-inch XGA (1024 x 768) color TFT LCD | USB 2.0, LAN (1000Base-T), GPIB (IEEE-488), VGA, LXI Class C | 10 Hz to 3.6, 8.4, 13.6, or 26.5 GHz (option dependent) |
| N9030A | *misc | 8.4 inch (213 mm) diagonal XGA color LCD | USB 2.0, 1000Base-T LAN, GPIB | 3 Hz to 3.6, 8.4, 13.6, 26.5, 43, 44, or 50 GHz (configuration dependent) |
| N9010A | *misc | 10.4 inch, XGA (1024x768) color LCD | USB 2.0, 1000Base-T LAN, GPIB | 9 kHz to 3.6 GHz (N9010A-503 option dependent) |
| N9030B | *misc | 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch color screen | USB 3.0, USB 2.0, LAN (10/100/1000Base-T), GPIB | 3 Hz to 3.6, 8.4, 13.6, 26.5, 44, or 50 GHz (by option) |
| N9000A | *misc | 8.4-inch color LCD (1024 × 768 resolution) | USB 2.0 (Host & Device), 10/100/1000Base-T LAN, GPIB (IEEE-488), VGA output | 9 kHz to 3.0, 7.5, 13.6, or 26.5 GHz (configuration dependent) |
| N9020B | *misc | 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch, 1280 × 768 resolution | LAN (1000Base-T), GPIB, USB 2.0 / 3.0 | 10 Hz to 3.6, 8.4, 13.6, 26.5, 32, 44, or 50 GHz (configuration dependent) |
| N9040B | *misc | 14.1-inch touch-driven interface | USB 3.0, USB 2.0, 1000Base-T LAN, GPIB | 2 Hz to 8.4, 13.6, 26.5, 44, or 50 GHz |
| N9000B | *misc | 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screen | 1000Base-T LAN, USB 2.0 / USB 3.0, GPIB (IEEE-488) | 9 kHz to 3.0 GHz, 7.5 GHz, 13.6 GHz, or 26.5 GHz (option dependent) |
| N9010B | *misc | 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screen | USB 2.0 / 3.0, LAN (1000Base-T LXI), GPIB (IEEE-488) | 10 Hz to 3.6, 7.0, 13.6, 26.5, 32, or 44 GHz (by option) |
| N9038A | Signal | 8.4-inch XGA color TFT LCD | USB 2.0, LAN (1000Base-T), GPIB | — |
High-Performance Tiers: UXA and PXA
The top echelon of the X-Series is designed for demanding aerospace, defense, and commercial communications R&D.
- N9040B UXA: This flagship analyzer covers 2 Hz to 50 GHz and can extend to 1.1 THz with standard external mixing. It offers a large 14.1-inch touch-driven interface, standard 25 MHz analysis bandwidth, and a phase noise of -136 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (1 GHz carrier).
- N9030B PXA: Representing the modern PXA tier, this model features a 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screen, an absolute amplitude accuracy of ±0.19 dB, and an optional analysis bandwidth up to 510 MHz. Its phase noise matches the UXA at -136 dBc/Hz.
- N9030A PXA: The first-generation PXA delivers a phase noise of -129 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset on an 8.4-inch display, acting as an upgrade alternative to legacy instruments like the PSA.
Mid-Range and Utility Tiers: MXA and EXA
For balanced R&D and production environments, the MXA and EXA provide flexible performance with modern software capabilities.
- N9020B MXA: This high-performance mid-range instrument features a 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screen and a DANL of -172 dBm at 1 GHz when equipped with a preamplifier and noise floor extension.
- N9020A MXA: An older generation MXA offering frequency coverage up to 26.5 GHz, analysis bandwidths up to 160 MHz, and a phase noise of -114 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset.
- N9010B EXA: Optimized for utility and general-purpose analysis, the N9010B supports frequency options up to 44 GHz, a standard 25 MHz analysis bandwidth (upgradeable to 40 MHz), and a 10.6-inch multi-touch screen.
- N9010A EXA: An economy-class instrument tailored for high throughput on production lines, offering a 10.4-inch screen, a TOI of +13 dBm, and a standard analysis bandwidth of 10 MHz.
General Purpose and Compliance: CXA and MXE
The entry-level and specialized configurations target education, fundamental testing, and EMC compliance.
- N9000B CXA: Ideal for IoT characterization and education, this modern CXA model covers 9 kHz up to 26.5 GHz, featuring a 10.6-inch multi-touch display and an optional 25 MHz analysis bandwidth.
- N9000A CXA: The original CXA version offering dependable basic spectrum analysis with an 8.4-inch screen.
- N9038A MXE: A specialized EMI receiver and signal analyzer engineered for CISPR and MIL-STD compliance testing. It features built-in preselection filters up to its maximum frequency of 44 GHz, specialized peak/quasi-peak detectors, and a dedicated 8.4-inch display.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary difference between the A and B suffix models in the X-Series?
- The main differences lie in the user interface and modern hardware. The original 'A' suffix models (such as the N9020A and N9030A) rely on smaller 8.4-inch or 10.4-inch screens with resistive touch or softkey navigation. The 'B' series models (such as the N9030B, N9020B, N9010B, and N9000B) transition to 10.6-inch capacitive multi-touch screens, faster digital processors, and updated operating systems like Windows 10.
- Which X-Series model is designed specifically for EMC compliance testing?
- The N9038A MXE is the dedicated EMI receiver and signal analyzer in the family, featuring built-in RF preselection filters, specialized EMI resolution bandwidths for CISPR and MIL-STD, and compliant detectors (Peak, Quasi-Peak, and Average) required for compliance certification.