HP / Agilent 71209A Microwave Spectrum Analyzer, 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz

The HP/Agilent 71209A is a microwave spectrum analyzer covering 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz, optionally extendable to 40 GHz. As a core module in the HP 70000 series Modular Measurement System, it delivers the sensitivity, resolution, and dynamic range required for RF and microwave signal characterization across laboratory and field applications.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Coverage & Tuning
• Frequency range: 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz (optional 40 GHz extension)
• Tuning resolution: 1 Hz increments
• Frequency span: 0 to 26.5 GHz in 0.5% increments
• Dynamic range: 120 dB

Sensitivity & Noise Performance
• Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL): -155 dBm/Hz
• Typical sensitivity: -138 dBm to -128 dBm
• With preamplifier: -155 dBm to -150 dBm
• Phase noise (10 kHz offset): -125 dBc/Hz

Resolution & Video Bandwidth
• Resolution bandwidth (RBW): 1 Hz to 50 MHz with ±20% accuracy
• Video bandwidth (VBW): module-dependent (3 Hz to 3 MHz range)
• VBW accuracy: ±20% characteristic

Amplitude Performance
• Amplitude accuracy: ±0.5 dB
• Frequency response flatness: ±1.5 dB to ±4.0 dB depending on frequency band (20–30 °C, preselector peaked)
• Third Order Intercept (TOI): +10 dBm (10 MHz to 22 GHz)
• Maximum safe input: +30 dBm

Sweep & Measurement Speed
• Sweep time: 10 ms to 1000 s (continuous); 15 ms to 355 s (swept frequency)
• Fixed frequency sweep: 80 µs to 355 s with 800-point trace
• Measurement speed: 500 µs/point

Frequency Reference
• With Agilent 70310A: <1 × 10⁻⁷/year aging, <5 × 10⁻¹⁰/day (7-day average)
• Without external reference: <3 × 10⁻⁶/year aging

– Key Features

• 1 Hz tuning resolution for precise frequency selection
• 120 dB dynamic range for complex signal analysis
• External mixer interface supporting HP 11974 series mixers for extended coverage to 75 GHz
• Modular architecture with switchable resolution and video bandwidth modules
• Temperature-compensated frequency response across 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz

– Compatibility & Integration

Designed as part of the HP 70000 Modular Measurement System family, the 71209A integrates with optional preamplifiers (HP 70620B), precision frequency references (Agilent 70310A), and external harmonic mixers for applications requiring frequency coverage beyond 26.5 GHz.