HP / Agilent 71500A Microwave Transition Analyzer

The HP/Agilent 71500A Microwave Transition Analyzer is a two-channel, sampler-based time-domain instrument for stimulus-response measurements spanning DC to 40 GHz. This benchtop analyzer consolidates the functionality of multiple dedicated instruments—oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, peak power meters, and spectrum analyzers—into a single unit, optimizing space in R&D and ATE environments.

## Technical Specifications

• **Frequency Range:** DC to 40 GHz
• **Channels:** Two
• **Time-Domain Accuracy:** Up to 1 ps delta time
• **Resolution:** 0.1 dB and 1 degree at 8 GHz
• **Pulse Measurement Capability:** Down to 100 ps pulse width
• **Internal Trigger:** Up to 40 GHz
• **Sampling Technology:** Sampler-based architecture with dual DSP chips for signal demodulation and waveform math

## Key Features

• Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis with simultaneous frequency, magnitude, and phase display
• Fundamental and harmonic measurement up to 40 GHz in waveform and tabular formats
• RF and video feedthrough separation without external filters
• Direct RF carrier measurement
• Four pulse measurement formats: Real (RF waveform), Magnitude (linear envelope), Log Magnitude (log envelope), and Phase (phase versus time)
• Rise and fall time measurement, including very fast transitions (17 ps fall times on semiconductor devices)
• Time delay and group delay measurements
• Peak and average power analysis
• AM to PM conversion characterization
• Noise filtering that removes noise signals faster than averaging
• Cable loss correction for component measurements
• Full programmability via Agilent Instrument BASIC (IBASIC) for custom applications and internal execution
• CAE simulation comparison capability

## Typical Applications

• Microwave component and system characterization
• Semiconductor device testing and validation
• Pulse and transient signal analysis
• RF and microwave subsystem validation
• Time-domain stimulus-response measurements

## Compatibility & Integration

The 71500A is configured with the HP 70820A Microwave Transition Analyzer module paired with the HP 70004A Color Display/Mainframe for display and system control.