HP / Agilent 8712C 1.3GHz RF Network Analyzer

The HP/Agilent 8712C is a 1.3 GHz RF network analyzer integrating a synthesized source, transmission/reflection test set, and multi-mode receivers in a single instrument. It delivers swept-frequency characterization of RF components and networks across 300 kHz to 1.3 GHz with real-time measurement speeds of 50 ms per sweep. The analyzer operates with 1 Hz source resolution and output power ranging from 0 to +16 dBm below 1000 MHz and 0 to +13 dBm above 1000 MHz, with source match corrected to 30 dB. Dynamic range exceeds 100 dB in narrowband mode, supporting impedance, phase, group delay, SWR, and S-parameter measurements. A large CRT display with dual independent channels and external VGA output enables simultaneous dual-receiver visualization. The instrument features a Type N female 50 Ω test port connector, internal 3.5-inch disk drive for state storage, and multiple interface options including GPIB, RS-232C, Centronics parallel, and optional 10 Base-T LAN connectivity.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 300 kHz to 1.3 GHz
• Synthesized Source with 1 Hz Resolution
• Sweep Time: 50 ms/sweep (real-time) or 40 ms/sweep or faster
• Source Output Power: 0 to +16 dBm (1000 MHz)
• Source Match: 30 dB (corrected)
• Narrowband Receiver Dynamic Range (50 Ω): >100 dB at ≤5 MHz and >5 MHz; >60 dB (97 dB at ≤5 MHz and >5 MHz; >57 dB (66 dB [+16 to –50 dBm]
• Broadband Receiver Dynamic Range (75 Ω): >63 dB [+16 to –47 dBm]
• Maximum Input (Narrowband): +10 dBm (0.5 dB compression)
• Maximum Input (Broadband): +16 dBm (0.55 dB compression)
• Damage Level: +23 dBm, ±25 VDC
• Trace Noise: ±0.2 dB (medium BW), ±0.1 dB to ±0.05 dB (narrow BW)
• Test Set Directivity: 40 dB; Reflection Port Match: 30 dB; Transmission Port Match: 18 dB typical
• Input Impedance: 50 Ω (75 Ω with Option 1EC)
• Test Port Connector: Type N Female (50 Ω)
• Weight: 25 kg

– Key Features

• S-Parameter, impedance, phase, linear group delay, SWR, and frequency response measurements
• Fault location and structural return loss capability (Option 100)
• Dual independent measurement channels on large CRT display
• External VGA monitor output support
• Internal 3.5-inch disk drive (LIF/DOS formats) for instrument state storage

– Interfaces

• GPIB, RS-232C, Centronics parallel port
• 10 Base-T LAN (Optional – Option 1F7)

– Typical Applications

High-volume manufacturing, incoming inspection, RF component characterization, and maintenance environments requiring single-connection swept-frequency network analysis.