Keysight (Agilent) N9021B

The Keysight N9021B MXA Signal Analyzer is a mid-performance spectrum analyzer built for wireless R&D and manufacturing test environments requiring frequency coverage to 50 GHz. The instrument delivers superior phase noise performance across high frequencies, enabling validation and manufacturing of wireless devices. Hardware-accelerated power measurements, rapid display updates, and optimized sweep algorithms reduce test times significantly. Its multi-touch interface reduces operational complexity—most functions execute in two steps or less. Full-band real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA) captures transient and elusive signals with minimal signal duration requirements.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Coverage
• 10 Hz to 8.4 GHz (Option 508), 13.6 GHz (Option 513), 26.5 GHz (Option 526), 32 GHz (Option 532), 44 GHz (Option 544), or 50 GHz (Option 550)
• Extends to 1.1 THz with external mixers
• Frequency reference: Standard aging rate ±1×10⁻⁶/year; Precision Frequency Reference (Option PFR) ±1×10⁻⁷/year

Analysis Capability
• Real-time analysis bandwidth: Up to 510 MHz
• Analysis bandwidth options: 255 MHz (Option B2X) or 510 MHz (Option B5X)
• Real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA): Captures signals as short as 3.6 µs duration
• Probability of intercept: 3.51–3.57 µs for 100% POI with full amplitude accuracy

Noise and Dynamic Range
• Displayed average noise level: −172 dBm at 2 GHz (with preamplifier and Noise Floor Extension), −167 dBm at 1 GHz
• Phase noise at 1 GHz (10 kHz offset): −129 to −130 dBc/Hz
• Phase noise at 10 GHz (10 kHz offset): −118 to −120 dBc/Hz
• Spur-free dynamic range: Better than 72 dBc; 75 dBc nominal over 510 MHz bandwidth
• W-CDMA adjacent-channel power: 73 dBc (78 dBc with noise correction enabled)

Linearity and Accuracy
• Third-order intermodulation distortion (2 GHz): +19 to +22 dBm
• Overall amplitude accuracy: ±0.19 to ±0.41 dB

– Key Features

• Preamplifier options spanning 100 kHz to 50 GHz
• Mechanical attenuator (standard): 0–70 dB in 2 dB steps
• Hardware-optimized measurements for high-speed testing
• Multi-touch user interface

– Typical Applications

• Wireless device validation and manufacturing test
• Transient signal detection and analysis
• Phase noise and intermodulation characterization

– Compatibility & Integration

The N9021B supports a modular preamplifier architecture (Options P08–P50) and configurable analysis bandwidth, enabling tailored configurations for specific measurement requirements.