# 8563EC Agilent Spectrum Analyzer Used

### Key Features at a Glance

-   Portable swept-tuned spectrum analyzer — 9 kHz (30 Hz with Option 006) to 26.5 GHz internal mixing
-   External mixing extends coverage to 325 GHz
-   Resolution bandwidth: 1 Hz to 1 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence) plus 2 MHz; selectivity < 15:1
-   Displayed average noise level down to −149 to −140 dBm (1 Hz RBW, frequency dependent)
-   Reference level range: −120 to +30 dBm (log), 0.1 dB steps
-   300 MHz, −10 dBm calibrator output for absolute amplitude reference
-   GPIB (IEEE-488), HP-IB plotter/printer support; sweep out, blanking/gate I/O
-   Time-gated spectrum analysis (edge and level modes)

## Overview

In summary, the Agilent (HP) 8563EC is a portable swept-tuned RF/microwave spectrum analyzer covering 9 kHz (30 Hz with Option 006) to 26.5 GHz with internal mixing, and up to 325 GHz with external waveguide mixers. The 8563EC provides resolution bandwidths from 1 Hz to 2 MHz, displayed average noise level performance suitable for low-level signal work, and a complete suite of trigger, sweep, and time-gated measurement modes.

### What is the Agilent 8563EC used for?

The 8563EC is used for RF and microwave signal observation in the frequency domain — identifying signals, measuring their power, characterizing harmonics and spurious emissions, performing EMC pre-compliance measurements, monitoring transmitter output, and hunting interference. With the appropriate option, the 8563EC also performs time-gated spectrum analysis for burst signals and TDMA waveforms.

### How does the 8560 family compare to modern analyzers?

The 8560 E-Series predates the current X-Series (Keysight N9000 family). The architecture is swept-tuned rather than FFT-based, which means the 8563EC is at its best with narrowband signals, harmonic searches, and CW measurements rather than wide-instantaneous-bandwidth modulated-signal analysis. For traditional swept spectrum measurements, the 8563EC remains a fully capable, well-supported, well-documented instrument with a deep installed base and extensive aftermarket support.

### Technical Grounding

Frequency reference accuracy with the standard timebase is ±1 × 10−7/year aging plus ±1 × 10−8 temperature stability over −10 to +55 °C. With Option 103 the aging tightens to ±1 × 10−7/year and initial achievable accuracy to ±2.2 × 10−8. Noise sidebands at 1 GHz center, 10 kHz offset are ≤ −113 dBc/Hz. Marker counter accuracy at 1 GHz with 1 Hz resolution is ±225 Hz after 5-minute warm-up.

### Industry Position

The 8560 family was Hewlett-Packard's (later Agilent's) flagship portable spectrum analyzer line in the late 1990s and 2000s. Even today, the family remains heavily represented in defense, aerospace, calibration laboratory, and university research environments where existing test procedures, fixtures, and remote-control programs are written specifically around 8560-series command sets. The product is fully compatible with HP/Agilent 33330D/E external detectors, 85370 series external mixers (up to 325 GHz), and standard IEEE-488 automation.

### Notable Capabilities

-   Time-gated spectrum analysis with edge mode (gate delay 3 µs to 65.535 ms, 1 µs resolution) and level mode (≤ 0.5 µs gate delay).
-   Demodulation: AM and FM with speaker, phone jack, and adjustable marker pause time (100 ms to 60 s).
-   Spurious response performance: residual responses ≤ −90 dBm from 200 kHz to 6.46 GHz (no input, 0 dB attenuation).
-   Multiple display traces, max-hold, min-hold, and average modes with full marker functionality.

## Accessories Supplied

The 8563EC is supplied with the standard accessory complement for the instrument. Optional external waveguide mixers (for coverage above 18 GHz internal limit), tracking generators, frequency reference cables, and rack-mount kits are configured on a per-order basis. Contact your Test Architect to confirm the connector type, option set, and any required adapters for your test setup.

## Core Specifications

### Frequency

**Internal mixing range**

9 kHz (30 Hz with Option 006) to 26.5 GHz

**External mixing range**

18 GHz to 325 GHz (with external mixers)

**Frequency span range**

0 Hz, 100 Hz to full span

**Frequency span accuracy**

±5% (span > 2 MHz × N); ±1% (span ≤ 2 MHz × N)

**Marker counter resolution**

Selectable 1 Hz to 1 MHz

### Resolution & Video Bandwidth

**RBW range**

1 Hz to 1 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence) plus 2 MHz (3 MHz at −6 dB)

**RBW accuracy**

1 Hz to 300 kHz ±10%; 1 MHz ±25%; 2 MHz +50%/−25%

**RBW selectivity (−60 dB / −3 dB)**

< 15:1 (RBW ≥ 300 Hz); < 5:1 (RBW ≤ 100 Hz)

**VBW range**

1 Hz to 3 MHz (1, 3, 10 sequence)

### Amplitude

**Displayed average noise level** (0 dB atten, 1 Hz RBW, in band)

≤ −151 dBm

**Reference level range (log)**

−120 to +30 dBm in 0.1 dB steps

**Maximum safe input (average)**

+30 dBm (1 W) with input attenuation ≥ 10 dB

**Peak pulse input**

+50 dBm (100 W, ≤ 10 µs pulse width, < 1% duty cycle, with input attenuation ≥ 30 dB)

**Maximum DC input voltage (DC coupled)**

±0.2 VDC

**Maximum DC input voltage (AC coupled)**

±50 VDC

### Noise Sidebands (1 GHz center, dBc/Hz)

Offset

Standard

Option 103

100 Hz

≤ −88

≤ −70

1 kHz

≤ −97

≤ −90

10 kHz

≤ −113

≤ −113

100 kHz

≤ −117

≤ −117

### Sweep Time

-   Span = 0 Hz: 50 µs to 6000 s
-   Span ≠ 0 Hz, RBW ≥ 300 Hz: 50 ms to 2000 s
-   Span ≠ 0 Hz, RBW ≤ 100 Hz: 50 ms to 100 ks
-   Trigger modes: delayed, free run, single, line, video, external

### Inputs & Outputs (front panel)

**RF input**

Type N female (8560E/61E/62E/63E); APC 3.5 mm male (8563E Option 026); APC 2.4 mm male (8564E/65E)

**Input VSWR** (≥ 10 dB atten)

< 1.5:1 from 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz; < 2.3:1 from 2.9 to 50 GHz

**LO emission level**

≤ −80 dBm (average, 10 dB attenuation)

**IF input**

SMA female, 50 Ω, 310.7 MHz, full-screen level −30 dBm

**1st LO output**

SMA female, 50 Ω, 3.000–6.8107 GHz, +16.5 dBm ±2.0 dB

**Cal output**

300 MHz at −10 dBm ±0.3 dB

**Probe power**

+15 VDC, −12.6 VDC, GND (150 mA max each)

### Rear Panel I/O

-   10 MHz reference in/out (shared BNC); output 0 dBm, input −2 to +10 dBm
-   Video output (BNC, 50 Ω, 0 to +1 V full scale at RBW ≥ 300 Hz)
-   LO sweep / V-per-GHz analog output (BNC, 120 Ω)
-   Blanking/gate output; external/gate trigger input (selectable high/low TTL)
-   GPIB (IEEE-488) with full talker/listener capability; direct printer (HP 2225/3630) and plotter (HP 7440/7470/7475/7550) support

### General Specifications

Operating temperature

−10 °C to +55 °C

Storage temperature

−51 °C to +71 °C

Humidity

95% RH at 40 °C for 5 days

Power requirements

115 VAC (90–140 V) or 230 VAC (180–250 V); 47–440 Hz at 115 V, 47–66 Hz at 230 V

Maximum power dissipation

180 W

Dimensions (no handle/cover)

337 mm W × 187 mm H × 461 mm D

Weight

20 kg (44 lb)

Per

MIL-T-28800, Type III, Class 3, Style C

**Important Note:** Maximum safe average continuous input power is +30 dBm (1 W) with input attenuation ≥ 10 dB. Peak pulse power of +50 dBm requires input attenuation ≥ 30 dB and pulse widths ≤ 10 µs with < 1% duty cycle. Maximum DC input is ±0.2 VDC (DC coupled) or ±50 VDC (AC coupled). Exceeding these limits will damage the first mixer or input attenuator. Always confirm signal levels and use external attenuation as appropriate.

### About This Pre-Owned Unit

-   Warranty included.
-   Functional verification included.
-   Calibration available as an optional add-on service.
-   Unnecessary accessories may not be included; contact a Test Architect to confirm anything specific.

This webpage was written by a human with an A.I. "Intern", which may contain errors. Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.

## Details

- **Price:** 0.0 USD - 1260.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Agilent
- **Type:** Spec An
- **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Analyzers, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, Spectrum

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 0.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 840.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 1050.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 1260.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- 8563EC Agilent Spectrum Analyzer

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/8563ec-agilent-spectrum-analyzer-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-21