# HP 8971C Noise Figure Test Set, 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (Pre-Owned) # HP 8971C Noise Figure Test Set, 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (Pre-Owned) ## Key Features At A Glance - Noise figure measurement range 0 to 30 dB with ±0.1 dB instrumentation uncertainty - Tunable input frequency 10 to 1600 MHz standard; extends to 2047 MHz with Option 020 - Simultaneous gain measurement from -20 to >+40 dB with ±0.15 dB instrumentation uncertainty - Automatic second-stage correction removes measurement system noise from displayed results - Displays results in noise figure (dB/ratio), effective input noise temperature (K), or Y factor - Stores up to 4 noise source ENR tables with 35 frequencies each for multi-band measurements - GPIB and System Interface Bus (SIB) for automated systems and HP 8971C / LO / plotter control - Measurement speed of 6 to 9 measurements per second at minimum smoothing The HP 8970B Noise Figure Meter is a dedicated noise figure measurement instrument that tunes its input from 10 to 1600 MHz (extendable to 2047 MHz with Option 020) and automates the complete noise figure measurement sequence. The instrument tunes the input frequency, controls an external local oscillator for receiver or microwave measurements, drives the noise source on and off, makes the noise power measurements, calculates the noise figure, removes the effects of the measurement system's own noise, compensates for losses before or after the device under test, and displays the result in noise figure, effective noise temperature, or Y factor. Applications listed in the product literature include amplifier characterization with simultaneous noise figure and gain measurement, transistor measurements using tuners with single-sideband accuracy, receiver testing with tunable IF and external LO control, and mixer characterization showing simultaneous noise figure and conversion loss. The instrument supports real-time, swept, corrected oscilloscope output for tuning work and produces permanent hard-copy plots of noise figure and gain versus frequency through a digital plotter connected over the System Interface Bus. ValueTronics International, LLC stocks, inspects, and ships legacy and current test equipment from our 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. For an instrument like the HP 8970B — where the test and measurement community has decades of installed base, where specific model compatibility (HP 8971C test sets, HP 346A/B/C noise sources, the recommended synthesized LO list) matters more than catalog newness, and where a unit that arrives uncalibrated or with incorrect IF cal data is unusable — sourcing through a stocking dealer that physically holds and verifies inventory removes the variables that pure pass-through brokers cannot resolve. We can confirm what is in the box, what the input SWR looks like at power-on, and whether the noise source drive and IF output behave as the operating manual describes before the unit ships. ## Brand Heritage Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. The electronic measurement portion of Agilent was subsequently separated into Keysight Technologies in 2014. HP-branded noise figure instruments such as the 8970B therefore trace through Agilent to today's Keysight test and measurement portfolio. ## Compare Other Models in This Series The HP 8970 series is a noise figure measurement family built around the HP 8970B Noise Figure Meter as the controller and display instrument. By itself the HP 8970B handles 10 to 1600 MHz (or 10 to 2047 MHz with Option 020). The HP 8971C Noise Figure Test Set adds microwave downconversion with a YIG-tuned filter and an optional built-in low-noise preamplifier, allowing the HP 8970B to measure noise figure from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz when combined with a suitable local oscillator. Two pre-defined system configurations are offered: the HP 8970S, which is a user-configurable combination of the HP 8970B, an HP 8971C (with the customer's chosen options), and a synthesized LO selected from the recommended source list; and the HP 8970V, which is a pre-configured 10 MHz to 20 GHz system consisting of the HP 8970B, HP 8971C, and HP 83711B Synthesized CW Generator. Each model on this datasheet is listed on its own product page with pre-owned-matched pricing. Buyers who need only the 10 to 1600 MHz (or 2047 MHz with Option 020) measurement capability typically choose the HP 8970B alone; buyers who need microwave coverage add the HP 8971C and an LO, either by configuring an HP 8970S or by ordering the pre-defined HP 8970V. Within the family the HP 8970B is the controller — it is the instrument that displays results, runs the GPIB and System Interface Bus, stores the ENR tables, and drives the noise source. Whether the application is RF-only or extends to 26.5 GHz, the HP 8970B is the common element; the HP 8971C and LO selection determine the upper frequency limit and the test port configuration. The principal differences between configurations are frequency coverage and system completeness. The HP 8970B standalone covers 10 to 1600 MHz (2047 MHz with Option 020). The HP 8970S extends specified operation to 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz with the HP 8971C and a recommended synthesized LO; the upper frequency in any given HP 8970S build is set by the LO selected. The HP 8970V is fixed at 10 MHz to 20 GHz because it ships with the HP 83711B. The HP 8971C itself is offered in three variants per the datasheet: standard, Option 001 (adds internal LO power amp, reducing required LO input from +7 dBm to +1 dBm — typically required above 20 GHz or where there is LO cabling loss), and Option 002 (deletes the built-in low-noise RF preamp, intended for measuring high-gain devices or when the user supplies their own preamplifier). The comparison table that follows summarizes how these choices map to frequency range, noise figure, input SWR, and LO drive requirements. Model Type Frequency Range Noise Figure Measurement Range **8971C** Noise Figure Test Set 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz — 8970B Noise Figure Meter 10 to 1600 MHz (10 to 2047 MHz with Option 020) 0 to 30 dB 8970S Measurement System (configurable) 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (upper frequency limited by LO selected) 0 to 30 dB 8970V Pre-configured Measurement System 10 MHz to 20 GHz 0 to 30 dB Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below. ## Accessories Supplied - 1 LO-to-HP 8971C cable, SMA (f) connectors, 300 mm - 1 HP 8971C-to-HP 8970B cable, N (m) connectors, 190 mm - 1 N(m)-to-SMA (m) adaptor - 2 GPIB cables, 0.5 m ## Product Core & Specifications Specification Value Input Specifications Frequency Range 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz Noise Figure Max (Std & Opt 001), 10-30 MHz 18 dB Noise Figure Max (Std & Opt 001), 30-100 MHz 13 dB Noise Figure Max (Std & Opt 001), 0.1-12 GHz 10 dB Noise Figure Max (Std & Opt 001), 12-18 GHz 11.5 dB Noise Figure Max (Std & Opt 001), 18-26.5 GHz 14.5 dB Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 10-1600 MHz 5.4 dB Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 1.6-2.54 GHz 28 dB Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 2.4-15 GHz 26 dB Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 15-18 GHz 28 dB Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 18-22 GHz 28 dB typical Noise Figure Max (Opt 002), 22-26.5 GHz 32 dB typical Input SWR (Std & Opt 001), 10 MHz-18 GHz 2.25 Input SWR (Std & Opt 001), 18-26.5 GHz 2.7 Input SWR (Opt 002), 10-1600 MHz 1.5 Input SWR (Opt 002), 1.6-18 GHz 2 Input SWR (Opt 002), 18-26.5 GHz 3 Electromagnetic Compatibility EMI Conducted and radiated interference in compliance with FTZ 526/527 1979 CISPR publication 11, tested to the limits of MIL-T-28800D General Remote Programming All functions are GPIB programmable except the LINE switch Operating Temperature 0 to 55°C Storage Temperature \-40 to 75°C Connectors LO input: APC-3.5(m); RF input: APC-3.5(m); IF output (to HP 8970B): N(f) Power 100, 120, 220, or 240 V (+10%, -10%); 47-66 Hz Net Weight 9.5 kg (21 lb) Shipping Weight 11.8 kg (26 lb) Dimensions 93H x 425W x 473D mm (3.68 x 16.75 x 18.63 in.) Supplemental Characteristics Gain typical (Std & Opt 001), 10-1600 MHz 23 dB Gain typical (Std & Opt 001), 1.6-2.4 GHz 24 dB Gain typical (Std & Opt 001), 2.4-26.5 GHz 27 dB Gain typical (Opt 002), 10-1600 MHz \-3 dB Gain typical (Opt 002), 1.6-2.4 GHz 4 dB Gain typical (Opt 002), 2.4-26.5 GHz 0 dB Max Operating RF Noise Input Power (Std & Opt 001), 10-1600 MHz \-29 dBm Max Operating RF Noise Input Power (Std & Opt 001), 1.6-26.5 GHz \-26 dBm Max Operating RF Noise Input Power (Opt 002) \-20 dBm Image and Odd Harmonic Rejection 20 dB Max Safe RF Input Power (Std & Opt 001) \-5 dBm Max Safe RF Input Power (Opt 002) +20 dBm LO Input Power Min (Std & Opt 002) +7 dBm LO Input Power Min (Opt 001) +1 dBm LO Input Power Max (Std & Opt 002) +20 dBm LO Input Power Max (Opt 001) +7 dBm DSB Noise Figure (2.4-26.5 GHz), Std & Opt 001 Same as single sideband (SSB) DSB Noise Figure (2.4-26.5 GHz), Opt 002 21 dB DSB Gain (Std & Opt 001) 28 dB DSB Gain (Opt 002) 4 dB Audible Noise Level Less than 5.5 bels at 1 meter **Important:** Maximum average input power at the RF INPUT connector is +20 dBm (100 mW) for both CW and pulsed signals. Voltages exceeding ±20 Vdc at the RF INPUT connector may damage the instrument.**Important:** Maximum Input Power: The maximum average power level for a CW signal at the RF INPUT connector of the HP 8970B must not exceed +20 dBm (100 mW). The maximum power for a pulsed signal is also +20 dBm (100 mW). The HP 8970B may be damaged by voltages exceeding +/- 20 Vdc at the RF INPUT connector.**Important:** A noise source (such as the HP 346A/B/C series) is required to make noise figure measurements with the HP 8970B and is not included with the base instrument.**Important:** Using the HP 346A Noise Source with the HP 8970S/T: A preamplifier is required when using the HP 346A Noise Source to calibrate the HP 8970S/T system. Typically, a preamplifier with > 15 dB of gain and < 6 dB noise figure will work.**Important:** For calibration and measurement repeatability in the HP 8970S/V system, the local oscillator must be synthesized.**Important:** The HP 8970S Noise Figure Measurement System requires a recommended Synthesized Microwave Signal Source (such as HP 83620B, 83622B, 83630B, 83640B, 83650B, 83711B, 83712B, 83731B, 83732B, 83751A, or 83752A) which is purchased separately for the system; only the HP 8970V is pre-configured with the HP 83711B.**Important:** HP 8971C with Option 001 is recommended for operation above 20 GHz.Recommended pairing: combine the HP 8970B with the HP 8971C Noise Figure Test Set and a synthesized microwave signal generator from the HP 8360-series, HP 83711B/83712B, HP 83731B/83732B, or HP 83751A/83752A to form the HP 8970S system for 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz measurements. ## About this used unit - Warranty included - Functional verification included - Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data. - Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm). **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 - 1050.0 USD - **Vendor:** HP - **Type:** Noise Figure Meter - **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Analyzers, Manufacturers, Other, product_manual_group_1, Product_used ## Variants | Variant | Price | Available | |---------|-------|-----------| | None | 0.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable | 700.00 USD | In stock | | NIST Traceable with Full Data | 910.00 USD | In stock | | ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 1050.00 USD | In stock | ## Images - HP 8971C Noise Figure Test Set, 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz (Pre-Owned) --- > Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/8971c-agilent-analyzer-used) > Updated: 2026-05-30