# Agilent N5531S Measuring Receiver (Pre-Owned)

# Agilent N5531S Measuring Receiver (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Metrology- and calibration-grade measuring receiver system for signal source and step attenuator calibrations
-   Frequency coverage up to 50 GHz with sensor modules using a single input connection
-   Measures RF frequency, absolute RF power, tuned RF level, AM depth, FM and ΦM deviation, and audio parameters
-   RF power measurement from –10 dBm (100 µW) to +30 dBm (1 W) via P-Series or EPM Series power meters
-   RF frequency counter from 100 kHz to 50 GHz with 0.001 Hz maximum resolution
-   CCITT weighting filter (P53) and auto carrier triggering for modulation and audio analysis
-   Audio analysis available with Option 107; tuned RF level above 3 GHz requires Option 123 (preselector bypass)

The Agilent N5531S is a measuring receiver system assembled from a PSA spectrum analyzer fitted with Option 233 (the built-in measuring receiver personality), a P-Series or EPM Series power meter, and an N5532B sensor module. Together these components form a metrology- and calibration-grade instrument that delivers the measurement accuracy required for laboratory reference work across a frequency span reaching up to 50 GHz.

The system is built for metrology and calibration applications and is particularly suited to signal source and step attenuator calibrations. Within a single platform it performs frequency counting, absolute RF power and tuned RF level measurements, AM depth, FM deviation and ΦM deviation, modulation rate, modulation distortion and modulation SINAD, plus a full set of audio measurements including audio frequency, audio AC level, audio distortion and audio SINAD.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, where every pre-owned order is fulfilled directly from equipment we keep on hand. Every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house by our technicians before it ships, while new units ship factory-sealed exactly as received from the manufacturer.

## Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and that measurement business was subsequently transferred to Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments carrying the Agilent name date from this intermediate era of the same engineering lineage.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The N5531S is configured as a system rather than a single boxed instrument: its frequency reach and measurement capability are set by the PSA spectrum analyzer chosen as the core, the power meter selected, and the N5532B sensor module frequency option ordered. The PSA base models range in upper frequency from 6.7 GHz to 50 GHz, while the sensor module options cover 100 kHz to 4.2 GHz, 10 MHz to 18 GHz, 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz, and 30 MHz to 50 GHz.

Option 233 supplies the built-in measuring receiver personality and PC software and is required for every configuration. Additional PSA options tailor the system to specific tasks: a switchable preselector bypass for high-frequency tuned RF level work, internal RF preamplifiers for improved sensitivity, and a 100 kΩ audio input option for audio analysis.

Each pre-owned configuration is presented on its own product page with condition-matched pricing, so you can select the component set and frequency coverage that match your calibration application and review the available options directly.

The principal differences across configurations are frequency coverage, input connector, and sensitivity. The chosen PSA base model sets the system's maximum frequency, while the sensor module option sets both the frequency band and the input connector type: type N(m) for the 504 and 518 options, APC 3.5 (m) for the 526 option, and 2.4 mm (m) for the 550 option reaching 50 GHz.

Preamplifier options further distinguish configurations: Option 1DS provides an RF internal preamplifier for the best tuned RF level specifications up to 3.05 GHz, while Option 110 covers up to the maximum frequency of the PSA base instrument. The two preamplifier options cannot coexist in the same instrument. Consult the comparison table for the frequency band and connector details of each sensor module option.

Model

Frequency Range

RF Power Range

Input Connector

**N5531S**

100 kHz to 50 GHz

–10 dBm (100 µW) to +30 dBm (1 W)

—

N5532B

—

–20 dBm (10 µW) to +30 dBm (1 W)

—

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

> **Replaces:** per the manufacturer, this model replaces [N5532A](/products/n5532a-agilent-rf-sensor-used).

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Frequency Modulation (FM)

Input power range

–18 to +30 dBm

Operating rate range (100 kHz ≤ fc < 10 MHz)

20 Hz to 10 kHz

Operating rate range (10 MHz ≤ fc < 50 GHz)

50 Hz to 200 kHz

Peak frequency deviations (100 kHz ≤ fc < 10 MHz)

40 kHz maximum

Peak frequency deviations (10 MHz ≤ fc ≤ 50 GHz)

400 kHz maximum

FM deviation accuracy: 250 kHz to 10 MHz (rate 20 Hz to 10 kHz, peak dev 200 Hz to 40 kHz)

ß > 0.2: ±1.5% of reading; ß > 1.2: ±1% of reading

FM deviation accuracy: 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 200 kHz, peak dev 250 Hz to 400 kHz)

ß > 0.2: ±1.5% of reading; ß > 0.45: ±1% of reading

FM deviation accuracy: 6.6 to 13.2 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 200 kHz, peak dev 250 Hz to 400 kHz)

ß > 0.2: ±2.5% of reading; ß > 8: ±1% of reading

FM deviation accuracy: 13.2 to 31.15 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 200 kHz, peak dev 250 Hz to 400 kHz)

ß > 0.2: ±3.8% of reading; ß > 16: ±1% of reading

FM deviation accuracy: 31.15 to 50 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 200 kHz, peak dev 250 Hz to 400 kHz)

ß > 0.2: ±8.5% of reading; ß > 32: ±1% of reading

AM rejection (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW): 150 kHz to 3 GHz (400 Hz or 1 kHz, ≤ 50%)

< 10 Hz peak deviation

AM rejection: 3 to 6.6 GHz

< 10 Hz

AM rejection: 6.6 to 13.2 GHz

< 20 Hz

AM rejection: 13.2 to 26.5 GHz

< 40 Hz

AM rejection: 26.5 to 50 GHz

< 75 Hz

Residual FM (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW): 100 kHz to 6.6 GHz

< 1.5 Hz (rms)

Residual FM: 6.6 to 13.2 GHz

< 3 Hz (rms)

Residual FM: 13.2 to 31.15 GHz

< 6 Hz (rms)

Residual FM: 31.15 to 50 GHz

< 12 Hz (rms)

Detectors

Available: +peak, -peak, ±peak/2, peak hold, rms

Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Input power range

–18 to +30 dBm

Operating rate range (100 kHz ≤ fc < 10 MHz)

20 Hz to 10 kHz

Operating rate range (10 MHz ≤ fc < 50 GHz)

50 Hz to 100 kHz

Depth range

5 to 99% (capable of measuring AM depth range of 0 to 99%)

AM depth accuracy: 100 kHz to 10 MHz (rate 50 Hz to 10 kHz, depth 5% to 99%)

±0.75% of reading

AM depth accuracy: 10 MHz to 3 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 100 kHz)

20% to 99%: ±0.5% of reading; 5% to 20%: ±2.5% of reading

AM depth accuracy: 3 to 26.5 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 100 kHz)

20% to 99%: ±1.5% of reading; 5% to 20%: ±4.5% of reading

AM depth accuracy: 26.5 to 31.15 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 100 kHz)

20% to 99%: ±1.9% of reading; 5% to 20%: ±6.8% of reading

AM depth accuracy: 31.15 to 50 GHz (rate 50 Hz to 100 kHz)

20% to 99%: ±6% of reading; 5% to 20%: ±26% of reading

Flatness: 10 MHz to 3 GHz (90 Hz to 10 kHz, 5% to 99%)

±0.30% of reading

Flatness: 3 to 26.5 GHz

±0.40% of reading

Flatness: 26.5 to 50 GHz

±0.60% of reading

FM rejection (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW): 250 kHz to 10 MHz (400 Hz or 1 kHz, < 5 kHz)

< 0.14% AM depth

FM rejection: 10 MHz to 50.0 GHz (400 Hz or 1 kHz, < 50 kHz)

< 0.36% AM depth

Residual AM (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW)

< 0.01% (rms)

Detectors

Available: +peak, -peak, ±peak/2, peak hold, rms

Phase Modulation (PM)

Input power range

–18 to +30 dBm

Operating rate range (100 kHz ≤ fc < 50 GHz)

200 Hz to 20 kHz

Maximum peak phase deviation (fc < 10 MHz)

450 radians

Maximum peak phase deviation (fc ≥ 10 MHz)

12,499 radians in Auto mode; 24,999 radians in Manual mode

ΦM accuracy: 100 kHz to 6.6 GHz

\> 0.7 rad: ±1% of reading; > 0.3 rad: ±3% of reading

ΦM accuracy: 6.6 to 13.2 GHz

\> 2.0 rad: ±1% of reading; > 0.6 rad: ±3% of reading

ΦM accuracy: 13.2 to 26.5 GHz

\> 4.0 rad: ±1% of reading; > 1.2 rad: ±3% of reading

ΦM accuracy: 26.5 to 31.5 GHz

\> 4.0 rad: ±1% of reading; > 1.3 rad: ±3% of reading

ΦM accuracy: 31.5 to 50 GHz

\> 8.0 rad: ±1% of reading; > 2.4 rad: ±3% of reading

AM rejection (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW)

For 50% AM at 1 kHz rate: < 0.03 rad (peak)

Residual PM (50 Hz to 3 kHz BW): 100 kHz to 6.6 GHz

< 0.0017 rad (rms)

Residual PM: 6.6 to 13.2 GHz

< 0.0033 rad (rms)

Residual PM: 13.2 to 31.15 GHz

< 0.0066 rad (rms)

Residual PM: 31.15 to 50 GHz

< 0.0130 rad (rms)

Detectors

Available: +peak, -peak, ±peak/2, peak hold, rms

RF Frequency Counter

Range

100 kHz to 50 GHz

Sensitivity (Auto mode): 100 kHz ≤ fc < 3.0 GHz

0.4 mVrms (–55 dBm)

Sensitivity (Auto mode): 3.0 GHz ≤ fc ≤ 26.5 GHz

1.3 mVrms (–45 dBm)

Sensitivity (Auto mode): 26.5 GHz ≤ fc ≤ 50 GHz

4.0 mVrms (–35 dBm)

Maximum resolution

0.001 Hz

Accuracy

± (readout freq. x freq. ref. accy + 0.100 Hz)

Modes

Frequency and frequency error (manual tuning)

Sensitivity in manual tuning mode

Using manual ranging and changing RBW settings, sensitivity can be increased to approximately –100 dBm

Audio Input

Input impedance

100 kΩ (nominal)

Maximum safe input level

7 Vrms or 20 VDC

Audio Frequency Counter

Frequency range

20 Hz to 250 kHz

Frequency range

20 Hz to 250 kHz

> **Important:** Audio input maximum safe input level: 7 Vrms or 20 VDC.

> **Important:** The N5531S measuring receiver is a system, not a single standalone instrument. It is comprised of a PSA spectrum analyzer with Option 233, a P-Series or EPM Series power meter, and an N5532B sensor module, all of which must be selected and ordered to make the system useful.

> **Important:** PSA Option 123 (switchable preselector bypass) must be installed to meet TRFL specifications above 3 GHz.

> **Important:** PSA Option 107 (audio input 100 kΩ) is required with Option 233 for audio analysis; all audio measurements require PSA Option 107.

> **Important:** PSA Option 1DS (preamplifier 100 kHz to 3.05 GHz) or Option 110 (preamplifier 10 MHz up to 50 GHz) is needed to achieve better sensitivity; the two preamplifier options cannot coexist in the same PSA instrument.

> **Important:** A LAN/GPIB gateway is required if the EPM/EPM-P Series power meter is used.

> **Important:** The N5532B-019 adaptor is required when the N191xA power meter is used (it can also be ordered standalone).

> **Important:** For existing N5531S users replacing an N5532A with the N5532B, the following minimum firmware versions are required: E444xA PSA ≥ A.11.21; N1911A ≥ A.05.02; N1912A ≥ A.05.02; N1913A ≥ A.01.06; N1914A ≥ A.01.06.

## About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

-   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).

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

**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
- **Vendor:** Agilent
- **Type:** Spec An
- **Tags:** Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Analyzers, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_2, Product_used, Spectrum

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 0.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Agilent N5531S Measuring Receiver (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/n5531s-agilent-spectrum-analyzer-used)
> Updated: 2026-06-27
