A vector network analyzer measures how RF signals transmit through and reflect off components and systems, producing the S-parameters that define an RF device's behavior. Where a spectrum analyzer passively observes signals already present, a network analyzer actively injects a known signal into the device under test and measures both the transmitted and reflected response across frequency. The result is a complete mathematical description of the component's RF performance.

The 8720E Family covers three frequency ranges across both S-parameter and transmission/reflection configurations. The 8719ET and 8719ES span 50 MHz to 13.5 GHz, the 8720ET and 8720ES extend coverage to 20 GHz, and the 8722ET and 8722ES reach 40 GHz. The ES models provide full S-parameter measurement with internal forward and reverse switching for two-port calibration, while the ET models are transmission/reflection analyzers using one-port, response, or enhanced-response calibration techniques.

ValueTronics International stocks, inspects, and tests precision RF and microwave network analyzers in our 20,000 sq ft facility at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Every instrument we list is evaluated by our technicians against the manufacturer's published specifications before it ships, so the condition you read on the listing is the condition the unit measured to — not a seller's description or a power-on confirmation. This matters on instruments like the 8720E Family where frequency accuracy, directivity, and dynamic range are the specifications a design engineer is buying.

Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement division was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and the electronic measurement business was further separated as Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments originally branded HP, then Agilent, and now supported by Keysight share the same engineering lineage, and the 8720E Family is part of that continuous heritage of microwave network analysis.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 8720E Family covers three frequency tiers and two test set architectures. The 8719 series spans 50 MHz to 13.5 GHz, the 8720 series extends to 20 GHz, and the 8722 series reaches 40 GHz. Within each frequency tier, the ES suffix designates the full S-parameter model with internal forward and reverse measurement switching, while the ET suffix designates the transmission/reflection model that performs forward measurements with one-port, response, or enhanced-response calibration.

All six models share the same display, source synthesis architecture, calibration software, time-domain capability (with Option 010), and connectivity. The differences are bounded to frequency coverage, test set switching architecture, and the calibration types each architecture supports — which translates directly into measurement uncertainty and dynamic range at the frequency extremes.

Each pre-owned model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and availability. Specifications, options, and accessories are identical across the family; the page-by-page split reflects the specific frequency range and test set configuration of the unit you are evaluating.

The 8720ES covers 50 MHz to 20 GHz with full S-parameter capability — forward and reverse transmission and reflection measurement from a single connection — and supports the full set of two-port and TRL/LRM calibration techniques. With the 85052B 3.5 mm calibration kit and 85131F flexible cables, corrected directivity reaches 48 dB below 2 GHz and 44 dB to 20 GHz, with system dynamic range of 100 dB above 0.84 GHz.

Frequency coverage is the primary differentiator across the family. The 8719 series at 13.5 GHz and the 8720 series at 20 GHz both use 3.5 mm precision connectors and share the 85052 series calibration kits. The 8722 series at 40 GHz uses 2.4 mm precision connectors and the 85056 series calibration kits, with maximum output power dropping from +5 dBm on the 3.5 mm models to -5 dBm (0.05 to 20 GHz) and -10 dBm (20 to 40 GHz) on the 8722.

The ES versus ET split reflects the test set architecture. ES models contain the internal forward/reverse switching needed for full two-port calibration and reverse S-parameter measurement (S12, S22). ET models perform forward measurements only — S11 and S21 — and rely on one-port or enhanced-response calibration. ET models can also be ordered with Option 004 to add a 55 dB step attenuator extending the power range to -65 dBm minimum.

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

Product Core & Specifications

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.