The Keysight N5242B PNA-X is a high-performance microwave vector network analyzer covering 900 Hz to 26.5 GHz, available in 2-port and 4-port configurations. The PNA-X family also includes the N5249B (to 8.5 GHz) and N5241B (to 13.5 GHz), with the N5242B providing the broadest frequency coverage in the family. The instrument is built around a configurable test set architecture: customers select among base options (201/401) and progressively more capable options that add source and receiver attenuators, bias-tees, an internal second source, a combiner, and mechanical switches — enabling everything from basic S-parameter measurements to complex multi-source nonlinear characterization on a single platform.

Per the datasheet, the PNA-X platform supports S-parameter measurements, group delay characterization, noise figure measurement (with Option 029 hardware and S93029A firmware), gain compression analysis (Option S93086A), swept intermodulation distortion (Option S93087A), scalar mixer/converter measurement with phase (Option S93083A), and converter measurements. The datasheet provides cycle-time tables for amplifier and converter noise figure, gain compression, intermodulation distortion, and SMC+Phase measurements, indicating these are documented application areas for the instrument.

ValueTronics maintains an extensive inventory of professional vector network analyzers including current and legacy PNA-X family instruments. Equipment is stored and inspected at our 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois, where our technicians perform incoming inspection and performance verification before each instrument ships. This facility-based verification model is the foundation of our reseller business and the basis of our condition documentation — every unit is handled, evaluated, and graded in-house rather than drop-shipped from third parties.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies was created in 2014 when Agilent Technologies separated its electronic measurement business as a standalone company. Agilent itself had been spun off from Hewlett-Packard in 1999, carrying HP's test and measurement heritage forward. The PNA-X family carries direct lineage from this Hewlett-Packard / Agilent / Keysight engineering continuity in microwave network analysis.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The PNA-X series in this datasheet comprises three frequency-coverage tiers built on a common platform: the N5249B covers 900 Hz / 10 MHz to 8.5 GHz, the N5241B covers 900 Hz / 10 MHz to 13.5 GHz, and the N5242B covers 900 Hz / 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. All three models share the same test-set option architecture (2-port options 201/217/219/222/224 and 4-port options 401/417/419/422/423), the same noise figure measurement option (029, when paired with a qualifying test set), and the same Low Frequency Extension options (205 for 2-port, 425 for 4-port).

Beyond the model-level frequency tier, the configuration choice is driven by test-set option selection. The base options (201/401) provide standard test sets with front-panel access loops. Progressively higher option numbers add source and receiver attenuators (extended power range), bias-tees, an internal second source, a combiner, and mechanical switches — culminating in the most comprehensive 4-port option 423 (or option 425 with LFE hardware). The S-suffix models (N5241BS, N5242BS, N5249BS Option H85), when configured in standard configuration, share specifications with the closest standard option configuration per the datasheet.

Each pre-owned model and option configuration linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing, the specific serial number and inspection notes for that unit, and the option string installed on that instrument. Because the PNA-X platform is heavily option-dependent, always confirm the option configuration on the specific listing — a base Option 201 unit and an Option 224 unit are mechanically the same chassis but commercially very different instruments.

The N5242B is the highest-frequency model in this datasheet at 26.5 GHz upper limit, making it the appropriate selection when measurement requirements extend into the K-band. The 8.5 GHz N5249B and 13.5 GHz N5241B share all platform-level features (test set options, calibration kit support, noise figure capability, LFE option compatibility) but address lower-frequency applications. The N5242B's frequency coverage encompasses the operating range of the other two models in the family.

The principal differences across the three frequency tiers are the upper frequency limit and the specifications that depend on it. Per the datasheet, system dynamic range, source maximum leveled power, harmonics, phase noise, and corrected/uncorrected system performance tables all include frequency segments out to each model's upper limit. The lower frequency limit, IF bandwidth range, frequency accuracy and stability, test port connector type (3.5 mm), and rear-panel I/O are common across all three models.

Within a given model, option selection determines source power range, presence of bias-tees, availability of an internal second source and combiner (for two-tone and source-leveling applications), and noise figure measurement capability. The comparison table that follows summarizes the model-level frequency tiers; the per-option distinctions are detailed in the technical specifications and the block diagrams in the datasheet.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Bottom feet
• Handles
• Front and rear hardware

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.