The Agilent 8560 E-Series is a family of six portable spectrum analyzers spanning frequency coverage from 30 Hz through 50 GHz across the model lineup. The 8560E covers 30 Hz to 2.9 GHz, the 8561E to 6.5 GHz, the 8562E to 13.2 GHz, the 8563E to 26.5 GHz, the 8564E to 40 GHz, and the 8565E to 50 GHz. All models in the family extend to 325 GHz through external mixing, and all share a common operator interface, GPIB control architecture, and core measurement capabilities.

A spectrum analyzer displays signal energy distributed across a range of frequencies — the frequency-domain view of an electrical signal. Engineers use these instruments to identify what signals are present in a circuit or over the air, at what frequencies, and at what power levels. The 8560 E-Series instruments are designed for RF and microwave measurement applications where portability, broad frequency coverage, and accurate amplitude measurement are required, including signal identification, transmitter verification, harmonic and intermodulation distortion measurement, and time-gated analysis of pulsed signals.

ValueTronics International has specialized in test and measurement equipment since 1992, and we maintain one of the deepest used inventories of Agilent 8560 E-Series instruments in the industry. All used 8560E, 8561E, 8562E, 8563E, 8564E, and 8565E units flow through our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, where our technicians perform incoming inspection and functional verification before any unit ships. We are not a drop-shipper or pass-through broker — every instrument we sell has been physically handled, tested, and graded by our staff. For instruments of this generation and complexity, that hands-on verification is the difference between buying a known-condition analyzer and accepting whatever arrives in the box.

Brand Heritage

The 8560 E-Series was originally developed and manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, with the product line transferring to Agilent Technologies when HP spun off its test and measurement business in 1999. Agilent later spun off its electronic measurement business as Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments bearing the Agilent brand were manufactured during the 1999 to 2014 window; identical or near-identical units from earlier production carry the HP brand.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The Agilent 8560 E-Series comprises six portable spectrum analyzers that share a common operator interface, GPIB control architecture, and core measurement capabilities. The models differ primarily in upper frequency coverage, with each successive model in the series extending the maximum measurable frequency. All six models share the 30 Hz lower frequency limit (Option 006 required for operation below 9 kHz on the 8563E, 8564E, and 8565E), and all extend to 325 GHz through external mixing.

Within the family, the lower-frequency models (8560E, 8561E, 8562E) carry Type N female RF input connectors, while the higher-frequency models transition to APC 3.5 mm (8563E with Option 026) and APC 2.4 mm (8564E, 8565E) precision connectors appropriate to their frequency coverage. The 8564E and 8565E also carry slightly higher power dissipation (260 W versus 180 W) and are nominally 1 kg heavier than the lower-frequency siblings.

Each pre-owned model in the 8560 E-Series family is listed as its own product page with condition-matched pricing. The model number determines the upper frequency limit and connector type; condition grade reflects the physical and functional state of the specific unit you are evaluating. Click through to the individual model page to review the specifications, the available units, and the configuration options for that model.

The primary differentiator across the 8560 E-Series is upper frequency coverage. The 8560E reaches 2.9 GHz and is the only model in the family that supports the Option 002 internal tracking generator. The 8561E extends coverage to 6.5 GHz. The 8562E covers to 13.2 GHz, the 8563E to 26.5 GHz, the 8564E to 40 GHz, and the 8565E to 50 GHz.

Secondary differences include displayed average noise level, which varies by model and frequency band, and dynamic range, which also varies by band. The 8562E and 8563E achieve the best DANL in the 10 MHz to 2.9 GHz range at -151 dBm. The 8564E and 8565E share identical specifications below 26.8 GHz and differ only in the upper frequency coverage of the 8565E. Refer to the comparison table for the specific specifications that vary across the family.

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.