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Agilent 8511B 45 MHz to 50 GHz Frequency Converter Test Set (Pre-Owned)

Agilent 8511B 45 MHz to 50 GHz Frequency Converter Test Set (Pre-Owned)

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Agilent 8511B 45 MHz to 50 GHz Frequency Converter Test Set (Pre-Owned)

Key Features At A Glance

  • Frequency range 45 MHz to 50 GHz across four input channels (b1, a1, a2, b2)
  • Four precision 2.4 mm female input ports with maximum operating input level of +13 dBm
  • Designed for use with Agilent 8510 network analyzer systems for reflection, transmission, antenna, and frequency-translation measurements
  • Operates with Agilent 836XX-series sources covering the instrument's full 50 GHz range
  • Option 001 adds IF switching to allow up to four test sets to be controlled by a single 8510
  • Front panel ACTIVE LED indicates successful self-test and selection by the host network analyzer
  • GPIB control via rear-panel 8510 System Bus connector with rear-panel address switch (default decimal 20)
  • Self-test on power-up with diagnostic LEDs (LSN, TLK, SRQ, REM) on the GPIB board for fault isolation
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The Agilent 8511B is a four-channel frequency converter test set designed to operate with Agilent 8510 network analyzer systems. As printed on the datasheet, the instrument covers a frequency range of 45 MHz to 50 GHz and provides two reference channels (a1, a2) and two test channels (b1, b2), each accessible through a precision 2.4 mm female front-panel input port.

The 8511B is used to configure measurement setups for a variety of applications within its operating frequency range. The datasheet specifically identifies its use in measuring reflection and transmission parameters of one-port and two-port devices, characterizing antenna parameters, characterizing radar cross sections, and characterizing frequency translation devices. A typical setup illustrated in the datasheet shows the test set integrated with an RF source, a source amplifier, source and reference antennas, an antenna under test, a positioner and controller, and the 8510 receiver.

Brand Heritage

The 8511B carries Agilent Technologies branding. Agilent Technologies was spun off from Hewlett-Packard in 1999 when HP separated its test and measurement business from its computing business. In 2014, Agilent further divided, and the electronic measurement product line — including the 8510 network analyzer family and its associated test sets — transitioned to Keysight Technologies. Documentation for this instrument carries the Agilent brand name with a transition notice acknowledging that the products previously shipped under Hewlett-Packard and continue under Keysight.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 8511B is a four-channel frequency converter test set within the 8510 network analyzer ecosystem. As described in the datasheet, it covers 45 MHz to 50 GHz with precision 2.4 mm input ports and is configured for both standard and multi-test-set system architectures.

Within the catalog, the 8511B is differentiated primarily by its option configuration. The base instrument provides four channels of frequency conversion with standard IF routing. Option 001 adds IF switching electronics that allow the instrument to participate in a multi-test-set chain controlled by a single 8510.

Each pre-owned 8511B listed below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing and inventory. Selecting the configuration that matches your option requirements (base versus Option 001) and your preferred condition tier directs you to the correct listing for ordering.

The 8511B in its base configuration provides direct IF output from each of its four samplers to the 8510 via the rear-panel J11 Test Set Interconnect. The Option 001 variant of the 8511B adds an internal IF multiplexer that routes a 20 MHz IF signal from a connected downstream test set through to the 8510, enabling up to four test sets to share one 8510 controller.

The functional difference between base and Option 001 8511B units is the addition of the J10 Test Set Interconnect on Option 001 instruments. On a base unit, only J11 (output to the 8510) is populated; on an Option 001 unit, J10 (input from a downstream test set) is also present and connects through the internal IF multiplexer. A single chain may contain a mix of Option 001 and base instruments, with the last test set in the chain not requiring Option 001.

Other documented options affect documentation and mounting hardware rather than measurement function: Option 908 provides rack-mount hardware with handles removed, Option 910 provides a duplicate manual, and Option 913 provides rack-mount hardware with handles attached. Options 1BN and 1BP add MIL-STD 45662A Certificate of Calibration documentation as configured at order time.

Model Frequency Range Input Channels Connector Type
8511B 45 MHz to 50 GHz 4 (a1, b1, a2, b2) 2.4 mm female

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

Accessories Supplied

  • Power Cord (8120-1348)
  • Test set cable assembly (08510-60102)
  • GPIB cable (8120-3445)
  • Performance test software CD-ROM (08511-60024)
  • Agilent 8511B Operating and Service Manual (08511-90073)

Product Core & Specifications

Parameter 0.045 to 8 GHz 8 to 20 GHz 20 to 40 GHz 40 to 50 GHz
Frequency Response Tracking - Magnitude (ripple) ±1.5 dB ±1.5 dB ±1.5 dB ±1.5 dB
Frequency Response Tracking - Phase (ripple) ±75 degrees ±75 degrees ±75 degrees ±75 degrees
Frequency Response Tracking - Magnitude slope ±0.055 dB/GHz ±0.055 dB/GHz ±0.055 dB/GHz ±0.055 dB/GHz
Crosstalk −85 dB −85 dB −75 dB −70 dB
High Level Noise - Magnitude (ratio) 0.006 dB rms 0.009 dB rms 0.040 dB rms 0.060 dB rms
High Level Noise - Phase (ratio) 0.08 degrees rms 0.145 degrees rms 0.245 degrees rms 0.400 degrees rms
Low Level Noise −100 dBm −102 dBm −102 dBm −102 dBm
Conversion Gain 1 dB to −4 dB 1 dB to −4 dB −3 dB to −13 dB −5 dB to −15 dB
Compression (0.1 dB point) −10 dBm −10 dBm −15 dBm −20 dBm
Input Port Impedance Match (return loss, all 4 ports) ≥17 dB ≥15 dB ≥9 dB ≥7 dB
Dynamic Range (all inputs) 110 dB (−10 to −120 dBm) 112 dB (−10 to −122 dBm) 107 dB (−15 to −122 dBm) 102 dB (−20 to −122 dBm)
Accuracy Enhanced Crosstalk −115 dB −115 dB −113 dB −110 dB
Port input power for phase lock (min) −41 dBm −39 dBm −32 dBm (20 to 26.5 GHz) −30 dBm
Port input power for phase lock (max) −5 dBm −5 dBm −5 dBm −5 dBm
Important: Maximum operating power level at input ports a1, a2, b1, and b2 is +13 dBm. Do not exceed -5 dBm input to the sampler for proper phase lock operation. No DC level may be applied to the source RF input of the test set. Connections to the 2.4 mm test port connectors should not be torqued above 90 N-cm (8 in-lb).Important: The Agilent 8511B is designed to operate specifically with the Agilent 8510 network analyzer; it is not a standalone instrument. An 8510 network analyzer system (including 85101 display/processor and 85102 IF detector) and a compatible RF source (such as Agilent 83651A with frequency range to 50 GHz) are required and are not included with the test set.Important: Do not exceed +15 dBm source RF input level into the test set. Under no circumstances apply a DC level to the source RF input of the test set.Important: Do not exceed +13 dBm (20 mW) CWRF input at any front panel input port (a1, a2, b1, b2). Exceeding this level may damage the samplers.Important: Do not torque any connection to the test port connector or to the source RF input with greater than 90 N-cm (8 in-lb) of torque.Important: Assemblies in the test set are very sensitive to damage by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Always use an anti-static wrist strap when calibrating, verifying, or using the test set. Never touch the test port center conductors.Important: Option 001 (IF switching capability) is required on test sets used in multiple-test-set configurations except for the last test set in the chain. Up to four test sets can be serially connected to the 8510 if the total length of all test set interconnect cables does not exceed 13 meters (about 40 feet).Recommended pairing: the 8511B is designed to operate with an Agilent 8510 network analyzer system. For full 50 GHz frequency coverage, the datasheet specifies pairing with an Agilent 836XX-series source whose frequency range extends to 50 GHz.

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.

Model No

Agilent

Condition

Used

Manufacturer

Agilent