The Agilent N5242A is a 2-port or 4-port PNA-X vector network analyzer covering 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, with a companion N5241A model covering 10 MHz to 13.5 GHz. The PNA-X platform is built around a configurable test set architecture: the base 2-port (Option 200) and 4-port (Option 400) units provide standard S-parameter measurement capability with front-panel access loops, while extended-power options (219, 419) add source and receiver attenuators along with bias-tees, and the 224 and 423 options add an internal second source, signal combiner, and mechanical switches for advanced application work. Option 029 adds dedicated hardware and firmware for high-accuracy noise figure measurements at Port 2.

The N5242A is used for vector network analysis applications that require S-parameter measurement, including reflection and transmission measurements on RF and microwave components, amplifier characterization, filter and passive component test, and — with Option 029 — noise figure measurement up to 26.5 GHz. The internal second-source options (224/423) and combiner support measurements that require two simultaneous stimulus signals through a single test port in combine mode. The instrument supports both filtered-mode operation (signal path through filters to minimize harmonics below 3.2 GHz) and high-power mode (signal bypasses the filters to maximize output power).

ValueTronics has supplied new and used test and measurement equipment from its 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois since 1992. Every {{CONDITION}} N5242A PNA-X analyzer that ships from our facility has been received, inventoried, and handled by our own team — not drop-shipped through a broker pipeline. This direct stewardship of the inventory is how we maintain accountability for what we sell, and why we are able to commit to specific instrument identification, option-string verification, and accessory completeness before a quote leaves the building.

Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement division was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999. In 2014, Agilent split its electronic measurement business into a separate company, Keysight Technologies, which is the current manufacturer for the PNA-X product line and its successors. Instruments originally branded Agilent — including the N5241A and N5242A covered by this datasheet — are part of the same engineering and product lineage that continues under Keysight today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The PNA-X family covered by this datasheet consists of two analyzer models — the N5241A and the N5242A — that share a common test set architecture but differ in their upper frequency limit. Both models are available in 2-port and 4-port physical configurations, and both accept the same set of test set options (200, 219, 224, 400, 419, 423) and the same Option 029 for noise figure measurement. The choice between the two models is driven primarily by the highest frequency the application requires.

Beyond the base model selection, configuration is defined by the test set options that determine power range, attenuator presence, bias-tee inclusion, second-source presence, and combiner availability. The 2-port options (200, 219, 224) and 4-port options (400, 419, 423) are functionally parallel — the 4-port options add the additional two test ports and supporting receivers but otherwise mirror their 2-port counterparts in capability.

Each pre-owned N5242A model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing and option-specific availability. Because the PNA-X test set options materially change what the instrument can do — extended power range, internal second source, noise figure capability — confirming the exact option string (e.g., 200, 219, 224, 400, 419, 423, with or without 029) is the first qualification step for any quote on a unit in this family.

The N5242A covers the full 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz range published in this datasheet, providing measurement capability through K-band (18–26.5 GHz). At the upper end of the band, specifications change: maximum leveled power on Ports 1/3 from 24 GHz to 26.5 GHz is 5 dBm (Options 200/400), and the test port noise floor specification is -107 dBm at 10 Hz IF bandwidth, compared to -114 dBm from 500 MHz through 20 GHz.

The base test set options (200, 400) provide the standard measurement capability with the highest maximum leveled output power on the 'A' ports (Ports 1, 3) — 13 dBm in high-power mode across most of the band. The 219/419 options add source and receiver step attenuators plus bias-tees, which give a wider power sweep range and DC bias capability through the test port at the cost of a small reduction in maximum leveled power. The 224/423 options add an internal second source, combiner, and mechanical switches, enabling combine-mode measurements where Source 1 and Source 2 are summed at Port 1.

Option 029 is a separate add-on that requires one of options 219, 224, 419, or 423 and adds the hardware and firmware needed for high-accuracy noise figure measurement at Port 2. With Option 029 engaged in noise mode, the Port 2 RF damage level reduces from >+30 dBm to >+27 dBm, and the maximum leveled power available at the test ports is reduced by approximately 1 dB in most bands compared to the same option without 029. The comparison table that follows shows the option-by-option differences in maximum leveled power, system dynamic range, and the key uncorrected performance parameters.

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.