Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced the availability of a built-in measuring receiver personality for its PSA series of high-performance spectrum analyzers. Excellent measurement accuracy and sensitivity, coupled with frequency coverage up to 50 GHz, make this solution suitable for applications like signal generator and attenuator calibration services, which cover audio to millimeter-wave frequencies.

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The Agilent N5531S measuring receiver system comprises the PSA measuring receiver personality (Option 233) and other associated components. The core of the N5531S, PSA option 233 provides frequency coverage up to 50 GHz without the need for an external local oscillator, downconverter or external PC. Its "one-button" capability allows each of the measuring receiver functions to be initiated by pressing just one button on the PSA's front panel. Measurement-specific results, including frequency counter, RF power level and analog modulation analysis, are then shown on the PSA's display. An easy-to-use user interface helps reduce operator errors.

The PSA Option 233 easily turns the general-purpose, high-performance spectrum analyzer into a measuring receiver. It offers excellent linearity accuracy of ±(0.009 dB + 0.005 dB/10 dB step) for tuned RF level (TRFL) measurements, as well as fast TRFL measurement speed, particularly at low signal levels. The sensitivity of the N5531S allows for TRFL measurements of signals as low as -140 dBm. The N5531S also includes an audio input and audio signal analysis capability (Option 107). These features make it suitable for use in analog signal source and step attenuator calibration.

The Agilent N5531S Measuring Receiver System, including PSA Option 233 (built-in measuring receiver personality) and other required options, is available for purchase now with a 12-week lead time. Starting May 1, lead time is expected to be six weeks. The starting price for the N5531S is approximately $73,000. This price includes PSA Option 233, which costs approximately $12,000.