HP 8559A Operation manual

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8559A Spectrum Analyzer Operation and Service Manual
08559-90013
January 1984

OPERATION AND SERVICE ANUAL
SPECTRUM ANALYZER

HEWLETT
PACKARD
OPERATIONANDSERVICE MANUAL
8559A
SPECTRUM ANALYZER
0.1 - 21 GHz
SERIAL NUMBERS
This manual applies directly to instruments with
serial numbers prefixed 2347A.
With modifications described in Section VII, this
manual also applies to instruments with serial num
-
ber prefixes 1909Athrough 2320A.
For additionalinformation about serial numbers, see
INSTRUMENTS COVERED
BY MANUAL in
Section
I.
COPYRIGHT O HEWLETT - PACKARD COMPANY, 1979,1983
1424 FOUNTAINGROVEPARKWAY,SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, 95401, USA
MANUAL PART NUMBER 08559-90012
MicrofichePart Number08559 - 90013 Printed: January1984

CONTENTS
Section Page
..............
I GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1.
1-3.
1-6.
1-9.
1-11.
1-13.
1-14.
1-16.
1-19.
1-22.
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-2
1-26.
Not Supplied 1-10
..............
1-27. Display Mainframe
1-30. Extender Cable Assembly
......... 1-10
1-32. Equipment and Accessories Available
. . . 1-10
.................
1-33. Input Limiter 1-10
1-37. Modification Kit (Option 807
Connections)
................ 1-10
1-39. Oscilloscope Camera
............ 1-10
..............
1-41. Service Accessories 1-10
1-43. Recommended Test Equipment ...... 1-10
II INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
.....................
VERIFICATION 2-1
2-1. Introduction .................... 2 - 1
2-3. Initial Inspection
................. 2 - 1
...............
2-5. Preparation for Use 2 - 1
....................
2-6. Installation 2 - 1
2-9. Side Stop Kits .................. 2 - 1
2-14. Graticule Overlays ............... 2 - 3
2-17. Operating Environment
........... 2 - 3
..................
2-19. Modifications 2 - 3
2-21. Storage and Shipment
............. 2 - 4
..................
2-22. Environment 2 - 4
2-24. Packaging
..................... 2 - 4
2-27. Operation Verification
............. 2 - 4
........................
III OPERATION 3 - 1
....................
3-1 Introduction 3 - 1
....................
3-4 Description 3 - 1
3-5HP 8559A Spectrum Analyzer
....... 3 - 1
3-7 HP 853A Spectrum Analyzer Display
. . 3 - 1
3-9 HP.IB
....................... 3 - 1
3-11 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
. . . . 3 - 1
...............
3-12 Control Grouping 3 - 1
3-20 Operating Precautions
............. 3 - 2
...................
3-21 Signal Input 3 - 2
3-23 Line Power On
................. 3 - 2
3-27 Front
- Panel Adjustment Procedure ..... 3 - 2
Section Page
3-29. Display Adjustments
- HP 853A
Spectrum Analyzer Display
........ 3 - 3
3-30. Display Adjustments
- HP 180-Series
.............. Display Mainframe 3 - 3
3-31. Frequency and Amplitude Adjustments
. 3 - 4
IV PERFORMANCE TESTS ................ 4 - 1
....................
4 - 1. Introduction 4 - 1
............... 4-3. Instruments Tested 4 - 1
.............. 4-5. Equipment Required 4 - 1
.................... 4-7. Test Record 4 - 1
................. 4-9. Calibration Cycle 4 - 1
........... 4 - 1 1. Frequency Span Accuracy 4 - 2
................. 4 - 12. Tuning Accuracy 4 - 7
...................
4 - 1 3. Residual FM 4 - 10
................
4 - 14. Noise Sidebands 4 - 12
4
- 15. Resolution Bandwidth Accuraacy ..... 4 - 14
..... 4 - 16. Resolution Bandwidth Selectivity 4 - 20
.............. 4 - 17. Average Noise Level 4 - 25
..............
4 - 18. Residual Responses 4 - 28
............. 4-19. Frequency Response 4 - 30
...............
4-20. Gain Compression 4 - 39
4-21. Bandwidth Switching (Amplitude
................... Variation) 4 - 42
......... 4-22. Input Attenuator Accuracy 4 - 44
4-23. Reference Level Accuracy
.......... 4 - 47
............ 4-24. Sweep Time Accuracy 4 - 52
........ 4-25. Calibrator Output Accuracy 4 - 57
................
4-26. Display Fidelity 4 - 58
...................... ADJUSTMENTS 5 - 1
....................
5-1. Introduction 5 - 1
.............. 5-4. Equipment Required 5 - 1
............... 5-6. Adjustment Tools 5 - 1
.........
5-9. Extender Cable Installation 5 - 1
5 - 13. Related Adjustments .............. 5 - 2
5-14. Factory Selected Components
........ 5 - 2
5
- 17. Power Supply Checks and Adjustments . 5 - 11
. . .
5-18. Calibrated Sweep Time Adjustment 5 - 14
5-19. Log Amplifier Log and
............. Linear Adjustments 5 - 17
...........
5-20. 1 - dB Offset Adjustment 5 - 24
....... 5-21. Bandwidth Filter Adjustments 5 - 26
.......
5-22. 3 - dB Bandwidth Adjustments 5 - 33
.............
5-23. RF Gain Adjustment 5 - 38
............ 5-24. Step Gain Adjustments 5 - 41
5-25. First Converter Adjsutments
........ 5 - 44
...... 5-26. Second Converter Adjustments 5 - 49
........ 5-27. Third Converter Adjustments 5 - 54
5-28. Frequency Response Adjustments
. . . . 5 - 57
....................
Introduction
....................
Description
Manual Organization
..............
...................
Specifications
Safety Considerations
..............
Instruments Covered by Manual .......
.................
Serial Numbers
Manual Updating Supplement
.......
Manual Backdating Changes .........
..............
Accessories Supplied
.................
Equipment Required
ii

CONTENTS
Section Page
5-29. Cal Output and Ref Level Cal
.................. Adjustments 5 - 66
......
5-30. Frequency Display Adjustments 5 - 69
VI REPLACEABLE PARTS ................ 6 - 1
....................
6-1 Introduction 6 - 1
............. 6-3. Replaceable Parts List 6 - 1
.............. 6-6. Ordering Information 6 - 1
VII MANUAL BACKDATING CHANGES
........ 7 - 1
7-1. Introduction .................... 7 - 1
7-4. How to Use This Backdating
Information
................... 7 - 1
Section Page
.......................... VIII SERVICE 8 - 1
....................
8-1. Introduction 8 - 1
8-3. Schematic Symbols, Terminology.
............... and Voltage Levels 8 - 1
................. 8-5. Test Equipment 8 - 1
8-7. Major Assembly Locations .......... 8 - 1
8-9. Troubleshooting ................. 8 - 1
.............. 8-10. General Information 8 - 1
8-12. Printed Circuit Board Edge Connector
Contact Cleaning
................ 8 - 2
The HP 8559A Spectrum Analyzer
Theory of Operation
.................. 8 - 9
Troubleshooting Hints
................. 8-12

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
SAFETYSYMBOLS
The following safety symbols are used throughout this manual and in the instrument. Familiarize
yourself with each of the symbols and its meaning before operating this instrument.
Instruction manual symbol. The instrument will be marked with this symbol
when it is necessary for the user to refer to the instruction manual in order to
protect the instrument against damage. Location of pertinent information
within the manual is indicated by use of this symbol in thetableof contents.
//
Indicates dangerousvoltages are present. Be extremely careful.
The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention toa procedure which, if
not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction
of the instrument. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated
conditions arefully understood and met.
The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which,
if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
GENERALSAFETYCONSIDERATIONS
BEFORE THlS INSTRUMENT IS SWITCHED ON, make sure it has been
properly grounded through the protective conductor of the ac power cable
toa socket outlet provided withprotective earth contact. Any interruptionof
the protective (grounding) conductor, inside or outside the instrument, or
disconnectionof theprotective earth terminal canresultinpersonalinjury.
Thereare voltages at many pointsintheinstrument whichcan, if contacted,
causepersonalinjury. Beextremelycareful. Any adjustments or service pro
-
cedures that require operation of the instrument with protective covers
removedshouldbeperformed onlyby trainedservicepersonnel.
BEFORE THlS INSTRUMENT IS SWITCHED ON, make sure its primary
power circuitry has been adapted to the voltage of the ac power source.
Failure toset theac power input to the correct voltage couldcause damage
totheinstrument when theac power cableisplugged in.

GENERALINFORMATION MODEL8559A
ADAPTER SIDE STOP KIT
1250 - 0780 08558 - 60131
SPECTRUM ANALYZER
OVERLAY KIT
5060-03 1 9
FIGURE 1-1. HP MODEL8559ASPECTRUM ANALYZER AND ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED
1-0

MODEL 8559A GENERALINFORMATION
SECTION I
GENERALINFORMATION
1-1. INTRODUCTION
1 - 2. This Operation and Service manual contains
information required to install, operate, test, adjust,
and service the Hewlett
- Packard 8559A Spectrum
Analyzer. Figure 1
- 1 shows theinstrument and acces -
soriessupplied. This section covers instrument identi -
fication, description, options, accessories, specifica -
tions, and other basic information.
1-3. DESCRIPTION
1 - 4. The HP8559Adisplays the amplitude and fre -
quency of each component of an input signal on a
CRT. This display gives quantitative information
often not available from a conventional oscilloscope.
The HP 8559A is capable of measuring signals from
- 112 dBm to + 30 dBm over a frequency range of
10 MHz to21 GHz.
1 - 5. The complete measuring system includes the
HP
8559A Spectrum Analyzer plugged into a com -
patible Hewlett - Packard display mainframe.
1-6. MANUAL ORGANIZATION
1 - 7. This manual is divided into eight sections as
follows:
SECTION I, GENERAL INFORMATION;
contains the instrument description and specifi
-
cations, explains accessories and options, and
lists recommended test equipment.
SECTION II, INSTALLATION AND OPER
-
ATION VERIFICATION; contains informa -
tion concerning initial mechanical inspection,
preparation for use, operating environment,
packaging and shipping, and operation verifi
-
cation.
SECTION III, OPERATION; contains
detailed operating instructions for operation of
theinstrument.
SECTION IV, PERFORMANCE TESTS; con
-
tains the necessary tests to verify that the elec -
trical operation of the instrument is in accord -
ance with published specifications.
SECTION
V, ADJUSTMENTS; contains the
necessary adjustment procedures to properly
adjust theinstrument after repair.
SECTION VI, REPLACEABLE PARTS; con
-
tains the information necessary to order parts
and/or assembliesfor theinstrument.
SECTION VII, MANUAL BACKDATING
CHANGES; contains backdating information
to make this manual compatible with earlier
equipment configurations.
SECTIONVIII, SERVICE; contains schematic
diagrams, block diagrams, component location
illustrations, circuit descriptions, and trouble
-
shooting information to aid in repair of the
instrument.
1
- 8. On the title page of this manual, below the
manual part number, is a microfiche part number.
This number may be used to order 4
- by 6 - inch
microfilm transparencies of themanual. Each micro
-
fiche contains up to 60 photo - duplicates of the man -
ual pages. The microfiche package also includes the
latest Manual Updatingsupplement.
1-9. SPECIFICATIONS
1 - 10. Instrument specifications are listed in Table
1
- 1. These specifications are the performance stand -
ards or limits against which the instrument is tested.
Table 1
- 2 lists supplemental characteristics. Supple -
mental characteristics are not specifications but are
typical characteristics included
as additional infor -
mation for the user.
NOTE
To ensure that the HP 8559A meets
the specifications listed in Table 1-1,
performancetests(Section IV) should
beperformedevery six months.

GENERALINFORMATION MODEL
8559A
1-1 1. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
1 - 12. Before operating this instrument, you should
familiarize yourself with the safety markings on the
instrument and safety instructions in this manual.
This instrument has been manufactured and tested
according to international safety standards. How
-
ever, to ensure safe operation of the instrument and
personal safety of the user and service personnel, the
cautions and warnings in this manual must be fol
-
lowed. Refer to the summary of safety consider -
ations at the beginning of this section. Refer also to
individual sections of this manual for detailed safety
notation concerning the use of the instrument as
described in those individual sections.
Manual Updating supplement. This supplement con
-
tains change information that explains how toadapt
the manual tothe newer instrument.
1
- 18. In addition to change information, the sup -
plement may contain information for correcting
errors in the manual. To keep this manual as current
and accurate as possible, Hewlett
- Packard recom -
mends that you periodically request the latest Man -
ual Updating supplement. The supplement carries a
manual identification block that includes the model
number, print date of the manual, and manual part
number. Complimentary copies of the supplement
are available from Hewlett
- Packard. Addresses of
Hewlett
- Packard offices are located at the back of
this manual.
1 - 13. INSTRUMENTS COVERED BY MANUAL
1-1 9. Manual Backdating Changes
1 - 14. Serial Numbers
1 - 15. Attached to the rear of this instrument is a
mylar serial number label. The serial number is in
two parts. The first four digits and letter are the
serial number prefix; the last five digits are the suf
-
fix. (Refer to Figure 1 - 2.) The prefix is the same for
all identical instruments; it changes only when a
change is made to the instrument. The suffix, how
-
ever, is assigned sequentially and is different for each
instrument. The contents of this manual apply to
SERIAL NUMBER
FIGURE 1-2. TYPICALSERIALNUMBER LABEL
instruments with the serial number prefix(es) listed
under SERIAL NUMBERS on thetitle page.
1 - 16. ManualUpdating Supplement
1 - 17.
An instrument manufactured after the print -
ing of this manual might have a serial number prefix
that is not listed on the title page. This unlisted serial
number prefix indicates the instrument is different
from those described in this manual. The manual for
this newer instrument is accompanied by a yellow
1
- 20. Instruments manufactured before the print -
ing of this manual have been assigned serial number
prefixes other than those for which this manual was
written directly. Manual backdating information is
provided in Section VII to adapt this manual to ear
-
lier serial number prefixes.
1
- 21. This information should not be confused
with information contained in the yellow Manual
Updating supplement, which is intended to adapt
this manual to instruments manufactured after the
printing of this manual.
1 - 22. ACCESSORIESSUPPLIED
1 - 23.
A type - N male to BNC female adapter, HP
Part Number 1250
- 0780, is supplied with the stand -
ard instrument for the use of lightweight cables with
BNC connectors.
1
- 24. Side stop kit, HPPart Number 08558-60131,
is supplied to prevent the spectrum analyzer from
sliding out of the mainframe. When the side stops
areinstalled, the plug
- in cannot be removed fromthe
mainframe. Refer to Section IIfor installation or
removal of theside stops.
1
- 25. Three graticule overlays provide the operator
with reference
- level labels for the CRT. HP Part
Number 5020
- 8565 is the overlay for HP 180 - series
display mainframes. HP Part Number 5020
- 8566 is
the overlay for HP 181
- series display mainframes.
HP Part Number 5020
- 8567 is the overlay for HP
182
- series display mainframes. For proper installa -
tion of thegraticule overlay, refer to Section II .

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
TABLE
1-1.
HPMODEL8569ASPECIFICATIONS (1 OF 4)
SPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCYSPECIFICATIONS
FREQUENCYRANGE
10 MHz to 21 GHz, covered in six pushbutton-
selectableranges:
Frequency Mixing
Band Mode
GHz (n)
Lowest
Freq(GHz)
[ALTIF]
0.010
[0.025]
6.035
[6.020]
3.033
[3.048]
9.058
[9.043]
6.055
[6.070]
12.080
[12.065]
Highest
Freq
(GHz)
3.060
9.060
9.120
15.120
15.180
21.000
FREQUENCYSPANS
FullSpan
(F)
Entire frequency band displayed with frequency
of tunable marker indicated by Frequency GHz
readout.
Per Division(MHz/Div,kHz/Div)
14 frequency scale calibrationsin 1 - 2 - 5 sequence
from 10 kHz/div to 200 MHz/div. Center fre
-
quencyis set with theTUNINGcontrol and indi -
cated by theFREQUENCYGHzreadout.
ZeroSpan (0)
Analyzerfunctions as a manually tuned receiver,
at the frequency indicated by the FREQUENCY
GHz readout, for time
- domain display of signal
modulation.
FREQUENCYACCURACY
Tuning Accuracy
Frequency GHz readout (center or marker fre -
quency), after zeroingon the LO feedthrough:
0.01
- 3.0 GHz:
?
(1 MHz + 0.3% of center
frequency)
3.0
- 21.0 GHz:
&
(5 MHz + 0.2% of center
frequency)
Frequency Readout Resolution
1MHz
FrequencySpanAccuracy
k
5% of displayed frequencyseparation
SPECTRALRESOLUTION ANDSTABILITY
ResolutionBandwidths
Eight selectable resolution (3 - dB) bandwidths in
1
- 3 sequence from 1 kHz to 3 MHz. Bandwidth
may be selected independently or coupled with
frequency span. Optimum ratio of frequency
span to resolution bandwidth is indicated by
alignmentof markers
(X) on the twocontrols.
ResolutionBandwidth Accuracy:
Individual resolution bandwidth3 - dB points:
< 15% (< 30% for 3 - MHz bandwidth)
Selectivity:
60-dB/3-dBresolution bandwidthratio: <15: 1
Stability
For fundamentalmixing (n = 1 - or 1 + ):
Residual FM:
<2kHz p - p in 0.1 second'
NoiseSidebands:
270
dB down, >30 kHz from center of CW
signal with 1 kHz resolution bandwidth and
video filter at
MAX (not in detent).
Video Filter
Post - detection low - passfilter averages displayed
noise for a smooth trace. The MAX (detent)
position selects a video filter bandwidth of
approximately 1.5 Hz for noise level measure
-
ment.
AMPLITUDESPECIFICATIONS
AMPLITUDERANGE
- 111dBm to + 30 dBm.
'<2 kHz p - p in 0.1 second in a 180 - series display main -
frame with 220/240 line voltage.

GENERALINFORMATION MODEL 8559A
TABLE 1-1. HPMODEL 8559ASPECIFICATIONS (2 OF 4)
Maximumlnput (withoutdamage)Levels
Total Power:
+20 dBm (O.lW, 2.2 Vrms) with 0 dB input
attenuation
+30 dBm (lW, 7.1 Vrms) with
2 10 dB input
attenuation
DC: +-7.1V
AC (<I00 Hz): 7.1 Vrms
Peak Pulse Power:
+ 50 dBm (100W, <10 psec pulse width, 0.01To
dutycycle)with input attenuation 230dB
Gain Compression
<0.5 dB for a - 10 dBm input level with 0 dB
input attenuation.
Average Noi~eLevel
The displayed average noise level determines
sensitivity (minimum discernible signal). Signals
at this input level peak approximately 3 dB
above the displayed noise.
Maximum average noise level with
1 kHz resolu -
tion bandwidth, 0 dB input attenuation, and
video filter at MAX (detent):
CalibratedDisplay Range
Log(from ReferenceLevel):
70 dBwith 10 dB/DIV Amplitude Scale
8 dBwith 1 dB/DIV Amplitude Scale
Linear:
8divisions with LIN Amplitude Scale
Frequency
Band (GHz)
01 - 3
6
- 9
3
- 9
9
- 15
6
- 15
121
- 18
18
- 21
AMPLITUDEACCURACY
With AUTO sweep time selected, amplitude accu -
racy is determined by one or more of the following
factors, dependingon the measurement technique.'
Harmonic
Mode
1 -
1 +
2 -
2 +
3 -
3 +
3+
2Whenswitching to or from the Alternate IF, the REF
LEVEL CAL
and the FREQ CAL should be readjusted.
Without readjustment, an additional reference level
error of
+ 1 dB and an additional frequency readout
errorof
+- 1 MHz may result.
AverageNoise
Level(dBrn)
- 111
- 108
- 103
- 98
- 93
- 92
- 90
Calibrator Output
- 10 dBm +- 0.3 dB(into S(X2)
35 MHz +- 400 kHz
ReferenceLevel
10 - dB steps and a 12 - dB vernier for calibrated
Reference Level adjustment from
- 112 dBm to
+ 60 dBm.'
StepAccuracy (with 0 dB input attenuationk
- 10 dBm to - 80 dBm: k 0.5 dB
-10dBmto-100dBm: k1.0dB
Vernier Accuracy:
+. 0.5 dB
Frequency Response
Frequency response, measured with 0 or 10 dB
input attenuation, includes input attenuator flat
-
ness, mixer flatness, and band - to - band ampli -
tude variation:
Frequency Band GHz
01 - 3
6
- 9
3
- 9
9
- 15
6
- 15
121
- 18
18
- 21
Frequency Response
( + dB MAX.)
10
10
15
18
21
23
30
lnput Attenuator
0 dB to 70 dB of input attenuation selectable in 10-
dBsteps
StepAccuracy:
0 dB to 60 dB, 0.01 to 18.0 GHz: <k 1.0 dB
per 10
- dBstep
MaximumCumulative Step Error:
0 dBto 60 dB, 0.01 to18.0 GHz:
< k 2.4 dB
BandwidthSwitching(AmplitudeVariation)
Bandwidths 3 MHz to300 kHz: < k 0.5 dB
Bandwidths 3 MHz to1 kHz:
< + 1 .O dB
'1nput level not toexceed maximum levels.

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
TABLE
1 - 1.
HPMODEL8559A SPECIFICATIONS (3 OF 4)
DisplayFidelity
CRT linearity and log or linear fidelity affect
amplitude accuracy at levels other than Refer
-
ence Level.
LogIncrementalAccuracy:
+ 0.1 dB per dB from ReferenceLevel
LogMaximumCumulativeError:
I + 1.5 dBover entire70 - dB range
Linear Accuracy:
+ 3% of ReferenceLevel
RESIDUALRESPONSES
< -90dBm (0.01 - 3.06 GHZ)~with 0 dB input
attenuation and nosignal present at input.
SWEEPSPECIFICATIONS
SWEEPTIME
Automatic(AUTO):
Sweep time adjusted automatically to maintain
absolute amplitude calibration for any combina
-
tion of frequency span, resolution bandwidth,
and videofilter bandwidth.
Calibrated Sweep Times (sec/Div, mSec/Div,
rSeclDiv):
20 selectable sweep times in 1 - 2 - 5 sequence from
2 psec/div to 10 sec/div (excluding 2 sec/div),
provided primarily for time - domain calibration
in zerospan (0).
Sweep time accuracy: r 10% (+20% for 5
and 10sec/div)
GENERALSPECIFICATIONS
TEMPERATURERANGE
Operating: 0°Cto + 55°C
Storage:
- 40°Cto + 75°C
HUMIDITYRANGE
Type - tested from 50% to 95% relative humidity
( I + 40°C) per requirementsof MIL - STD - 810C,
Method 507.1, Procedure I1
'0.025 - 3.06 GHz with ALT IF selected.
EM1
Conducted and radiated interference is in com -
pliance with MIL - STD 461A, Methods CEO3
and RE02, CISPR Publication 11 (1975) and
Messempfaenger Postverfuegung 526/527/79
(Kennzeichnung Mit F-Nummer/Funkschutzzei-
chen).
POWER REQUIREMENTS
HP Model 853A Display with HP Model 8559A
Spectrum Analyzer:
100 or 120 Vac + 5% - lo%,48 to 66 Hz, single-
phase. Power consumption less than 200 Volt-
ampereswith plug - ininstalled.
HP Model 182T/180TR Display with HP Model
8559ASpectrumAnalyzer:
115 or 230 Vac + lo%, 48 - 440 Hz. Power con -
sumption less than 200 Volt - amperes with plug -
ininstalled,convectioncooled.
HP Model 181T/181TR Display with HP Model
8559ASpectrum Analyzer:
115 or 230 Vac + lo%, 48 - 440 Hz. Power con -
sumption less than 225 Volt - amperes with plug -
in installed,convection cooled.
WEIGHT
HPModel8559ASpectrum Analyzer:
Net: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
Shipping: 9.1 kg (20lbs)
HPModel853A Display:
Net: 15.9kg (35 lbs)
Shipping: 18.6 kg (41 lbs)
HPModel853A Option001 Display:
Net: 14.5 kg (32 lbs)
Shipping: 17.3 kg (38 lbs)
HP Model182T Display:
Net: 12.5 kg (27 lbs)
Shipping: 16.5 kg (36 lbs)
HPModel181T Display:
Net: 11.0 kg (24 lbs)
Shipping: 15.5 kg (34 lbs)
HP Model 181TRDisplay:
Net: 12.0 kg (26 lbs)
Shipping: 17.5 kg (38 lbs)
HPModel 180TRDisplay:
Net: 12.0 kg (26 lbs)
Shipping: 17.5 kg (38lbs)

GENERALINFORMATION
TABLE
1.1. HPMODEL8559ASPECIFICATIONS (4 OF 4)
MODEL 6559A
DIMENSIONS
HP Model
8559A Spectrum Analyzer: HP Model
182T Display:
HP Model
853A Display:
Note:
Dimensions
in millimeters
and
(~nches).
HP Model 853A Option 001 Display:
TOP
Note:
Dimensionsin mtllorneters
and (inches).
I
201.6
17 15/16) I!
TOP 1-1
Note:
Dimensionsin millimeten
and (inches). 34.9 498.5 (19518)-
(17 13116)-4
HP Model 181T Display:
CREAR (113/01
I
200
(77/01
Note
Dlmenr~onrInm~lllmeterr
HP Model 180TR118'1TR Display:
[
11 TOP^-]
Note:
Dimensionsin millimetersand (inches).
~EIA rack height (includingfiller strip) d
and Imches) 38 1
$L530 (211,4)-~
+l11/2) p-491.9(193/4-q
-
for cabinetheight (includingfeet)
add0 15/16) to EIA rack height.

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
TABLE
1-2.
MODEL 8559N180-SERIESSUPPLEMENTALCHARACTERISTICS(1OF 3)
SUPPLEMENTALCHARACTERISTICS
NOTE: Values in this table are not specifications. They are typical characteristics
includedfor user information.
FREQUENCYCHARACTERISTICS
FREQUENCY ACCURACY
Frequency Cal
Adjusts digital FREQUENCY GHz readout.
FREQUENCY CALcontrol may be used tocali
-
brate the frequency readout on a known signal
or on the 35 MHz CAL OUTPUTsignal.
FREQUENCYRANGE
AlternateIF
Regular IF approximately 3.0075 GHz. Alter -
nate IF available at approximately 2.9925 GHz
for all frequency bands (minimum frequency 25
MHz).
SPECTRAL RESOLUTIONANDSTABILITY
Frequency Drift
(Fundamentalmixing
- n = 1 - or 1 +)
At fixed center frequency after Zhour warmup:
< 25 kHz/lO minutes
With temperature changes:
<200 kHz/"C
ResolutionBandwidthShape
Approximately gaussian (synchronously - tuned,
4
- pole filter).
SpectralResolution
The following graph shows typical spectrum
analyzer resolution for different resolution
bandwidths.
Frequency
SIGNALRESOLUTIONVS. FREQUENCYSEPARATION
AMPLITUDECHARACTERISTICS
AMPLITUDERANGE AND ACCURACY
Dynamic Range
Maximum power ratio of two signals simultane -
ously present at the input that may be measured
within the limits of specified accuracy, sensitiv
-
ity, and distortion (i.e., spurious responses):
>70 dB.
Frequency Response and AverageNoiseLevel
The following graph shows typical frequency
response and average noise level versus fre
-
quency.
Frequency (GHzl
AVERAGENOISELEVELANDFREQUENCYRESPONSE
AmplitudeScaleSwitching
Reference Level variation is typically less than
+ / - 1 dBfor any change in AmplitudeScale.
SPURIOUSRESPONSES
(with
0 dB inputattenuation)
Second HarmonicDistortion
Input Power Relative Distortion
- 40 dBm < - 70 dB

GENERAL INFORMATION
MODEL8559A
TABLE 1-2. MODEL8559A/180-SERIES SUPPLEMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS(2
OF 3)
SUPPLEMENTALCHARACTERISTICS
NOTE: Values in this table are not specifications. They are typical characteristics
includedfor user information.
ThirdOrder IntermodulationDistortion
Relative
Disortion
1 - 30 dBm 50 kHz 1-70dB
SignalIdentifier
Signal identifier provided over entire frequency
range and in all Frequency Span/Div settings.
Correct signal response is a 1
MHz shift to the
left and approximately a
6 dBlower amplitude.
SWEEPCHARACTERISTICS
MANUAL SWEEP
Spectrum analyzer may be swept manually, in either
direction, with front panel control.
SWEEPTRIGGER
FreeRun
End of each sweep triggers new sweep.
Line
Sweep triggered at ac line frequency.
Video
Sweep triggered on post - detection video wave -
form. One - half major division of vertical deflec -
tion required totrigger sweep.
Single
Single sweep started or reset by turning SWEEP
TRIGGER clockwise momentarily.
FRONTPANEL INPUT AND OUTPUT
CHARACTERISTICS
SIGNALINPUT
lnputImpedance
50 ohms nominal; Precision Type N female
connector.
lnput SWR
<2.0 SWR with 0 dBinput attenuation
<1.3 SWR with r 10dBinput attenuation
LO Emission (3.0 - 6.1 GHz)
I - 8 dBm with 0dBinput attenuation
REAR PANEL OUTPUT
CHARACTERISTICS'
VERTICAL, PENLIFTIBLANKING, AND
HORIZONTALOUTPUTS(AUX A, B, D)
These outputs are compatible with and may be
used to drive HP
X - Y Recorders (using positive
pencoils or TTL penlift input) and CRT moni -
tors.
AUX A VERTICALOUTPUT
BNC output provides detected video signal from
a 50
- ohm output impedance. Typical 0 - 800mV
rangecorresponds to full 8 - division CRTvertical
deflection.
AUX B PENLIFT/BLANKING OUTPUT
BNC output provides a + 15V penlift/blanking
signal from a 10K-ohm output impedance when
CRT trace is blanked. Otherwise, output is low
at OV (low impedance, 150 mA max.) for an
unblanked trace.
'Rear panel outputs refer to 180T - series display main -
frames and other 180 - seriesmainframeswith Option 807
installed. Horizontal, vertical, and blanking outputs,
attenuatedand shifted in dc level, are available on other
180
- series mainframes at the MAIN SWEEP, MAIN
GATE, and DELAYEDGATE outputs, respectively. DO
NOT connect an X
- Y recorder to the DELAYEDGATE
OUTPUT, or damage will result.

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
TABLE
1-2.
MODEL8559N180SERIESSUPPLEMENTALCHARACTERISTICS(3OF3)
SUPPLEMENTALCHARACTERISTICS
NOTE: Values in this table are not specifications. They are typical characteristics
includedforuserinformation.
AUX C 21.4 MHz IF OUTPUT
BNC output provides 21.4 MHz IF signal (lin -
early related to spectrum analyzer RF input)
froma 50-ohmoutput impedance. Output band
-
width controlled by spectrum analyzer RESO -
LUTION BW setting; output amplitude con -
trolled by INPUT ATTEN, REFERENCE
LEVEL FINE, and first six REFERENCE
LEVEL positions
(i.e., - 10 through - 60 dBm
with 0 dB input attenuation). Output level is
approximately
- 10 dBm into 50 ohms with a
signaldisplayedat ReferenceLevel.
AUX D HORIZONTALOUTPUT
BNC output provides horizontal sweep voltage
from a
SK - ohm output impedance. - 5V to
+ SV range corresponds to h1110 - divisionCRT
horizontal deflection.

GENERALINFORMATION MODEL
8559A
1 - 26. EQUIPMENTREQUIREDBUT NOT SUP -
PLIED
1
- 27. Display Mainframe
1 - 28. An HP853A digital Spectrum Analyzer Dis -
play is recommended for use with the HP 8559A.
The rear panel of the HP853A mainframe provides
the following output connections: HORIZ
(SWEEP), VERTICAL (VIDEO), BLANK
(PENLIFT), 21.4 MHz IF, and HP
- IBinterfacecon -
nector.
1
- 29. An HP 180T-series display mainframe
(180TR, 181T, 18lTR, or l82T) is also designed for
use with the HP 8559A. In the HP 180T
- series main -
frame, the rear - panel auxiliary output connectors
(AUX A, AUX B, AUX C, and AUX D) provide,
respectively, Vertical Output, Pen Lift Output, 21.4
MHz IFOutput, and Horizontal Output. A standard
HP 180
- series display mainframe (HP 18OA/AR,
HP 180C/D, HP 181A/AR, HP 182A/C, or HP
184A/B) provides only horizontal, vertical, and
blanking rear panel outputs. Furthermore, theseout
-
puts are attenuated and shifted in dc level. Unbuf -
fered rear panel outputs (similar to the HP 180T-
series)are provided only if Option 807 is installed.
1.30. ExtenderCableAssembly
1 - 31.
An Extender Cable Assembly (Figure 1 - 3),
HPPart Number 5060-0303,allows operation of the
HP 8559A outside the display mainframe. This pro
-
vides access to the HP 8559A for necessary adjust -
ments and some performancetests. This cable is also
usefulfor troubleshooting.
1 - 32. EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
AVAILABLE
1
- 33. InputLimiter
FIGURE 1-3. HP ll683ALIMITER
1 - 34. The HP 11693ALimiter can be used with the
HP 8559A to prevent input mixer damage due to
inadvertent application of strong signals. Frequency
response flatness is degraded by less than &0.5 dB
from 100 MHz to 12.4 GHz; the limiter is usable
from10 MHz to18 GHz. Invut levels of
1 watt aver -
age or 75 wattspeak can be tolerated.
1.35. Low Pass Filter
FIGURE 1-4. HP 11870ALOW PASSFILTER
1 - 36. The HP 11870A Low Pass Filter (dc - 2.6
GHz) can be used with the HP 8559A to reject sig -
nalsabove 3 GHz by morethan 60 dB for image - free
measurementsover the10MHz to2.6 GHzrange.
1 - 37. Modification Kit (Option 807 Connec
-
tions)
1 - 38. A modification kit, HP Part Number 00180-
69503, providesthematerialsand information neces -
sary to install unbuffered rear panel connections
(formerly included in Option 807) in the following
display mainframes: HP 180A/AR, HP l8OC/D,
HP 181A/AR, HP l82A/C, and HP 184A/B. Refer
toTable 1
- 3 for a description of parts included in the
modificationkit.
1 - 39. Oscilloscope Camera
FIGURE 1-5. HP 1978Opt 002,006 OSCILLOSCOPECAMERA
1 - 40. The HP 197B, Option 002, General Purpose
Camera can be used with HP 180-and HP181
- series
display mainframes to make a permanent record of
measurements. The HP 10367A adapter allows the
cameratobe used with HP182
- series mainframes.

MODEL8559A GENERALINFORMATION
1 - 41. SERVICE ACCESSORIES 1 - 44. Table 1 - 4 lists all of the equipment required
for testing, adjusting and troubleshooting the
1
- 42. Serviceaccessories areshown in Figure1
- 6. Hewlett
- Packard Model 8559A Spectrum Analyzer.
Other equipment may be substituted if it meets or
1 - 43. RECOMMENDEDTEST EQUIPMENT
exceedsthe criticalspecifications listed in the table.
TABLE 1-3. PARTSINCLUDEDINMODIFICATION KIT 0018069503
Quantity
1
1
2
1
Description
Output Amplifier Assembly (Auxiliary Output Board)
Label
314inch pieces of shrink tubing
Service Note
HP Part Number
00180 - 66551
7120
- 3116
0890
- 0720
180A/AR-10,18OC/D-2,181A/AR8,
182A/C-1,or 184/B-1(modification is
similar for all instrumentslisted)

GENERALINFORMATION MODEL8559A
FIGURE 16. SERVICEACCESSORIES (1 OF 2)

MODEL8559A
Item
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Description
Board Puller, 2 prongs to lift PC boards
Extender Board, 6 pin, 12 contacts
Extender Board, 10 pin, 20 contacts
Extender Board, 12 pin, 24 contacts
Extender Board, 22 pin,44 contacts
Extender Cable Assembly,for plug
- in operation out of
display mainframe
Tuning Tool, modified 5116 inch nut driver with
modified No. 10 Allen driver
Alignment tool, metal tip in plastic
Alignment tool, non
- metallic
Wrench, No. 2 Bristol
Wrench,15/64inch, combination
Wrench, 114inch, open end
Wrench, 5/16 inch, slotted box endlopen end
GENERALINFORMATION
HP Part Number
FIGURE 14. SERVICE ACCESSORIES (2 OF 2)