- Overview
- All Models
- Support
Highest-performance vector network analyzers
Keysight XN8-class Pro vector network analyzers include the N5241B-N5249B PNA-X and PNA-X Pro. Pro VNAs are our highest-performance benchtop models, ideal for next-generation design and complex active device development. Expanding beyond our Advanced model capabilities, our Pro models additionally deliver built-in measurements for complete active device test, a configurable architecture, and up to four integrated sources in our top Pro model. Choose one of our most popular configurations or build the one you need for your application. Need help selecting? Check out the resources below.
Complex active device test
Built-in measurements like intermodulation distortion, power compression, and wideband active load pull
Hardware integration
Integrated, independent, high-speed, ultra-low phase noise RF signal sources simplify your measurement setup
Configurable architecture
Direct receiver access and up to sixteen front-panel loops for precision network analysis on a wide variety of complex active devices
Comprehensive test coverage
Compatibility with the widest variety of passive and active device measurement software applications
-
Maximum number of sources
3 to 4
-
Integrated low-noise receivers
1 to 2
-
Maximum frequency
26.5 GHz to 67 GHz
-
Number of built-in ports
2, 4
Most popular configurations
XN8-class Vector Network Analyzer
XN8-class Vector Network Analyzer
XN8-class Vector Network Analyzer
Services and support
Innovate at speed with curated support plans and prioritized response and turn-around times.
Get predictable, lease-based subscriptions and full lifecycle management solutions—so you reach your business goals faster.
Experience elevated service as a KeysightCare subscriber to get committed technical response and more.
Ensure your test system performs to specification and meets local and global standards.
Make measurements quickly with in-house, instructor-led training, and eLearning.
Download Keysight software or update your software to the newest version.
Frequently asked questions
Active devices amplify or control electrical signals and require an external power source to operate. Unlike passive devices (such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors), which only consume or store energy, active devices control the behavior of signals. Some common examples of active devices include:
- Amplifiers: amplify signals
- Diodes: rectify and regulate signals
- Frequency converters: up- or down-convert signals
- Integrated circuits: combine multiple active devices to perform specific functions, like signal processing
- Transistors act as switches and amplifiers
Beyond standard network analysis measurements, such as scattering parameters (S-parameters), group delay, and phase shift, VNAs also enable engineers to evaluate active devices using measurements like intermodulation distortion (IMD), gain compression, and wideband active load pull.
Modern network analyzers also offer signal analysis and phase noise measurements, like error-vector magnitude (EVM), adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR), noise power ratio (NPR), and phase noise analysis.
By providing engineers with a robust set of network and signal analysis measurements, network analyzers provide a comprehensive understanding of active device performance.
Network analyzers that offer independent, high-speed, ultra-low phase noise RF signal sources per test port enable engineers to simplify complex active device test setups, such as those required for dual-stage converters, TR modules, and differential amplifiers.
For instance, when testing dual-stage converters on conventional VNAs, engineers only have one or two integrated sources to work with. So, external sources must be added to the setup to drive the converter and conduct the measurement, increasing test complexity and error potential.
An independent source available on each test port of the VNA simplifies the test setup, enabling measurements like IMD without requiring external sources.
A network analyzer equipped with a configurable architecture provides engineers with enhanced test setup flexibility, primarily through switchable front-panel loops on the source path and direct receiver access. The features reduce the cabling required for complex high-power testing and the associated signal power losses.
Additional hardware integrations on the network analyzer, such as signal sources, combiners, and switches, further simplify the test setup complexity by reducing the need for external fixtures.
By consolidating their design verification setup using a highly integrated network analyzer with configurable architecture, engineers minimize test cycle time and the potential for errors.