Description
HP Hewlett-Packard 8970A Noise Figure Meter 10-1500 MHz GPIB IEEE-488 50 Ohm
The HP 8970A is a benchtop noise figure meter from Hewlett-Packard designed to measure the noise figure and gain of RF and microwave amplifiers, converters, and other two-port devices across a frequency range of 10 MHz to 1500 MHz. It displays insertion gain and noise figure simultaneously on dual LED readouts, with a built-in analog meter providing a continuous visual indication of noise figure level. A front-panel numeric keypad and dedicated function keys allow direct entry of frequency, sweep parameters, and measurement settings. The unit interfaces with automated test systems via IEEE-488 (GPIB).
Specifications & What's Included
- Make: Hewlett-Packard (HP)
- Model: 8970A
- Type: Noise Figure Meter
- Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 1500 MHz
- Input Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Input Connector: Type N (front panel)
- Maximum Input Level: −20 dBm / +20V MAX
- Noise Source Drive Output: −26V (Pulsed)
- Measurement Modes: Noise Figure; Noise Figure and Gain; Insertion Gain
- Correction Modes: Uncorrected and Corrected
- Sweep Modes: Auto and Single frequency sweep
- Frequency Controls: Start Freq, Stop Freq, Step Size, Fixed Freq, Freq Increment
- Smoothing: Decrease / Increase controls
- Display: Dual LED numeric displays (Insertion Gain + Noise Figure) plus analog bargraph meter
- Rear Outputs: IF (BNC), DET (BNC), Gain Trace (BNC)
- Scope/Recorder Outputs: X-Axis, Y-Axis, Z-Axis (BNC)
- Interface: IEEE-488 GPIB (24-pin); Function Subsets: SH1, AH1, T5, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C1, 3, 28, E1
- Power: 90–88V / 100–120V / 220V AC selectable, IEC power inlet
- Form Factor: Benchtop
- Includes: Laminated quick-reference measurement mode cards (visible in photos)
Applications
The HP 8970A was introduced in the 1980s as part of Hewlett-Packard's noise measurement product line, and it became a standard bench instrument for characterizing low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), preamplifiers, mixers, frequency converters, and RF front-end modules in communications, radar, and satellite system development. It works in conjunction with HP noise sources (such as the HP 346A/346B series) to provide calibrated noise figure measurements using the Y-factor method. The 1500 MHz upper frequency limit covers a wide range of VHF, UHF, and lower-microwave applications, including cellular infrastructure evaluation, cable TV amplifier testing, and general RF component characterization. The IEEE-488 GPIB interface made it a common component in automated test systems on manufacturing floors and in R&D labs of its era. The instrument remains in demand among RF engineers working with legacy systems, educational labs, and surplus test benches where its straightforward swept-frequency noise figure measurement capability is valued.
This HP 8970A Noise Figure Meter was pulled from a working test environment where it was previously in service. The unit appears to be in good cosmetic condition overall, with normal wear consistent with bench use. A 'Galaxy' asset label is affixed to the front panel, and a property tag (P-579190) is visible on the front right. A calibration sticker is present on the front panel; based on the label visible in photos, the last calibration date was May 2006 and the stated due date was May 2008, so the calibration is expired — buyers requiring calibrated measurements should plan to have the unit re-calibrated before use. Reference/quick-reference measurement mode cards are included and visible in the photos. Rear BNC connectors are fitted with yellow protective caps. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
HP |
Model: |
8970A |
MPN: |
8970A |
Type: |
Noise Figure Meter |
SKU: |
39761 |
Frequency Range: |
10 MHz to 1500 MHz |
Input Impedance: |
50 Ohm |
Input Connector: |
Type N (front), BNC (rear outputs) |
Interface: |
IEEE-488 GPIB |
GPIB Interface Functions: |
SH1, AH1, T5, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C1 |
Noise Source Drive Output: |
-26V (Pulsed) |
Max Input Level: |
-20 dBm / +20V MAX |
Outputs: |
IF (BNC), DET (BNC), GAIN TRACE (BNC) |
Scope/Recorder Outputs: |
X-Axis, Y-Axis, Z-Axis (BNC) |
Power Requirements: |
90-88V / 100-120V / 220V AC selectable |
Measurement Modes: |
Noise Figure, Noise Figure and Gain, Insertion Gain |
Display: |
Dual LED numeric displays + analog meter |
Sweep Modes: |
Auto and Single frequency sweep |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop |
Seller Notes: |
Includes reference/quick-reference measurement mode cards. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition Notes: |
This HP 8970A Noise Figure Meter was pulled from a working test environment. Good cosmetic condition with normal bench wear. Calibration expired (last cal May 2006, due May 2008) — re-calibration recommended. Includes reference cards. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
