The Agilent / HP 70910A Spectrum Analyzer RF section provides coverage from 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz. This RF section is used in the 71209A Opt 001 spectrum analyzer and the 71910A wide bandwidth receiver. Diode-pair mixing provides lower conversion loss, allowing the spectrum analyzer to have sensitivities that compete with fundamentally mixed designs. The sensitivity is also improved by the use of a built-in preamplifier before the first mixer (in the microwave path). The 70910A adds the switchable bypass path around the yig-tuned filter (YTF) for making very sensitive measurements when extraneous signals are not a problem. The Agilent 70910A RF section ensures that the minimum bandwidth through the YTF is greater than 36 MHz and the minimum bandwidth through the low-band path is greater than 45 MHz. For millimeter measurements, this RF section includes the extra switching and signals necessary to connect external mixers, including  11974 series preselected mixers. A switched LO is routed to the front panel for connection to an external mixer.

Key specifications and features of the HP 70910A RF Section include:
 

•     Provides RF coverage from 100 Hz to 26.5 GHz
•     Preselector bypass for wider bandwidths
•     Compatible with external mixers, including the Agilent 11974 series
•     Rear panel output include the 3 to 6.6 GHz LO and two IF outputs at 321.4 MHz and 21.4 MHz