HP 8563A vs HP 8563E Spectrum Analyzers

[jkyriazis]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the HP 8563A and HP 8563E except for production dates?
HP 8563A dates: 11/1989 to 12/1997
HP 8563E dates: 06/1992 to 04/2001
Performance; features; upgrades from A to E models?

Also, can the sub-assemblies from one be used in the other (A to E or E to A)?
Looking to cannibalize a defective one as spare parts for another?

Feedback/advice solicited and appreciated.

Thank you.
John

[KE5FX]

The 8563E had 1 Hz resolution bandwidth standard, the 8563A 10 Hz.  I could be mistaken but I don't believe there was a 1 Hz option for the 856xA portables.

The -E series analyzers also have noticeably lower noise.



Not sure which subassemblies can be swapped.  The HP part #s on the PC boards are the best guide to that.

[kirill_ka]

Also, can the sub-assemblies from one be used in the other (A to E or E to A)?
Looking to cannibalize a defective one as spare parts for another?

8563E has a totally different RF frontend arrangement. The 8563E uses an integrated thing called RYTHM as the center of its frontend. I tends to go out of alignment and it is expensive to align/replace. I think 8563A is much more serviceable because of that.
The digital assemblies of the two are very similar, but probably most of them can't be used interchangeably. I wouldn't count on that.

[jkyriazis]

Thank you kirill_ka and KE5FX.

Looking to get a HP 8563E which is "non-functional".
Current issue is screen does not show up when power switch turned on- may be (hoping) HV power supply (PS).
Saw YouTube video to repair HV PS.

I am hoping I can get the 8563E up and running, but worst case make it a parts bin for 8563A I currently have.
As you said, can't tell until I look inside and compare part numbers.
Thank you for your insight.

As for noise floor and frequency resolution, luckily that is not critical for me right now.

John N6VEG

[kirill_ka]

As you said, can't tell until I look inside and compare part numbers.

Do you mean the part numbers for the assemblies?
Then they are not the same. I just checked both service manuals...
The only matching number I found is 08562-60042. The GPIB connector 
But at the component level you'll find a lot of parts which can be substituted.

I wouldn't bet on the easy repair of 8563E if the condition is "unknown". The working mixer/filter assembly alone seems to cost ~$1500 on ebay.