The Keysight (formerly Agilent / HP) 8591E is a portable RF spectrum analyzer offering a frequency range of 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz. Part of the 8590E series, it provides reliable RF performance, an intuitive split-screen interface, and a four-slot cardcage for adding optional measurement personalities and hardware interfaces. It is well-suited for component testing, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) evaluation, and communications applications, and can be configured with an optional built-in tracking generator for stimulus-response measurements.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | CRT (split-screen capable) |
| Data Storage | Built-in memory card reader |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 132 Vrms (47 to 440 Hz) / 195 to 250 Vrms (47 to 66 Hz), < 500 VA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 325 × 163 × 427 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg (net, basic configuration) / up to 16.4 kg (with options) |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz |
| Frequency Reference Aging | ± 2 × 10^-6 / year (standard) ; ± 1 × 10^-7 / year (Option 004) |
| Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range | 1 kHz to 3 MHz in 1, 3, 10 sequence (30 Hz to 300 Hz available with Option 130) |
| Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range | 30 Hz to 1 MHz (1 Hz to 1 MHz with Option 130) |
| Sweep Time Range | 20 ms to 100 s (span > 0) ; 20 µs to 100 s (zero span) |
| Phase Noise (SSB) at 30kHz offset | ≤ -105 dBc/Hz (at 1 GHz center frequency) |
Amplitude Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Range | Displayed average noise level (DANL) to +30 dBm |
| Maximum Safe Input Level (Continuous Power) | +30 dBm (1 W) |
| Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) | ≤ -115 dBm (1 MHz to 1.8 GHz, 1 kHz RBW) ; ≤ -130 dBm (with Option 130, 30 Hz RBW) |
| Input Attenuator Range | 0 to 60 dB |
| Input Attenuator Step Size | 10 dB |
Tracking Generator Specifications (Options)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tracking Generator Frequency Range | 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz (Option 010) |
Inputs, Outputs, and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Connector Type | Type-N (female) |
| RF Input Impedance | 50 Ω (standard) / 75 Ω (Option 001) |
Signal Analysis and Processing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Functions | Cable TV/broadcast, component test, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), lightwave, and wireless communications (via downloadable personalities) |
Power and Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Expansion Architecture | Four slot cardcage for plug-in performance options |
Amplitude
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Units | dBm, dBmV, dBµV, V, W |
| Calibrator Amplitude | -20 dBm ± 0.4 dB |
| Linear Scale Fidelity | ±3% of Reference Level |
| Reference Level Resolution | 0.01 dB (log scale), 0.12% of reference level (linear scale) |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibrator Frequency | 300 MHz |
Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Demodulation | AM and FM demodulation (includes built-in speaker) |
Spectral Purity & Distortion
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Third-Order Intermodulation | <-70 dBc (10 MHz to 1.8 GHz, -30 dBm mixer level) |
| Second Harmonic Distortion | <-70 dBc (10 MHz to 1.8 GHz, -40 dBm mixer level) |
| Residual Responses | <-90 dBm (≥ 1 MHz, 0 dB attenuation, terminated input) |
Sweep
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Trigger Modes | Free run, single, line, video, external |
Options & Accessories
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tracking Generator Power Resolution (Option 010) | 0.1 dB |
| Narrow Resolution Bandwidths (Option 130) | 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz |
Technology
RF
Applications
Spectrum Analysis