The Agilent / HP 8596E is a portable microwave spectrum analyzer that operates from 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz. As part of the 8590E series, it is designed to offer a flexible, modular architecture with a four-slot cardcage for plug-in performance options, downloadable measurement personalities, and dual-interface connectivity. It combines a wide frequency range with features such as one-button measurement routines and a split-screen display to simplify complex testing in communications, EMC, and component test applications.
Specifications
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +55 |
| Weight | 16.4 |
Frequency Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz |
| Frequency Bands | Band 0: 9 kHz - 2.9 GHz; Band 1: 2.75 - 6.5 GHz; Band 2: 6.0 - 12.8 GHz |
| Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Range | 1 kHz to 3 MHz (in 1-3-10 sequence) |
| Video Bandwidth (VBW) Range | 30 Hz to 1 MHz |
Sweep and Triggering
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Time Range (Span > 0 Hz) | 20 ms to 100 s |
| Sweep Time (Zero Span) | 20 μs to 100 s |
| Trigger Source | Free Run, Single, Line, Video, External |
Amplitude Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Range | Displayed Average Noise Level to +30 dBm |
| Maximum Safe Input Level (Average Continuous Power) | +30 dBm (1 W) |
Inputs and Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Input Connector Type | Type-N (female) |
| RF Input Impedance | 50 Ω |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Reference Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
Options and Configurations
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Tracking Generator Option | Built-in tracking generator available (Option 010 / 011) |
| Narrow Resolution Bandwidth Option | 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz (Option 130) |
| Time-Gated Spectrum Analysis Option | Available (Option 105) |
| AM/FM Demodulator Option | Available (Option 102) |
| Quasi-Peak Detector Option | Available (Option 103) |
| Fast Time Domain Sweeps Option | Available (Option 101) |
Amplitude
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Attenuator Range | 0 to 70 dB (in 10 dB steps) |
| Maximum Safe Input Level (DC) | 0 V (Standard) |
| Amplitude Units | dBm, dBmV, dBµV, V, W |
| Input Attenuator Step Size | 10 dB |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase Noise | ≤ -105 dBc/Hz (at 30 kHz offset, 1 GHz center frequency) |
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Reference Aging Rate | ± 2 × 10^-6 / year (Standard) / ± 1 × 10^-7 / year (Option 004 precision reference) |
| Marker Frequency Resolution | Span / 400 |
Calibration
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibrator Frequency | 300 MHz |
| Calibrator Amplitude | -20 dBm |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | < 500 VA |
Display & Measurement
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trace Points | 401 |
Bandwidth
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) Selectivity | 15:1 (60 dB / 3 dB) |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Residual Responses | < -90 dBm (0 dB attenuation, > 1 MHz) |
Technology
Superheterodyne Spectrum Analyzer
Applications
Microwave and RF spectrum analysis, component test, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), lightwave, and wireless communications.
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