The Keysight 8990B is a high-performance peak power analyzer designed to measure the dynamic or time-dependent aspects of RF and microwave power. Featuring two RF channels and two video channels, it provides high-speed sampling up to 100 MSa/s (with a 20 GSa/s effective rate) and a short system rise/fall time of ≤ 5 ns when combined with compatible peak power sensors. Its massive 15-inch XGA touchscreen display allows for comprehensive pulse characterization and simultaneous analysis of time-domain control signals, making it an essential tool for advanced radar, wireless communication, and semiconductor pulse measurements.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesUSB 2.0 Host (4 ports), USB 2.0 Device (1 port), LAN (LXI Class C compliant), GPIB (optional)
Display15-inch color XGA TFT-LCD with touchscreen capability
Recommended Calibration Cycle1 year

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 V AC to 240 V AC (50/60 Hz) / 100 V AC to 120 V AC (400 Hz), 250 VA maximum
Operating Temperature0 °C to 50 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)426 mm × 325 mm × 279 mm
Weight11.2 kg

Measurement Performance

ParameterValue
Frequency Range50 MHz to 40 GHz (sensor dependent)
Dynamic Range (CW)-35 dBm to +20 dBm (sensor dependent)
Dynamic Range (Pulse)-35 dBm to +20 dBm (sensor dependent)
System Rise/Fall Time≤ 5 ns (for frequencies ≥ 500 MHz, -20 dBm to +20 dBm)
Maximum Real-Time Sampling Rate100 MSa/s
Equivalent-Time Sampling Rate20 GSa/s
Maximum Capture Length1 s
Maximum Memory Depth2 M points
RF Inputs Bandwidth150 MHz (Channels 1 & 4)
Video Inputs Bandwidth150 MHz (Channels 2 & 3)
RF Inputs Minimum Pulse Width50 ns
RF Inputs Maximum Pulse Repetition Rate10 MHz
Time Base Range2 ns/div to 100 ms/div

Channel Configuration

ParameterValue
RF Input Channels2 (Channels 1 & 4)
Video Input Channels2 (Channels 2 & 3)
Total Analog Channels4
Power Sensor CompatibilityN1923A, N1924A, U2000 series USB power sensors
Internal Zeroing and CalibrationYes

Internal Calibrator

ParameterValue
Calibrator Frequency1.05 GHz
Calibrator Power Level (1.05 GHz)0 dBm ±1.2%
Calibrator Signal TypeCW / Pulse modulated (1.05 GHz)
Calibrator Repetition Rate1 kHz
Calibrator Connector TypeType N (female)
Calibrator SWR1.05

Triggering

ParameterValue
Trigger SourcesChannel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, AUX
Trigger Level Range (RF Channels 1 & 4)-20 dBm to +20 dBm
Trigger Level Range (Video Channels 2 & 3)±8 divisions from center screen (1 MΩ, edge mode)

Measurement Modes & Analysis

ParameterValue
Automated Pulse Characterization15 parameters with automated pulse delay measurement between channels
Statistical AnalysisCCDF (free run and triggered)

System and User Interface

ParameterValue
Display Size15-inch
Display ResolutionXGA (1024 x 768)
TouchscreenYes
Measurement UnitsLinear (Watt) or Log (dBm) selectable
Color Coded ChannelsYes
Removable Hard Drive OptionYes

Timebase

ParameterValue
Internal Timebase Temperature Stability±1 ppm (0 °C to 50 °C)
Internal Timebase Aging Rate±1 ppm per year
External Reference Input10 MHz (nominal), -10 dBm to +15 dBm, 50 Ω

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-40 °C to +70 °C
Operating HumidityUp to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing)
Storage HumidityUp to 90% RH at 65 °C (non-condensing)
Operating AltitudeUp to 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
Storage AltitudeUp to 15,300 m (50,000 ft)

Connectivity & Control

ParameterValue
LXI ComplianceLXI Class C
GPIB Interface OptionOption GPB (adds IEEE-488 interface)
USB Ports (Rear)4 × USB 2.0 Type-A host, 1 × USB 2.0 Type-B device
USB Ports (Front)2 × USB 2.0 Type-A host
External Reference ConnectorsBNC (Input and Output)
VGA Video Output Port15-pin D-sub
DVI Video Output PortDVI-D
LAN PortRJ-45 (10/100/1000 Base-T)

System Information

ParameterValue
Operating SystemWindows Embedded Standard 7

Compliance

ParameterValue
EMC ComplianceIEC 61326-1 / EN 61326-1, CISPR 11 / EN 55011 Class A
Safety ComplianceIEC 61010-1 / EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1

Connectivity

ParameterValue
USB Device Port1 × USB 2.0 Type-B (rear panel, USBTMC compliant)

Measurements

ParameterValue
Transmitter PresetsGSM, EDGE, W-CDMA, CDMA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, WiMAX, WLAN, Bluetooth, Radar

Technology

Diode peak power sensor measurement technology

Applications

RF and microwave pulse power analysis, radar system testing, wireless transceiver measurements