Which models support a tracking generator option?

The 8591A, 8591E, and 8596E support tracking generator configurations. For example, Option 010 provides a 50 Ω tracking generator on the 8591A and 8591E, while the 8591A also offers Option 011 for a 75 Ω version.

How do the standard and optional resolution bandwidths (RBW) compare?

Most models, including the 8594E, 8591E, 8593E, and 8595E, have a standard RBW range of 1 kHz to 3 MHz. To resolve closely spaced signals, Option 130 narrows this range down to 30 Hz on the 8591E, 8593E, 8591A, 8595E, and 8596E. The 8594E can reach down to 10 Hz using Option 101.

Can the microwave analyzers measure frequencies above 22 GHz?

Yes. While the Keysight 8593E has a standard upper limit of 22 GHz, its frequency range can be expanded to 26.5 GHz by installing Option 026.

Keysight 8590 Series Spectrum Analyzers

8 models with full specifications from Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP).

The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) 8590 Series is a legacy family of portable spectrum analyzers widely utilized for RF, microwave, and cable TV testing. Designed to balance portability with lab-grade measurement capabilities, these instruments support diverse applications including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, wireless communications, component testing, and lightwave measurements. The family is divided into standard RF analyzers, high-frequency microwave units, and application-specific configurations like the cable TV (CATV) test models. They feature modular architectures, often incorporating a four-slot cardcage for optional plug-in cards, and support one-button measurement routines to simplify field and bench troubleshooting.

Frequency Limits: 9 kHz to 22 GHz (up to 26.5 GHz with Option 026)
Standard Input Impedance: 50 Ω (75 Ω specialized)
Form Factor: Portable with split-screen capability
Options Cardcage: Four-slot internal capacity (8590E Series)

Models in this series

Model	Type	Frequency Range	Operating Temperature	RF Input Impedance
8594E	Portable	9 kHz to 2.9 GHz	0 to 50 °C	50 ohms
8591E	Agilent	9 kHz to 1.8 GHz	0 to +55 °C	50 Ω (standard) / 75 Ω (Option 001)
8593E	Portable	9 kHz to 22 GHz (up to 26.5 GHz with Option 026)	0 to +55	50 Ω
8591A	Agilent	9 kHz to 1.8 GHz	0 to +55 °C	50 Ω (Standard) / 75 Ω (Option 001)
8595E	Portable	9 kHz to 6.5 GHz	0 to 55	—
8596E	Microwave	9 kHz to 12.8 GHz	0 to +55	50 Ω
8591C	Cable TV	1 MHz to 1.8 GHz	0 to +55	75 Ω
8590A	Portable	10 kHz to 1.5 GHz	—	50 Ω (nominal)

General Purpose RF Analyzers

The entry-level and intermediate RF models in this series are optimized for testing signals up to 2.9 GHz. The 8590A serves as a basic RF instrument, covering 10 kHz to 1.5 GHz with a menu-driven interface, zero-span capability, and a digital, parallax-free graticule.

Moving up in frequency and configuration options, the 8591A and 8591E both cover 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz. The 8591A offers customizable configurations such as Option 010 (50 Ω tracking generator) or Option 011 (75 Ω tracking generator), alongside a choice between HP-IB and RS-232 remote control interfaces. The 8591E advances these features by incorporating an intuitive split-screen CRT, a phase noise specification of ≤ -105 dBc/Hz at 30 kHz offset, and support for Option 130, which extends resolution bandwidth (RBW) down to 30 Hz.

For broader RF bandwidth, the 8594E spans 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz. It features a monochrome LCD (with an optional color LCD), a standard resolution bandwidth of 1 kHz to 3 MHz, and can achieve a narrow 10 Hz RBW when equipped with Option 101.

Microwave Spectrum Analyzers

For high-frequency and microwave applications, the series provides specialized E-class models with multi-band preselectors and wider frequency ranges.

8595E: Operates from 9 kHz to 6.5 GHz. It includes built-in AM and FM demodulation with an audio output via an internal speaker and headphone jack, making it highly effective for wireless communication monitoring.
8596E: Spans 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz, dividing its operations into three distinct bands (Band 0: 9 kHz - 2.9 GHz; Band 1: 2.75 - 6.5 GHz; Band 2: 6.0 - 12.8 GHz). It also supports time-gated spectrum analysis through Option 105.
8593E: The highest-frequency unit in the series, covering 9 kHz to 22 GHz standard, and expandable to 26.5 GHz with Option 026. Like the other microwave models, it supports internal state and trace storage (up to 50 traces and 50 states).

Specialized Cable TV Measurement

The 8591C is a dedicated Cable TV spectrum analyzer covering 1 MHz to 1.8 GHz. Unlike the standard RF models which default to 50 Ω, the 8591C features a native 75 Ω RF input impedance to match CATV distribution systems. It is equipped with a built-in preamplifier, NTSC formatting, and automated, one-button FCC proof-of-performance measurement routines to facilitate non-interfering RF and video tests directly in the field.

Frequently asked questions

Which models support a tracking generator option?: The 8591A, 8591E, and 8596E support tracking generator configurations. For example, Option 010 provides a 50 Ω tracking generator on the 8591A and 8591E, while the 8591A also offers Option 011 for a 75 Ω version.
How do the standard and optional resolution bandwidths (RBW) compare?: Most models, including the 8594E, 8591E, 8593E, and 8595E, have a standard RBW range of 1 kHz to 3 MHz. To resolve closely spaced signals, Option 130 narrows this range down to 30 Hz on the 8591E, 8593E, 8591A, 8595E, and 8596E. The 8594E can reach down to 10 Hz using Option 101.
Can the microwave analyzers measure frequencies above 22 GHz?: Yes. While the Keysight 8593E has a standard upper limit of 22 GHz, its frequency range can be expanded to 26.5 GHz by installing Option 026.