Agilent / Keysight 8590C Spectrum Analyzer

The Agilent/Keysight 8590C Spectrum Analyzer is a general-purpose RF and microwave test instrument engineered for signal characterization, troubleshooting, and detailed spectral analysis across laboratory and field environments. It delivers synthesized tuning with precise frequency accuracy, configurable resolution and video bandwidth controls, and optional measurement capabilities including noise figure, digital demodulation, and EMC compliance analysis.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Coverage: 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz standard; variants extend to 26.5 GHz. Frequency accuracy: ±2.1 kHz at 1 GHz via built-in counter.

Amplitude Range: −115 dBm to +30 dBm. Dynamic range to 106 dB available (TG feedthrough ≤ −106 dBm with Option 010).

Resolution Bandwidth: Selectable narrowband options include 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, and 300 Hz for closely spaced signal separation and EMI measurement compliance.

Phase Noise: Approximately 105 dBc/Hz at 30 kHz offset—enabling recovery of small signals adjacent to strong carriers.

Tracking Generator: Built-in generator to 2.9 GHz for scalar network and EMC measurements.

– Key Features

• Time-gated spectrum analysis for burst-modulated and time-domain separated signals
• Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) capability for rapid AM component characterization
• One-button measurement routines: Third Order Intercept (TOI), Adjacent Channel Power (ACP), signal bandwidth
• Quasi-peak detector option for EMC/EMI testing
• Optional digital demodulators for modulation accuracy in digital wireless applications
• Optional swept noise figure and gain measurements to 2.9 GHz (with external noise source and preamplifier)
• Configurable limit lines with pass/fail messaging for rapid compliance verification
• Standard and quasi-peak detector types

– Typical Applications

RF/microwave component characterization, EMC/EMI compliance testing, signal integrity analysis, adjacent channel power verification, burst signal analysis, and scalar network measurements in research, manufacturing, and field service environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Synthesized local oscillator architecture supports external noise sources and preamplifiers for extended measurement capabilities. Compatible with standard test configurations requiring scalar or EMC measurement configurations to 2.9 GHz.