Agilent / Keysight N1996A CSA Spectrum Analyzer

The Agilent/Keysight N1996A CSA Spectrum Analyzer is a portable instrument engineered for signal analysis from 100 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz. It delivers low noise floor performance, wide dynamic range, and excellent distortion characteristics across RF and microwave testing, troubleshooting, field installation, and benchtop R&D applications.

– Technical Specifications

The N1996A achieves a displayed average noise level (DANL) of -128 dBm typical, improving to -146 dBm with the optional preamplifier. Noise spectral density reaches -138 dBm/Hz, or -156 dBm/Hz with preamplifier. Third-order intercept (TOI) is +18 dBm nominal; 1 dB compression point is +13 dBm nominal. Phase noise measures -85 dBc/Hz typical.

Resolution bandwidth spans 10 Hz to 5 MHz, with 10% adjustable steps from 10 Hz to 200 kHz, plus fixed steps at 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 510 kHz, 1 MHz, 3 MHz, and 5 MHz. Video bandwidth ranges 1 Hz to 8 MHz, with 50 MHz wide-open mode. The electronic input attenuator provides 40 dB range in 1 dB steps. Overall amplitude accuracy is ±0.5 dB. Display features an 8.4-inch XGA TFT-LCD (1024 × 768 resolution).

– Key Features

• Auto-tune, auto-scale, and auto-range functions reduce training time and accelerate measurements
• Battery operation enables portable field deployment
• Optional stimulus-response measurement suite covers two-port insertion loss, one-port insertion loss, distance-to-fault (DTF), and return loss
• Adjacent channel power and occupied bandwidth measurements for modulated signal analysis
• Optional AM/FM modulation analysis: AM demodulation to 100% modulation depth; FM demodulation to 40 kHz peak deviation (100 kHz–10 MHz) or 400 kHz peak deviation (10 MHz–3/6 GHz); modulation rates from 20 Hz to 10 kHz or 50 Hz to 200 kHz depending on carrier frequency
• Optional spectrogram measurement suite
• Optional signal source and stimulus/response suite extend operation to 10 MHz

– Typical Applications

Signal characterization, RF troubleshooting, component testing, cable and filter insertion loss measurements, modulation quality assessment, and spectral monitoring in manufacturing, field service, and laboratory environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Expandable through optional modules and accessories. Stimulus-response measurements require appropriate device under test, filters, and cables per measurement type.