HP / Agilent 3586C Selective Level Meter

The HP/Agilent 3586C Selective Level Meter is a precision instrument for measuring individual signal components within complex waveforms across telecommunications, audio, sonar, and HF radio applications. Operating from 200 Hz to 32.5 MHz on 50/75 Ω inputs, it delivers amplitude measurement capability from +20 dBm to -120 dBm with ±0.2 dB accuracy in its primary operating band. The instrument combines three selectable bandwidths (20 Hz, 400 Hz, 3100 Hz) with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution and a built-in counter for harmonic and intermodulation analysis. A noise floor near -115 dBm and passband flatness of ±0.3 dB enable detection of low-level signals in dense RF environments.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 200 Hz to 32.5 MHz (50/75 Ω unbalanced input); 50 Hz to 108 kHz (600 Ω balanced); 100 Hz to 100 kHz (600 Ω bridged)
• Frequency Resolution: 0.1 Hz
• Center Frequency Accuracy: ±1 × 10⁻⁵/year (±2 × 10⁻⁷/year with Option 004)
• Selectivity (3 dB Bandwidth): 20 Hz, 400 Hz, 3100 Hz
• Passband Flatness: ±0.3 dB
• Amplitude Measurement Range: +20 dBm to -120 dBm; specified to -100 dBm
• Amplitude Resolution: 0.01 dB
• Level Accuracy: ±0.2 dB (20 kHz–18 MHz); ±0.25 dB (18–32.5 MHz); ±0.4 dB (200 Hz–20 kHz)
• Noise Floor: Approximately -115 dBm
• Image Rejection: -80 dBc (100–132 MHz)
• IF Rejection: -80 dBc at 15.625 kHz; -60 dBc at 50 MHz
• Harmonic Distortion: -75 dBc (>4 kHz, low distortion mode)
• Intermodulation Distortion: 2nd and 3rd order in-band at ≤78 dB below full scale (20 kHz–1 MHz separation)
• Input Impedances: 50 Ω, 75 Ω, 600 Ω balanced, 600 Ω bridged, 10 kΩ unbalanced

– Key Features

• Built-in counter for harmonic and intermodulation measurements
• HP-IB programmable interface for automated test integration
• Multiple input impedance options for diverse measurement scenarios
• 100 dB dynamic range after calibration
• Approximately 20 kg weight

– Typical Applications

Signal analysis in telecommunications, audio systems, sonar, and HF radio design, manufacturing, and field maintenance.

– Compatibility & Integration

Designed to work with the HP 3336C Synthesizer/Level Generator for automatic tracking measurements.