The Agilent/Keysight 8590A is a portable RF spectrum analyzer engineered for signal characterization across communications, CATV, and mobile radio applications. Operating from 10 kHz to 1.5 GHz (expandable to 1.79 GHz with Option HI8), it delivers amplitude measurements spanning -115 dBm to +30 dBm with excellent accuracy. The instrument combines a wide frequency span of 50 kHz to 1.5 GHz, adjustable resolution bandwidths from 30 Hz to 3 MHz, and sweep times ranging from 20 ms to 100 s, enabling detailed signal analysis across diverse RF environments.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 10 kHz to 1.5 GHz standard; up to 1.79 GHz with Option HI8
• Frequency span: 50 kHz to 1.5 GHz with 4-digit resolution
• Frequency accuracy: ±5 MHz (10 kHz to 1.79 GHz); ±(5 MHz + 1% of span)
• Sweep time: 20 ms to 100 s
Amplitude Characteristics
• Amplitude range: -115 dBm to +30 dBm (equivalent to 1 W, 7.1 Vrms)
• Noise floor: -115 dBm
• Amplitude accuracy: Excellent
Resolution Bandwidth
• Standard: 1 kHz to 3 MHz in 1, 3, 10 sequence
• Narrow options: 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz (EMI), 300 Hz
Input/Output
• RF input: 50 Ω BNC (standard); 75 Ω BNC optional
• Probe power: +15 V, -12.6 V, GND at 150 mA max
• Cal output: -20 dBm at 299.9 MHz (50 Ω); +28.75 dBmV at 299.9 MHz (75 Ω optional)
Physical & Environmental
• Dimensions: 213 mm (H) × 366 mm (W) × 460 mm (D)
• Weight: Approximately 30 pounds
• Operating temperature: 0° to 55°C
• Storage temperature: -40° to +75°C
• Power: 86–127 V or 195–253 V RMS, 47–66 Hz, 120 VA max
– Key Features
• CRT monochrome display with flicker-free, parallax-free graticule
• Portable design with support for battery operation via HP 85901A Power Source (≈2 hours runtime)
• Narrowband resolution options for EMI precompliance and precision measurements
– Typical Applications
• CATV signal analysis
• Mobile radio and cellular measurements
• RF communications testing
• EMI precompliance assessment
• Cable television system characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
• HP-IB interface (Option 021)
• HP-IL interface (Option 022)
• RS232C interface (Option 023)
• Direct printer and plotter output
• Rackmount kit with handles (Option 909)
• Compatible with external tracking generators
