The Agilent/Keysight 8591C is a spectrum analyzer purpose-built for RF and video signal analysis in cable television systems. Operating from 1 MHz to 1.8 GHz, it delivers non-interfering measurements across CATV infrastructure without disrupting service. The instrument combines automated one-button measurements with manual troubleshooting flexibility, supported by a 75 Ω input impedance and 20 millisecond RF sweep time.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 1 MHz to 1.8 GHz
• RF sweep time: 20 ms
• Frequency response accuracy: ±1.5 dB
• Reference level accuracy: Calibrated 0.1 to –70 dB from reference (log scale)
• Marker readout resolution: 0.05 dB (log scale)
Signal Conditioning
• Input impedance: 75 Ω
• Built-in preamplifier: 24 dB gain (specified to 1 GHz), auto-switched for 0–20 dBmV signal levels
Memory & Storage
• Internal non-volatile RAM: 32 Kbytes
• State and trace storage: 50 (internal); 24 (with Agilent 85702A RAM card)
Physical & Environmental
• Display: Analog+ display
• Warm-up time: 30 minutes
• Package: Rugged, portable, weather-resistant
• Video format: NTSC standard; PAL and SECAM optional
– Key Features
• Automatic carrier tuning for cable TV and broadcast signals
• Visual and aural carrier level and frequency measurement
• Carrier-to-noise (C/N) measurement with ±1 dB accuracy (single channel)
• Composite Second Order (CSO) and Composite Triple Beat (CTB) distortion analysis
• Crossmodulation (xmod) measurement: 60 dB range, 0.1 dB resolution, ±2 dB accuracy (< 40 dB)
• In-channel frequency response and system frequency response analysis
• Hum and low-frequency disturbance detection
• Optional tracking generator (Option 011): +42.8 dBmV to –27.2 dBmV output with 0.1 dB resolution
• Optional video measurements (Option 107): differential gain, differential phase, chrominance-luminance delay inequality
• Configurable gate delay: 1 µs to 65.535 ms, 1 µs resolution
– Typical Applications
• Cable TV system testing and commissioning
• In-service RF signal troubleshooting
• System channel surveys and ingress/co-channel interference detection
• Digital carrier power and modulation depth measurements
• Video signal quality assessment (with Option 107)
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports external RAM card storage via Agilent 85702A module. Tracking generator and video measurement capabilities available via factory options.
