The Hewlett Packard 8591A is a portable spectrum analyzer covering 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz, designed for RF signal analysis in laboratory and field environments. This unit combines wide frequency coverage with amplitude measurement capability from -115 dBm to +30 dBm, making it suitable for characterization, troubleshooting, and compliance testing across multiple frequency bands. Equipped with Options 021 and 103, this analyzer delivers precise frequency and amplitude data with selectable resolution and video bandwidths.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz
• Frequency accuracy: ±(frequency readout × frequency reference error + 3% of span + 20% of RBW + 1.5 kHz)
• Frequency reference aging: ±1 × 10⁻⁷/day
• Frequency span: 0 Hz to 1.8 GHz with ±3% accuracy
• Sweep time: 20 ms to 100 s
• Standard frequency reference stability: ±5 × 10⁻⁶ (temperature), ±0.5 × 10⁻⁶ (settability)
Amplitude Characteristics
• Amplitude range: -115 dBm to +30 dBm
• Input attenuator: 0 to 70 dB in 1 dB steps with ±0.25 dB uncertainty
• Maximum safe input: +30 dBm (1 watt) continuous at 50 ohm
• Displayed average noise level: <-106 dBm
• Reference level accuracy: ±3% of reference level
Resolution & Video Bandwidth
• Resolution bandwidth: 30 Hz to 1 MHz (1, 3, 10 increments) with ±30% accuracy
• RBW shape: Gaussian
• Video bandwidth: 1 kHz to 3 MHz (1, 3, 10 increments) with ±20% accuracy
– Key Features
• HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface via Option 021 for remote control and data acquisition
• Selectable input attenuator with 1 dB resolution for dynamic range optimization
• Gaussian resolution bandwidth filters for precise spectral measurement
• Probe power outputs: +15 V dc ±17% and -12.6 V dc ±10% (150 mA max each)
• BNC RF input connectors (50 ohm standard)
• External reference and trigger inputs for synchronized measurements
– Typical Applications
• Signal source verification and characterization
• Interference and noise analysis
• Transmitter and receiver testing
• Frequency stability assessment
• In-situ field measurements
– Compatibility & Integration
Option 021 enables HP-IB remote operation for automated test sequences and data logging. External reference input accommodates precision frequency standards. Probe power outputs support active probe operation for extended measurement capability.
