The HP/Agilent 3585A is a high-performance spectrum analyzer for signal analysis from 20 Hz to 40 MHz. It delivers exceptional frequency measurement accuracy, superior sensitivity down to -152 dBm, and 70 dB dynamic range without attenuator switching. The instrument supports continuously variable frequency span (1 kHz to 40 MHz), adjustable resolution bandwidth (1 Hz to 1 MHz), and multiple detector modes including peak, sample, and averaging. Equipped with IEEE-488 GPIB control, external reference input, and IF output for further processing, the 3585A serves research, development, and production environments requiring detailed spectral characterization. Third-order intercept of +15 dBm and spurious-free dynamic range exceeding 70 dB ensure low-distortion measurements across demanding signal scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Analysis Bandwidth: 20 Hz to 40 MHz
• Frequency Span: 1 kHz to 40 MHz continuously variable
• Resolution Bandwidth: 1 Hz to 1 MHz in 1-2-5 steps
• Frequency Accuracy: ±(frequency span/1000 + 1 Hz)
• Reference Frequency Stability: ±2 ppm per year
Amplitude Measurement
• Dynamic Range: 70 dB (without attenuator switching)
• Displayed Average Noise Level: -152 dBm (typical, 10 MHz, 1 Hz RBW)
• Input Attenuator: 0 to 60 dB in 10 dB steps
• Vertical Accuracy: ±0.5 dB
• Amplitude Units: dBm, dBV, V, dBmV, dBuV, W, dBW, Vrms, Vpeak
• Scale Factor: 10 dB/division, 5 dB/division, 2 dB/division, Linear
Signal Processing
• Video Bandwidth: 0.01 Hz to 10 kHz in 1-3-10 steps
• Detector Modes: Peak, Sample, Average (RMS, Logarithmic)
• Sweep Time: Auto-optimized or manual selection
Linearity & Distortion
• Third Order Intercept: +15 dBm (typical)
• Second Order Intercept: +20 dBm (typical)
• Spurious-Free Dynamic Range: >70 dB (typical)
• Harmonic Distortion: <-70 dBc (typical, 10 MHz, +10 dBm input)
Interfaces & Power
• RF Input: Type N female, 50 Ω
• External Reference: BNC female, 1 MΩ
• Trigger & IF Output: BNC female connectors
• GPIB: IEEE-488 standard
• Line Voltage: 100/120/220/240 VAC ±10%
• Power Consumption: ~250 VA
• Line Frequency: 48 to 66 Hz
– Key Features
• Selectable amplitude units support multiple measurement conventions
• Adjustable video bandwidth minimizes noise floor while preserving signal fidelity
• Average noise level measurement for precise noise characterization
• Manual or automatic sweep optimization
– Typical Applications
• Real-time signal monitoring and spectral analysis
• Electronic component characterization and validation
• EMC pre-compliance testing
• Low-level signal detection and measurement
– Compatibility & Integration
GPIB interface enables remote control and automated data acquisition in test system configurations. External reference input and IF output support synchronized operation and signal chain extensions.
