The Tektronix 496 Spectrum Analyzer is a portable instrument for high-performance spectrum analysis across 1 kHz to 1.8 GHz. It delivers an 80 dB display dynamic range with calibrated amplitude readout from -123 dBm to +40 dBm, making it suitable for signal monitoring, interference analysis, and component testing in benchtop and field environments. An internal microcomputer simplifies operation while digital storage capabilities—including peak detection, signal averaging, Max Hold, and multiple comparison modes—enable rapid characterization of complex signals. The instrument achieves -127 dBm sensitivity at 30 Hz resolution bandwidth with frequency resolution down to 1 kHz in Delta-F mode. Intermodulation products are suppressed to 70 dB or better, and phase noise sidebands remain at least -75 dBc at 30 times the RBW offset. Selectable 50 Ohm/75 Ohm input impedance accommodates diverse RF sources. The 496P variant adds GPIB programmability for automated test system integration, enabling remote control and macro programming with 8 K capacity.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 1 kHz to 1.8 GHz
• Center Frequency Resolution (Delta-F Mode): 1 kHz
• Resolution Bandwidth: 30 Hz to 1 MHz in decade steps above 100 Hz
• RBW Shape Factor: 15:1 or less at 30 Hz; 7.5:1 or less for greater bandwidths
• Display Dynamic Range: 80 dB
• Calibrated Reference Level: -123 dBm to +40 dBm
• Sensitivity (at 30 Hz RBW): -127 dBm
• Frequency Response: 1.5 dB
• Amplitude Comparison Steps: 0.25 dB
• Intermodulation Products: 70 dB or better suppression
• Harmonic Distortion: -60 dBc or better
• Phase Noise Sidebands: ≥-75 dBc at 30 × RBW offset
• Incidental FM: 10 Hz p-p (reduced by automatic phase lock)
• Input Impedance: 50 Ohm/75 Ohm selectable
– Key Features
• Digital storage with peak detection and signal averaging
• Max Hold and Save modes for transient capture
• Occupied bandwidth and noise normalization functions
• Macro programming capability (8 K)
• Calibrated amplitude readout in dBm or dBmV
– Typical Applications
• EMI/RFI characterization and troubleshooting
• Component and subsystem RF performance validation
• Field signal monitoring and interference location
• Benchtop spectral analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
The 496P model features GPIB interface for integration into automated test equipment and remote control applications.
