HP / Agilent 3586B Selective Level Meter

The HP/Agilent 3586B Selective Level Meter is a precision instrument for telecommunications signal analysis in Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) systems. It delivers simultaneous frequency and amplitude measurements across voice channels and carrier frequencies from 200 Hz to 32.5 MHz, with 0.1 Hz resolution and 9-digit LED display. The instrument supports multiple balanced and unbalanced input configurations - 75 Ω, 124 Ω, 135 Ω, and 600 Ω - accommodating diverse network topologies.

Amplitude measurement spans +25 dBm to -120 dBm with 0.01 dB resolution and noise floors as low as -120 dBm. Selectivity is addressed through CCITT-standard 3 dB bandwidths (20 Hz, 400 Hz, 3100 Hz), psophometric weighting options, and image/IF rejection exceeding -80 dBc. The 3586B integrates demodulated audio output, transmission impairment analysis (impulse noise, phase jitter, signal-to-noise ratio with tone), and full HP-IB programmability.

Center frequency accuracy reaches ±1 × 10⁻⁵/year, upgradeable to ±2 × 10⁻⁷/year with Option 004. Wideband power accuracy spans 100 dB with ±0.35 dB performance in critical 4 kHz to 10 MHz band. Intermodulation and harmonic distortion measurements operate at 75 dB and 70 dB below full scale respectively.

Designed for Bell standards compliance, the 3586B suits design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance workflows.

Technical Specifications

• Coverage: 200 Hz to 32.5 MHz


• Resolution: 0.1 Hz


• Center frequency accuracy: ±1 × 10⁻⁵/year (±2 × 10⁻⁷/year with Option 004)


• Counter accuracy: ±1.0 Hz Amplitude Measurement


• Range: +25 dBm to -120 dBm


• Resolution: 0.01 dB


• Wideband power accuracy (4 kHz to 10 MHz): ±0.35 dB


• Noise floor: -120 dBm (10 kHz to 100 kHz); -116 dBm (100 kHz to 32.5 MHz) Selectivity & Rejection


• CCITT bandwidths: 20 Hz, 400 Hz, 3100 Hz


• IF rejection: -80 dBc @ 15625 Hz; -60 dBc @ 50 MHz


• Image rejection (100–132 MHz): -80 dBc


• Spurious rejection: >1600 Hz offset: -80 dBc Signal Inputs


• 75 Ω unbalanced (200 Hz to 32.5 MHz)


• 600 Ω balanced (100 Hz to 108 kHz)


• 124 Ω & 135 Ω balanced (4 kHz to 10 MHz & 1 MHz respectively) Demodulation


• Audio output: 0 dBm into 600 Ω load


• Measurement units: dBmO, dBrnCO, dBpWO

Key Features

• Multi-standard input impedance support for FDM systems


• Programmable via HP-IB interface


• Optional 1740 Hz equivalent noise bandwidth filter (Option 002)


• Transmission impairment analysis: impulse noise, phase jitter, signal-to-noise with tone


• Low-distortion mode for 75 Ω and 600 Ω inputs

Typical Applications

• Telecommunications carrier and voice channel measurement


• FDM signal analysis in design and manufacturing


• Network installation and maintenance testing


• Bell standard compliance verification

Compatibility & Integration Full HP-IB programmability enables integration into automated test systems. WECO connectors standardize interface with telecommunications equipment.