Agilent/Keysight 8594E

The Agilent/Keysight 8594E is a portable RF spectrum analyzer that converts higher frequencies using super-heterodyne receiver principles and displays signal strength against frequency on a CRT screen. Operating from 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz, it delivers calibrated amplitude measurement from +30 dBm to −130 dBm with a 70 dB display range. The instrument combines fast sweep capability (20 ms to 100 seconds, with 2 microseconds per division available in zero span) with flexible resolution bandwidth options: standard 1 kHz, EMI filters at 9 kHz and 120 kHz, and optional narrow bandwidths down to 30 Hz.

Phase noise of −105 dBc at 30 kHz offset and dynamic range performance (77 dB second-order, 90 dB third-order) support demanding signal analysis. Frequency synthesizer accuracy is ±2.1 kHz at 1 GHz, refinable to ±210 Hz with optional precision reference. The split-screen CRT with zoom window accommodates simultaneous multi-view analysis.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz


• Calibrated Amplitude Range: +30 dBm to −130 dBm (with Option 130)


• Display Range: 70 dB (calibrated)


• Resolution Bandwidth: 1 kHz standard; 9 kHz, 120 kHz EMI filters; 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 200 Hz optional (Option 130)


• Sweep Time: 20 ms to 100 seconds; 2 microseconds per division in zero span (Option 101)


• Phase Noise: −105 dBc at 30 kHz offset


• Dynamic Range: 77 dB second-order, 90 dB third-order


• Frequency Synthesizer Accuracy: ±2.1 kHz at 1 GHz (±210 Hz with Option 004)


• Log Incremental Accuracy (0 to −60 dB): ±0.4 dB/4 dB


• Maximum Input Power: +50 dBm (100 W) for <10 µs pulse, <1% duty cycle with 230 dB attenuation


• Display: CRT monochrome with split-screen and zoom capability

Key Features

• Marker table, N dB bandwidth, and third-order intercept (TOI) measurements


• Percent AM, adjacent channel power, channel power, and occupied bandwidth analysis


• Marker-based frequency counter


• Downloadable measurement personalities for cable TV, broadcast, EMC, and wireless applications


• Time-gated spectrum analysis (Option 105)


• AM/FM demodulation (Option 102)


• Quasi-peak detector support

Typical Applications

• Site monitoring and interference detection


• Antenna isolation and co-channel interference analysis


• Intermodulation distortion assessment


• Microwave and satellite antenna alignment

Compatibility & Integration Calibrator output: −20 dBm ±0.4 dB; +28.75 dBmV ±0.4 dB. Absolute frequency response ±1.5 dB referenced to 300 MHz CAL OUT.