Agilent / Keysight 8596E Portable Spectrum Analyzer, 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight 8596E Portable Spectrum Analyzer operates from 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz, delivering signal analysis across RF, microwave, and digital applications. Built for field operations and laboratory environments, this instrument combines frequency-synthesized accuracy with low phase noise and exceptional dynamic range to resolve weak signals in crowded spectral environments.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 12.8 GHz


• Frequency synthesized accuracy: 2.1 kHz at 1 GHz (210 Hz optional with precision reference)


• Phase noise: -105 dBc at 30 kHz offset Dynamic Range & Sensitivity


• Second-order dynamic range: 77 dB


• Third-order dynamic range: 90 dB


• Displayed average noise level: -112 dBm (at 1 kHz RBW)


• Sensitivity (30 Hz RBW): -125 dBm to -115 dBm (400 kHz to 12.8 GHz)


• Calibrated amplitude range: +30 dBm to -130 dBm (with Option 130)


• Calibrated on-screen display range: 70 dB Resolution Bandwidth


• Standard RBW: 1 kHz to 3 MHz


• Optional narrow RBW: 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz (3 dB bandwidths)


• Optional EMI bandwidths: 200 Hz, 9 kHz, 120 kHz (6 dB bandwidths) Amplitude Accuracy


• Absolute accuracy: ±0.75 dB


• Frequency response: ±1.0 dB


• Reference level range: 0 dBm to -59.9 dBm Distortion Performance


• Second-order distortion: -70 dBc (two -30 dBm tones, >50 kHz separation)


• Third-order intermodulation distortion: -65 dBc (≥30 kHz offset, -20 dBm tone)


• Residual responses: <-90 dBm (input terminated, 0 dB attenuation) Sweep Characteristics


• Sweep time: 20 ms to 100 s; zero span sweeps from 2 microseconds per division

Key Features

• Four-slot cardcage for optional circuit cards


• CRT monochrome display with split-screen zoom capability


• Measurement personalities for Cable TV, EMC, digital cellular radio, RF communication, and noise-figure analysis


• One-button measurements including adjacent channel power

Compatibility & Integration

• HP-IB (IEEE-488)


• RS-232-C


• Parallel printer interface


• Dual interface options available