Agilent/Keysight M9290A

The Keysight M9290A CXA-m is a modular PXIe signal analyzer delivering RF and microwave analysis to 26.5 GHz in a compact form factor. It combines swept and FFT measurement modes to reduce test system footprint while maintaining measurement precision across component, device, board, and system-level testing. With configuration options spanning 3.0 GHz to 26.5 GHz maximum frequency and analysis bandwidth up to 25 MHz, the M9290A addresses demanding applications in military maintenance, avionics, radar, and electronic warfare environments.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum frequency options: 3.0 GHz, 7.5 GHz, 13.6 GHz, 26.5 GHz


• Minimum frequency: 10 MHz (AC coupled), 10 Hz (DC coupled)


• Analysis bandwidth: 10 MHz standard; 25 MHz with Option B25


• Resolution bandwidth: 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 10% steps, plus 4, 5, 6, 8 MHz


• Video bandwidth: 1 Hz to 3 MHz in 10% steps, 4, 5, 6, 8 MHz, 50 MHz wide open


• Frequency span: 0 Hz (zero span) to maximum instrument frequency Sensitivity and Dynamic Range


• DANL @ 1 GHz: −163 dBm


• DANL @ 2 GHz (no preamplifier): −149 dBm


• DANL @ 10 GHz (no preamplifier): −140 dBm


• Maximum dynamic range (3rd order) @ 1 GHz: 111 dB


• Phase noise @ 1 GHz (10 kHz offset): −110 dBc/Hz


• Phase noise @ 1 GHz (1 MHz offset): −132 dBc/Hz Measurement Accuracy


• Overall amplitude accuracy: ±0.5 dB


• RBW switching uncertainty (1 Hz to 3 MHz): ±0.15 dB referenced to 30 kHz


• Selectivity (−60 dB/−3 dB): 4.1:1 nominal


• Input VSWR (≥10 dB attenuation): <1.2 nominal (10 MHz to 3 GHz)

Key Features

• Dual-mode operation: swept and FFT analysis in single instrument


• Preamplifier options (P03, P07, P13, P26) for extended sensitivity


• Time gating: gated LO, gated video, and gated FFT methods


• Flexible triggering and synchronization for complex test setups

Typical Applications

• Military maintenance and field diagnostics


• Avionics component and system validation


• Radar signal characterization


• Electronic warfare signal analysis

Compatibility & Integration The M9290A integrates with Keysight X-Series and ESA spectrum analyzers, enabling code compatibility across R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance environments. PXIe form factor enables multi-instrument test systems.