Agilent / Keysight N1996A CSA Spectrum Analyzer

The Agilent/Keysight N1996A CSA Spectrum Analyzer is a portable instrument engineered for signal analysis from 100 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz. It delivers low noise floor performance, wide dynamic range, and excellent distortion characteristics across RF and microwave testing, troubleshooting, field installation, and benchtop R&D applications.

Technical Specifications

The N1996A achieves a displayed average noise level (DANL) of -128 dBm typical, improving to -146 dBm with the optional preamplifier. Noise spectral density reaches -138 dBm/Hz, or -156 dBm/Hz with preamplifier. Third-order intercept (TOI) is +18 dBm nominal; 1 dB compression point is +13 dBm nominal. Phase noise measures -85 dBc/Hz typical. Resolution bandwidth spans 10 Hz to 5 MHz, with 10% adjustable steps from 10 Hz to 200 kHz, plus fixed steps at 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 510 kHz, 1 MHz, 3 MHz, and 5 MHz. Video bandwidth ranges 1 Hz to 8 MHz, with 50 MHz wide-open mode. The electronic input attenuator provides 40 dB range in 1 dB steps. Overall amplitude accuracy is ±0.5 dB. Display features an 8.4-inch XGA TFT-LCD (1024 × 768 resolution).

Key Features

• Auto-tune, auto-scale, and auto-range functions reduce training time and accelerate measurements


• Battery operation enables portable field deployment


• Optional stimulus-response measurement suite covers two-port insertion loss, one-port insertion loss, distance-to-fault (DTF), and return loss


• Adjacent channel power and occupied bandwidth measurements for modulated signal analysis


• Optional AM/FM modulation analysis: AM demodulation to 100% modulation depth; FM demodulation to 40 kHz peak deviation (100 kHz–10 MHz) or 400 kHz peak deviation (10 MHz–3/6 GHz); modulation rates from 20 Hz to 10 kHz or 50 Hz to 200 kHz depending on carrier frequency


• Optional spectrogram measurement suite


• Optional signal source and stimulus/response suite extend operation to 10 MHz

Typical Applications Signal characterization, RF troubleshooting, component testing, cable and filter insertion loss measurements, modulation quality assessment, and spectral monitoring in manufacturing, field service, and laboratory environments.

Compatibility & Integration Expandable through optional modules and accessories. Stimulus-response measurements require appropriate device under test, filters, and cables per measurement type.