Agilent N1996A Data Sheet

Traditional Agilent quality and reliability with

the performance you need, the convenience you want, and the price you can afford

Exceptional performance...
anytime, anywhere

Frequency coverage

• Frequency range: 100 kHz to 3 or 6 GHz

• Signal source: 10 MHz to 3 or 6 GHz

• Preamplifier to 3 or 6 GHz

Performance

• DANL: -156 dBm/Hz, normalized to 1 Hz

• Best-in-class dynamic range with +18 dBm TOI

• Overall amplitude accuracy: ±0.5 dB

Compact Design

• Weight: 7.5 kg with built-in signal source,
preamplifier, and VSWR bridge

• Battery life: 2 hours (typical)

Features

• Brightest, highest resolution display in its class
(21 cm XGA, 1024 x 768)

• 1 dB electronic step input attenuator

• 10 Hz to 5 MHz RBW standard, 10% adjustable
to 200 kHz, 1 Hz to 50 MHz VBW

• USB and LAN standard

Agilent CSA
Spectrum Analyzer

N1996A

2

The Agilent CSA Spectrum Analyzer

Light weight and portable

at 8.5 kg with batteries

Built-in preamplifier
increases sensitivity

VSWR bridge is built-in,
reducing the complexity

of stimulus/response

measurements

Signal source enables

system, cable, and

component measurements

Shallow depth of 25 cm

(with bumpers)

conserves bench space

Built-in help

Bright, high resolution,

21.4 cm XGA display is

excellent for outdoor use

Easy user interface speeds measurement

process and reduces training time

USB 1.1 ports

simplify data

transfer and
connectivity

1 dB step

attenuator

(best in

class)

A general purpose spectrum analyzer is the engineer’s
most flexible test tool. The Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer
extends that flexibility with its performance, ease-of-use,
and unprecedented reliability.

Performance and quality you expect at a price you can afford

The Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer brings a level of performance not
seen previously in a compact spectrum analyzer. The highest dynamic
range in its price class is achieved with unmatched distortion
performance, substantial noise performance, and standard 10 Hz
resolution bandwidth. The instrument also offers overall amplitude
accuracy of ±0.5 dB. Now you get all of this capability and more, with
excellent reliability and low service and support costs.

Ease-of-use means
greater efficiency

The user interface is designed
to give expert users access to all
of the power of the Agilent CSA.
Logically grouped hard keys, soft
keys, and menus allow intuitive
control of parameters like input
attenuation, bandwidth, and
detector type. Features such as
auto-tune, auto-scale, auto-range,
1 dB step attenuator, built-in
preamp, and onboard help make
the Agilent CSA easy to use even
for non-experts.

3

Battery
compartment

AC adapter USB 1.1

100 base-T LAN

Frequency

reference in/out

External

trigger

Security

cable slot

Traditional Agilent quality
and reliability with the
performance you need, the
convenience you want, and
the price you can afford...

Connectivity is simple

Transport data to a PC easily via USB memory device. Download firmware
upgrades from the Web into the instrument. Remotely control your instruments
using SCPI commands over a 100 base-T LAN.

Easy to upgrade

Unique among our products, each Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer comes with
options installed, ready to be activated. This allows for easy upgrades, enabling
users to reconfigure the instrument as needs change. Signal source and
preamplifier upgrades may require service center calibration.

4

Accurate, Rugged, Dependable, and Flexible

The Agilent CSA is optimized for manufacturing
with its combination of high performance, modern
connectivity, and the industry’s best reliability.

The instrument was designed for fast sweep speeds

in narrow resolution bandwidths and fast in-

channel measurements, as well as the highest

achievable dynamic range in its price class.

Remote control via 100 Base T LAN and SCPI

reduce the complexity and time to develop
automation software, enhance compatibility
with existing systems, and reduce training time

for manufacturing staff. All of these attributes

are designed to reduce cost-of-test, while the

excellent reliability assures the lowest overall

cost of ownership.

Now you can afford the excellence of an
Agilent spectrum analyzer at each engineer’s
bench!

You get true Agilent performance with TOI of
+18 dBm, 10 Hz minimum RBW (1 Hz minimum
VBW) with 10% adjustability, and 1 dB step
attenuator. The large, bright, 21 cm, 1024 x 768
pixel, XGA display (best-in-class), convenient
form factor, and straightforward portability of
data with a USB memory device make the Agilent
CSA spectrum analyzer easy to use. Features like
auto-tune and auto-scale ensure that newer users
can quickly make use of this extensive performance
and capability.

5

The Agilent CSA’s field-ready features make it
an ideal choice for installation and maintenance
of today’s complex communication systems.

Weighing just 7.5 k (16.5 lbs) with rugged bumpers,

and a comfortable, adjustable bail handle, the

Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer is able to deliver

powerful measurement capability where and

when you need it. This analyzer has more than

two hours of battery life and a bright, high­resolution display, perfect for use in the field.
This instrument combines the functionality

of a general-purpose spectrum analyzer, net-

work analyzer, and power meter into a simple,

easy-to-use package. The built-in VSWR bridge,

optional internal signal source, and stimulus/

response measurement suite confirm the Agilent
CSA spectrum analyzer as the best installation and
maintenance solution in its price class.

Easy transformation between time and
frequency domains simplifies the understand­ing of digital modulation formats. Built-in help
and auto-setup features bring full spectrum
analysis capability into the hands of aspiring
experts. With the shallow form factor conserving
valuable lab bench space, exceptional perform­ance, and affordable price, the Agilent CSA spectrum
analyzer is a sensible addition to undergraduate and
technical teaching lab stations.

The Agilent CSA brings the power of spectrum
analysis to the teaching lab, enabling professors
to easily communicate signal theory to their
students.

6

New general purpose features

The Agilent CSA offers a wide range of innovative
features designed to assist non-expert users to
easily set up and make valid measurements. The
one button auto-tune function centers the largest
signal on screen and reduces the frequency span,
allowing the user to quickly zoom in. Auto-scale
sets the reference level and amplitude scale for best
signal viewing.
Auto-range performs
a full-band back­ground sweep,
optimizing input
attenuation and
preamplifier settings,
ensuring that
off-screen signals are
not compressing the
RF stage, assuring
accurate measure­ment results.

Communication channel measurements

The Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer includes a number
of communication system channel measurements,
allowing users to accurately assess the performance
of common wireless telephony and other channel­based communication systems and components. Using
preset format-based or custom parameters, the opera­tor can easily determine distortion levels and channel
power using the adjacent channel power function.
Similarly, the occupied bandwidth function quickly
determines power and bandwidth of signals with
complex modulation.

Measurements and Features

7

Return loss, cable fault, and insertion loss
capabilities

The Agilent CSA’s built-in signal source and
VSWR bridge enable a powerful range of scalar meas­urements not commonly found in general purpose
spectrum analyzers. With the stimulus/response
measurement suite, the Agilent CSA spectrum ana­lyzer can characterize active and passive single and
dual-port devices such as cables, filters, amplifiers,
multiplexers, antennas, and switches. Measurements
included are 1 and 2 port insertion loss, return loss,
and distance-to-fault. The combination of robust
capabilities and spectrum analysis tools can greatly
simplify and accelerate installation and mainte­nance of complex components and systems.

Use the spectrogram to analyze the stability of a
signal over time, or to detect and identify signals
interfering with the system of interest.

The spectrogram view is essentially a time capture
of spectral activity that can be optimized to focus
on an area of interest, detailing differences in the
frequency and amplitude of spectral components as
a function of time. A common use for spectrograms
is in the identification and eradication of unwant­ed interference in communications systems. Spectro­grams can also monitor the stability of a circuit or
system over time, temperature, vibration, etc.

8

The Agilent CSA’s optional modulation
measurement suite provides functional and
parametric analysis of AM and FM.

Whether you’re making modulation depth or
frequency deviation measurements for AM or FM
devices, the Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer gives
you the full range of metrics you need. The detailed
measurement information – including deviation,
modulation rate, distortion, SINAD, and carrier
power – ensures a full understanding of the modu­lation characteristics. Both time domain and
frequency domain views of the data allow you to
analyze the signal quickly from different perspectives.
The tune-and-listen option capability lets you hear
the signal and classify it based on its audio qualities.

Analyze pulsed signals

The CSA clearly and easily displays pulsed signals
in the frequency domain. You can measure the
amplitude difference between a CW signal and a
pulsed signal. The example to the right shows the
Sinx/x of a pulsed signal along with the associated
CW signal.

9

Specifications

Frequency

Range 100 kHz to 3 GHz (Option 503)

100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option 506)

Frequency readout accuracy ± {frequency indication x frequency reference accuracy +

1% x span + 10% x RBW + 0.5 x [span/(sweep points -1)] + 1Hz}

Internal reference accuracy ≤ ± 5 ppm/year (within 2 years of adjustment)

Aging rate ≤ ± 2 ppm/year
Temperature stability ≤ ± 1 ppm

Resolution bandwidth (RBW) 10 Hz to 200 kHz in 10% steps, 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 510 kHz, 1 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz
Selectivity (60 dB/3 dB bandwidth ratio) Digital, approximately Gaussian shape

Span > 0; RBW ≤ 200 kHz < 8.4:1 (nominal)
Span > 0; RBW ≥ 250 kHz < 4.5:1 (nominal)
Zero span; RBW ≤ 10 kHz < 6.5:1 (nominal)
Zero span; RBW ≤ 200 kHz < 3:1 (nominal)
Zero span 3 kHz to 5 MHz in 1, 3, 5 sequence, 250 kHz and 1.25 MHz

Accuracy

(RBW ≤ 200 kHz) < 2% zero span; < 7% span > 0 (nominal)
(RBW = 250 kHz, 300 kHz, 1 MHz, 3 MHz) < 4% zero span; < 4% span > 0 (nominal)

Video bandwidth (VBW) 1 Hz to 8 MHz and 50 MHz (wide open)

1 Hz to 10 Hz in 1 Hz steps
10 Hz to 3 MHz in 10% steps 4, 5, 6, 8, 30 MHz

Displayed average noise level (typical) Preamp on Preamp off Preamp on

10 Hz RBW 10 Hz RBW norm to 1 Hz
500 MHz -148 dBm -130 dBm -158 dBm/Hz
1 GHz -146 dBm -128 dBm -156 dBm/Hz
2 GHz -142 dBm -124 dBm -152 dBm/Hz
3 GHz -144 dBm -130 dBm -154 dBm/Hz
4 GHz -142 dBm -128 dBm -152 dBm/Hz
5 GHz -139 dBm -125 dBm -149 dBm/Hz
6 GHz -136 dBm -122 dBm -146 dBm/Hz

Phase noise -85 dBc at 10 kHz offset (500 MHz to 2.5 GHz, typical)

-124 dBc at 1 MHz offset (10 MHz to 2.2 GHz, nominal)

-82 dBc at 10 kHz offset (2.5 to 6 GHz, typical)

Sweep and trace update times

Sweep time setting range (zero span) 1 µs to 10 s*
Remote sweep and trace transfer

Span = 0 120 ms minimum
Span ≤ 100 MHz 300 ms
Span = 3 GHz 1 sec

Trace points Settable 2 to 1001, 401 default

Amplitude accuracy (20 to 30 °C)

Overall amp accuracy (95% confidence)
(20 to 30 °C, peak detector, preamplifier off, ±0.5 dB 10 MHz to 1 GHz
input signal 0 dBm to -50 dBm) ±0.6 dB 1 GHz to 3 GHz

±0.8 dB 3 GHz to 6 GHz

Absolute amp accuracy at 50 MHz ref ±0.4 dB
Frequency response ±0.7 dB 250 kHz to 10 MHz
(when RBW ≤ 200 kHz) ±0.4 dB 10 MHz to 1 GHz

±0.6 dB 1 GHz to 2.7 GHz

±0.7 dB 2.7 GHz to 3 GHz

±1.1 dB 3 GHz to 6 GHz

Scale fidelity ±0.2 dB (-10 to -80 dBm mixer level)
RBW switching ±0.3 dB

Attenuator switching ±0.2 dB (nominal)

* RBW dependent, refer to technical specifications for details

10

Amplitude

Maximum average continuous power +33 dBm
(Attenuator ≥ 19 dB)
Maximum DC 50 V dc

Input attenuator range 0 to 40 dB in 1 dB step
1 dB gain compression +13 dBm (nominal)

Spurs and residuals

Third order intermodulation
TOI (third order intercept) +18 dBm nominal
Second order harmonic (SHI) +45 dBm (> 700 MHz); +30 dBm (< 700 MHz)
Input related spurs < -60 dBc (with exceptions, as noted in the technical specifications)
Residuals < -90 dBm (with exceptions, as noted in the technical specifications)

Preamplifier 100 kHz to 3 GHz (Option P03)

100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option P06)

Gain 22 dB (nominal) < 2.7 GHz

18 dB (nominal) < 6 GHz

Stimulus/response suite 10 MHz to 3 or 6 GHz (N8995A Option SR3 or SR6)

General

Internal data storage 2 MB for user states and traces
Display 21.3 cm (8.4 inches), color, XGA TFT-LCD
Weight with batteries 8.5 kg
Weight without batteries 7.5 kg
Dimensions without bumpers and handles 17.7 x 42.5 x 23.2 cm
Operating temperature A/C power: 0 to 40 °C; battery power: 0 to 50 °C
Probe power output +15 V at 150 mA

-12 V at 150 mA

EMI compatibility

Radiated emissions CISPR 11, Class A
Conducted emissions CISPR 11, Class A

Input/output

RF input Type N, female (50 Ω)
Signal source output Type N, female (50 Ω)
USB-A USB 1.1 (low power device only)
LAN 10/100 Base-T RJ-45 connector
Reference out BNC (female), 10 MHz, 0 dBm nominal
Reference in BNC (female), 1 MHz, 2.048 MHz, 4.95 MHz, 10 MHz, 13 MHz, 15 MHz, 19.6608 MHz,

0.5 Hz (even second clock), -5 to +10 dBm nominal

External trigger input BNC (female)

AM/FM modulation analysis

Demodulation bandwidth ≤ 5 MHz
Modulation rate range

100 kHz ≤ fc ≤ 10 MHz 20 Hz to 10 kHz
10 MHz ≤ fc ≤ 3/6 GHz 50 Hz to 200 kHz

AM demodulation

Modulation depth 0 to 100%

Modulation rate accuracy
Rate < 1 kHz 1 Hz nominal
Rate ≥ 1 kHz < 0.1% nominal

AM depth accuracy ±3% of reading nominal

FM demodulation

Peak deviation

100 kHz ≤ fc ≤ 10 MHz Max 40 kHz
10 MHz ≤ fc ≤ 3/6 GHz Max 400 kHz

Modulation rate accuracy

Rate < 1 kHz 1 Hz nominal
Rate < 1 kHz < 0.1 % nominal

Specifications, continued

11

Ordering Information

Battery pack (2 batteries)

Stimulus/response calibration kit recommended

to improve the accuracy of the

stimulus/response measurement suite

(N1996A-SRK)

External battery charger

(batteries not included)

Transit case (hard cover)

Soft carrying case

N1996A-503 CSA base box 3 GHz (batteries not included)
N1996A-506 CSA base box 6 GHz (batteries not included)
N1996A-P03 Preamp 3 GHz
N1996A-P06 Preamp 6 GHz
N8995A-SR3 Stimulus/response suite (3 GHz)
N8995A-SR6 Stimulus/response suite (6 GHz)
N1996A-271 Spectrogram
N1996A-SRK Stimulus/response cal. kit
N1996A-1CM Rack-mount kit
N1996A-1CP Rack-mount kit with handles
N1996A-BAT Battery pack (2 batteries)
N1996A-BCG External battery charger
N1996A-SCC Soft carrying case
N1996A-HTC Transit case (hard cover)
N1996A-ABA Manual hard copy (English)
N1996A-ABJ Manual hard copy (Japanese)
N1996A-AB2 Manual hard copy (Simplified Chinese)
N1996A-0BW Service documentation
N1996A-AFM AM/FM tune and listen
N8996A-1FP AM/FM demodulation metrics

Configuration requirement notes

The Agilent CSA spectrum analyzer includes
documentation on a CD and an AC adapter.

1. The 3 GHz stimulus/response suite N8995A (Option SR3)
requires a frequency range of 100 kHz to 3 GHz (Option 503).

2. The stimulus/response suite N8995A (Option SR6)
requires a frequency range of 100 kHz to 6 GHz (Option 506).

3. The 3 GHz preamplifier (Option P03) is for use with the
100 kHz to 3 GHz frequency range (Option 503).

4. The 6 GHz preamplifier (Option P06) is for use with the
100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range (Option 506).

5. The N1996A-HTC transit case is designed to be used with
the N1996A-SCC soft carrying case.

6. N1996A-AFM AM/FM tune and listen is for both Option 503
and Option 506.

7. N8996A-1FP AM/FM Demodulation metric is for both
Option 503 and Option 506.

Remove all doubt

Our repair and calibration services will get
your equipment back to you, performing
like new, when promised. You will get
full value out of your Agilent equipment
throughout its lifetime. Your equipment
will be serviced by Agilent-trained techni­cians using the latest factory calibration
procedures, automated repair diagnostics
and genuine parts. You will always have the
utmost confidence in your measurements.

Agilent offers a wide range of additional
expert test and measurement services for
your equipment, including initial start-up
assistance onsite education and training,
as well as design, system integration, and
project management.

For more information on repair and
calibration services, go to

www.agilent.com/find/removealldoubt

www.agilent.com

For more information on Agilent
Technologies’ products, applications
or services, please contact your local
Agilent office. The complete list is
available at:

www.agilent.com/find/contactus

Phone or Fax

United States:

(tel) 800 829 4444
(fax) 800 829 4433

Canada:

(tel) 877 894 4414
(fax) 800 746 4866

China:

(tel) 800 810 0189
(fax) 800 820 2816

Europe:

(tel) 31 20 547 2111

Japan:

(tel) (81) 426 56 7832
(fax) (81) 426 56 7840

Korea:

(tel) [phone]
(fax) [phone]

Latin America:

(tel) [phone]

Taiwan:
(tel) 0800 047 866
(fax) 0800 286 331

Other Asia Pacific Countries:

(tel) (65) 6375 8100
(fax) (65) 6755 0042
Email: [e-mail]

Revised: 11/08/06

Product specifications and descriptions
in this document subject to change
without notice.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2006, 2007
Printed in USA, March 2, 2007
5989-3678EN

www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates

Get the latest information on the products
and applications you select.

www.agilent.com/find/agilentdirect

Quickly choose and use your test
equipment solutions with confidence.

www.agilent.com/find/open

Agilent Open simplifies the process of
connecting and programming test systems
to help engineers design, validate and
manufacture electronic products. Agilent
offers open connectivity for a broad range
of system-ready instruments, open industry
software, PC-standard I/O and global sup­port, which are combined to more easily
integrate test system development.

Agilent Email Updates

Microsoft®and Windows®are U.S.
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

Pentium®is a U.S. registered trademark of
Intel Corporation.

Agilent Direct

Agilent

Open