Product Overview

AgilentSpectrum Analyzer MeasurementSolutions for GSM Systems

General purpose spectrum analysis with GSM transmittermeasurements in the field, in the rack or on the bench.

Agilent 8590 E-seriesAgilent 85727AAgilent 85715BAgilent 85722BAgilent 85722B Option H19

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Flexible spectrum analyzer with GSM application solutions

Whatever frequency band your GSM system operates in,Agilent Technologies’ portfolioof GSM measurement personal-ities for the Agilent 8590 E-series spectrum analyzerensures you have the right solution for your testing needs.

Performance and flexibilityOn the bench, in the rack or in the field, the 8590 E-series ofportable spectrum analyzers provides the measurement functionality to meet your testingneeds head on. AdvancedGSM900, DCS1800 and PCS1900measurements are blended withthe versatility and performanceof a multi-purpose spectrumanalyzer.

A change of personality Using the 8590 E-series spectrumanalyzer with one of Agilent’srange of GSM transmittermeasurement personalities completely transforms its mea-surement capabilities. ComplexGSM measurements are reducedto single button operations.Easy-to-use softkey menus arelabeled with familiar GSM mea-surement names. Results are dis-played real-time with standardGSM limit lines and masks.

Operating in more than one GSM band? The next generation of GSM systems offers inter-workingbetween GSM900, DCS1800 andPCS1900 systems. The 85727Ameasurement personality withthe 8590 E-series analyzer givesyou confidence that your newmultiband systems conform toworldwide GSM standards, andhelps guarantee that your newproducts or services are alignedwith the next stage of the evolution of the GSM market.

Complete transmitter testingBased on the GSM 05.05, 11.10and 11.21 specifications, themeasurement personalities pro-vide the capability to completelycharacterize the transmitterslisted below.

Key measurements include:• Phase and frequency error• Demodulated data display• Mean TX carrier power• Power versus time• Output RF spectrum• Intermodulation attenuation• Spurious emissions• Combiner tuning

• GSM multi-band 85727A

• GSM900 85715B

• DCS1800 85722B

• PCS1900 85722B Option H19

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GSM900/E-GSM/ R-GSM/DCS1800/PCS1900

On-site performanceFor Base Transceiver Station(BTS) installation, acceptancetesting or maintenance, the 8590E-series provides an unbeatablecombination of GSM perfor-mance and ease-of-use. The 8590E-series can also be customizedto take on other cellsite measure-ment challenges. For example,adding options and measure-ment personalities allowsdetailed characterization ofmicrowave links.

Manufacturing testEasy to integrate into GPIB controlled test systems, the 8590 E-series is ideal for manufactur-ing test. With measurements tailored to the demanding needsof high-volume production, it isespecially suited to RF modulepre-test, for mobiles or base stations. The ease-of-use andtroubleshooting power of the8590 E-series is also ideal forrepair and rework benches.

Research & developmentSpectrum analyzers are essen-tial measurement tools for allRF designers. The 8590 E-serieshas the performance for all your design needs, even up to26.5 GHz. With measurementpersonalities, the 8590 E-seriesbrings complex GSM tests andadvanced spectrum analysis tothe designer’s bench. Theoptional digital signal processorboards (Options 151 and 163)allow accurate GSM modulationmeasurement. Specialized andexpensive test equipment is nolonger necessary to analyzeGMSK modulation; the 8590 E-series brings the GSM phaseand frequency error measure-ment to every designer’s bench.

A multi-purpose test toolThe GSM transmitter measurement personalities aremembers of a large family ofsoftware and measurementboards for the 8590 E-series. Asa flexible measurement platform,the 8590 E-series can grow andchange with your company. IfGSM is today’s business, butCDMA, NADC, DECT or EMC istomorrow’s, the 8590 E-seriescan be upgraded to meet yourneeds.

Fit an analyzer to your frequencyrange needs Offering high quality spectrumanalysis with customized mea-surements, the 8590E series provides the right combinationof power and portability. Forspurious checking up to 26.5 GHz,the 8590 E-series of spectrumanalyzers have frequency rangeswhich match your requirementsand budget.

Frequency range (Ghz)

Model 0 1.8 2.9 6.5 12.8 22 26.5

8591E 9 kHz – 1.8 GHz

8594E 9 kHz – 2.9 GHz

8595E 9 kHz – 1.8 GHz

8596E 9 kHz – 12.8 GHz

8593E 9 kHz – 22 GHz

8593E/026 9 kHz – 26.5 GHz

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GSM900/E-GSM/ R-GSM/DCS1800/PCS1900 continued

Complete transmitter testing atthe press of a buttonBased on the GSM 05.05, 11.10and 11.21 specifications, the85727A, 85715B and 85722Bprovide the capability to completely characterizeGSM900, DCS 1800 or PCS1900 transmitters.

Key measurements include:

Power, frequency and timing measurement ...Tuning by channel number(ARCFN) for standard GSM, E-GSM, R-GSM, DCS1800 andPCS1900

• Automatic channel search• Mean TX carrier power• Burst ramp-up, on and

ramp-down power versus time mask

• Output RF spectrum• Intermodulation attenuation• Spurious emissions• Combiner tuning

Modulation accuracy measurements ...• Phase and frequency error• Demodulated data display

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BTS installation and maintenance

Ensured system qualityIf you are responsible for thetest and verification of GSM basestations you will be faced withmany problems that can reducethe quality of signal to and fromthe subscriber. The 8590 E-seriesof spectrum analyzers, with aGSM transmitter measurementpersonality has easy-to-use GSMmeasurement functionality,while providing the versatilityand performance of a great general-purpose spectrum analyzer.

As well as a full range of GSMRF measurements, the 8590 E-series analyzer with additionalmeasurement personality andoptional measurement hardwarecan offer:

• Stimulus response measurements • Flatness • SWR

• Spurious or interfering signal analysis (up to 26.5 GHz)

• Combiner tuning AM or FM demodulation (available option for interfering signal identification)

Base station and RF interfacetesting Whether you are performing RFmeasurements in the field orthe service depot, the ensuredRF performance a quality spec-trum analyzer can give, along-side more dedicated basestation test solutions, helpsguarantee that your RF inter-face is operating optimally andfree from interference.

Portable and rugged by designThe 8590 E-series spectrumanalyzer is ideal for demandingfield applications. A selection ofdurable carrying cases is avail-able that makes the analyzereasy to transport and protects itfrom moisture and dirt. Theanalyzer is fully operationalwithin the case so you neverneed to remove it.

Adding the 85901A portable ACpower source makes a trulycomplete mobile system.

More than just a BTS testerFor complete cell-site RF testing,the 85710A and 85713A digitalradio personalities or the11770A link measurement personality and hardwareoptions add the capability tocharacterize microwave links.You can make measurementssuch as group delay, amplitudeflatness, Diversity AntennaDelay Equalization (DADE) andIF return loss.

Eliminating the need for separatelink-analysis equipment providessignificant cost and space savings.

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Manufacturing

Ensured manufacturing qualityBeing responsible for the testand verification of GSM-basedassemblies or modules, you willknow that testing them involvessome complex RF measurementchallenges. The 8590 E-series ofspectrum analyzers provideseasy to use measurement func-tionality that ensures reducedoperator training and easy inte-gration into your existing testprocesses.

Reduce rework time and improveyield To guarantee that printed circuitassemblies pass into box-up andfinal test free from defects, the85727A offers pass/fail limitchecking on a number of com-plex RF tests at the press of asingle button. If an assemblyneeds rework, the flexibility andaccuracy of the Agilent 8590 E-series spectrum analyzer pro-vides all the capability neededfor RF circuit debugging.

General purpose manufacturingtest tool The 8590 E-series is ideal formanufacturing test. It is espe-cially suited to RF assembly ormodule pre-test, for both mobileand base station manufacture.The measurements are tailoredto the demanding needs of highvolume production. The 8590 E-series also offers ease-of-useand troubleshooting power idealfor repair and rework benches.

Easy test-system integration A comprehensive remote controlcommand language and productdocumentation, combined withAgilent’s world-wide network ofsupport centers, ensure trouble-free integration into GPIB controlled test systems.

FlexibilityTo help ensure that your invest-ment in test equipment with-stands the future evolution ofcellular communications, the8590 E-series spectrum analyzerhas a range of cellular and cord-less measurement personalitiesand hardware options. In addition to GSM, these includeCDMA, NADC, DECT and EMC.

High performance test solutionstailored to your needs Agilent Technologies realizesthat testing RF communicationssystems requires more than just good RF test equipment. We have the test hardware, software, computers, system integrators, consultants andtraining classes to provide allyou need to be successful. Fromoffering you single instruments,such as the 8590 E-series spectrum analyzer, to setting up complete test lines and programs — we can work withyou to meet your needs.

Team up with Agilent Agilent Technologies has earneda reputation as the premier testand measurement company, witha continued leadership in tech-nology. Agilent has also built astrong reputation for our techni-cal consulting and product sup-port services, focused onensuring that you receive thebest possible value from Agilentproducts.

Focus on your competencies Agilent Technologies can play alarger role, and is willing tounderstand your total test needsto provide a quality-engineered,integrated test solution thatmeets your unique requirements.This service allows you to focuson your core business, helpingyou manage your time andresources effectively, ultimatelycontributing to bringing yourproducts to market faster withincreased volume and cost savings.

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Advanced features fordesign and verification

Ensure design integrityThe design and verification ofGSM-based systems requirescomprehensive RF analysis. The 8590 E-series of spectrumanalyzers provides the essentialmeasurement functionality andflexibility that you would expectfrom an industry standardbench-top RF tool, as well as theability to perform standard GSMmeasurements. This powerfulalliance of a feature-rich general-purpose spectrum analyzer andGSM measurements in a singlebox helps you confidently provethe integrity of your designthroughout the product development cycle.

GSM testing plus powerful spectrum analysis In product design and verifica-tion it is imperative that yourtest equipment not only tests tothe requirements specified byGSM, but also ensures yourdesign is verified to the highestpossible standard. As well asoffering all the features of agreat general-purpose spectrumanalyzer, the 8590 E-series ana-lyzers have been designed to domore for you. The in-builtadvanced operation functionsgive you the features you needto verify your design.

Zoom windowAllows you to zoom in quickly onany portion of the display. Itsplits the display into two half-size displays: one half is youroriginal display; the other half isyour zoom window.

Peaks tableAutomatically determines theten largest peaks, and displaystheir values in a tabular formatby frequency or amplitude.

FFTAnalyze close in AM components.

Gate utilityAdvanced time-gated spectrumanalysis measurements out withthe GSM specification.

Built in RF diagnostic measurements

• Adjacent channel power

• Occupied bandwidth power

• Third-order intercept

• Percent AM

• N dB points bandwidth

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Remote control, data storage and analysis

Data storage and outputMeasurement data can be savedto internal memory or to exter-nal memory cards. Up to 50states and traces can be storedin the analyzer’s non-volatileinternal memory. You can alsosave entire displays to memorycards, including data tables andother on-screen text. Memorycards are available with 32, 128,256 or 512 Kbytes RAM.

With Agilent VEE (E2120E orE2111E) you can control theAgilent 8590 E-series analyzerusing GPIB or RS232, offeringfast and efficient direct I/O.Agilent VEE provides over 200math and analysis functions thatrange from elementary math tocalculus, digital signal process-ing, and regression analysis. Itbrings data and test results tolife with indicators, meters, XYplot and stripcharts. You can display complex data includingwaveforms and spectra on polarplots, Smith charts, and magni-tude and phase plots.

Agilent Benchlink (E4444A) is asoftware program that providesa method of easily transferringmeasurement results from the8590 E-series spectrum analyzerto a PC. It can be used to cap-ture screen and trace data overGPIB or RS-232 interfaces forthe purposes of analysis orarchiving. Screen images can besaved as PCX, TIF, GIF, HP-GLand BMP formats. Trace data foranalysis is in the form of frequency/amplitude pairs andcan be exported to many popu-lar spreadsheet programs.Instrument setups may also bestored and recalled to recreateprevious instrument settings.

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Specifications

Specifications describe the instrument’s fully warranted performance and apply after a 30minute warm-up. Supplemental characteristics(shown in italics) are intended to provide additional information, useful in applying theinstrument, by giving typical (expected) but non-warranted performance parameters.

A positive or negative TTL transition is required tosynchronize the measurement system with thetransmitter under test. The synchronization signalmust occur once per GSM (GSM900, DCS1800 orPCS1900) frame. A trigger signal is required forthe carrier power, power vs. time, ORFS, data bitdemodulation, and phase and frequency errormeasurements.

Minimum specifications for the required preampli-fier, used in spurious and intermodulation measurements are: noise figure of <10 dB, gain of>22 dB, SWR of 1.7. Minimum specifications forthe required bandpass filter centered on thereceive band: insertion loss <4 dB, band rejection>90 dB outside of the receive band.

General

Safe maximum input power Total power: <+30 dBm or 1 watt

Power levels >+30 dBm require an external attenu-ator. (Specifications and characteristics havebeen written assuming a 30 dB input powerattenuator. The recommended power attenuatoris 8498A Option 030. Using this attenuator, thesystem input power range is +43 to +13 dBm.Higher or lower values of input power can beaccommodated by using different input powerattenuators.)

Internal frequency reference (Option 004):Aging ±1 x 10-7/year

Typical measurement speed:(Does not include set-up time)

1 burst 10 burstsPhase and frequency error 2 sec 20 secCarrier power 3 sec 8 secPower vs time 4 sec 8 secOutput RF spectrum (swept) 5 sec 24 secSpurious emissions 40 secIntermodulation attenuation 15 sec

Phase and frequency error measurement

RMS phase error Accuracy: <1° rms (for readings >1.8° rms)

RMS phase error uncertainty vs measured value

Peak phase error Accuracy: <4° peak (for readings >1.8° rms)Frequency error Accuracy: 7 Hz+noise+reference (at 900 MHz)

9 Hz+noise+reference (at 1800 MHz) (Noise is in Gaussian distribution with a meanvalue of 0 Hz and a standard deviation of 7 Hz at900 MHz and 9 Hz at 1800 MHz)

Mean transmitter RF carrier power

Amplitude accuracy Relative: ±1.0 dB Absolute: ±2.3 dB (RSS error derived from spectrum analyzer,Option 105 and 8498A Option 030 external attenuator specifications.)

Enhanced accuracy in the GSM900 band (Option J62) Absolute: ±1.0 dB (880 to 960 MHz)

Enhanced accuracy in the DCS1800 band (Option J63) Absolute: ±1.0 dB (1710 to 1880 MHz)

Enhanced accuracy in the PCS1900 band (Option J66) Absolute: ±1.0 dB (1850 to 1990 MHz)

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Transmitted power vs time

Amplitude accuracy (linear mode) Relative: ±3% (0.25 dB)

Default resolution bandwidth:

Test Resolution bandwidthFull timeslot 1 MHzTop 10 dB 1 MHzRising edge 300 kHzFalling edge 300 kHz

Dynamic range:

Input power Resolution bandwidth300 kHz 1 MHz

+43 to + 13 dBm 70 dB68 dB

Time resolution:

Test Displayed time resolutionFull timeslot 2.0 µsTop 10 dB 2. 0 µsRising edge 0.25 µsFalling edge 0.25 µs

Error with respect to external trigger:

Input power Resolution bandwidth300 kHz 1 MHz

Full timeslot –4.0/+6.5 µs –4.0/+5. 0 µsTop 10 dB –4.0/+6.5 µs –4.0/+5. 0 µsRising edge –2.2/+5.9 µs –2.2/+3.1 µsFalling edge –2.2/+6. 0 µs –2.2/+3.2 µs

Intermodulation attenuation

Dynamic range (100 kHz to 12.75 GHz, excludingrelevant GSM900, OCS1800 or PCS1900 receiveband): (30 kHz RBW, maximum hold on)Input power Dynamic range

<6 GHz >6 GHz+43 to +13 dBm 75 dB 68 dB

Receive band sensitivity (dBm):

Resolution Displayed average noise levelbandwidth (includes maximum hold on, peak detector on)30 kHz –107 dBm + filter insertion loss100 kHz –102 dBm + filter insertion loss300 kHz –97 dBm + filter insertion loss

Amplitude accuracyAbsolute ±4.9 dBRelative ±1.0 dB1

Output RF spectrum

Modulation spectra dynamic range (dB):(30 kHz RBW)

Input power Offset from carrier (kHz)100 200 250 400 600 to 1800

+43 to +13 dBm –30 –52 –60 –72 –75

Switching transient spectra dynamic range (dB):(30 kHz RBW, maximum hold)

Input power Offset from carrier (kHz)400 600 1200 1800

+43 to +13 dB –72 –75 –75 –75

Spurious emissions

Outside receive band sensitivity (dBm):(maximum hold on)

Total Resolution bandwidthpower (kHz) (kHz) (MHz)

1 3 10 30 100 300 1 343 –42 –36 –30 –26 –21 –16 –11 –640 –52 –46 –40 –36 –31 –26 –21 –1639 –52 –46 –40 –36 –31 –26 –21 –1637 –52 –46 –40 –36 –31 –26 –21 –1634 –52 –46 –40 –36 –31 –26 –21 –1633 –52 –46 –40 –36 –31 –26 –21 –1630 –62 –56 –50 –46 –41 –36 –31 –2629 –62 –56 –50 –46 –41 –36 –31 –2624 –62 –56 –50 –46 –41 –36 –31 –2621 –62 –56 –50 –46 –41 –36 –31 –2613 –72 –66 –60 –56 –51 –46 –41 –36

Within transmit band, sensitivities are valid onlyat offsets greater than 600 kHz from the carrier.

Receive band sensitivity (dBm):(Bandpass filter and preamplifier are required)

Resolution Displayed average noise levelbandwidth (includes maximum hold on, peak detector on)30 kHz –107 dBm + filter insertion loss100 kHz –102 dBm + filter insertion loss300 kHz –97 dBm + filter insertion loss

Absolute accuracyAbsolute ±4.9 dBRelative ±1.0 dB1

1 (RSS of typical error for bandpass filter, 87405A preamplifier and 859x E-series spectrum analyzer)

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Ordering Information

Recommended configurationWith GSM phase and frequency error measurement:859xE Portable spectrum analyzer1

Option BD1 Global system for mobile communication (GSM)

This option includes:Option 004 Precision frequency reference2

Option 105 Time-gated spectrum analysis5

Option 151 Fast ADC and digital demodulator3

Option 163 GSM/DCS firmware for Option 1513

The 85727 includes:85727A GSM multi-band transmitter

Measurement personality6

85715B GSM900 transmitter measurement personality

85722B DCS1800 transmitter Measurement personality

85722B Option H19 PCS1900 measurement personality

Without GSM phase and frequency error measurement:859xE Portable spectrum analyzer4

Option 004 Precision frequency reference2

Option 101 Fast time domain sweep card5

Option 105 Time-gated spectrum analysis card5

Related spectrum analyzer options:Option 010 Built-in tracking generatorOption 015 Soft tan operating/carrying caseOption 016 Soft yellow operating/carrying caseOption 040 Front panel protective coverOption 041 GPIB interfaceOption 043 RS232 interfaceOption 908 Rackmount kit without handlesOption 909 Rackmount kit with handlesOption J62 Enhanced power measurement

accuracy in the GSM900 band (880 to 960 MHz)

Option J63 Enhanced power measurement accuracy in the DCS1800 band (1710 to 1880 MHz)

Option J66 Enhanced power measurement accuracy in the PCS 1900 band (1850 to 1990 MHz)

Accessories:8498A Option 030 power attenuator85901A Portable AC power source85902A Burst carrier trigger87405A Preamplifier 0.01 to 3 GHz,

22 dB gainC1405A Option ABA keyboard

Measurement personalities:11770A Link measurement personality85710A Digital radio measurement

personality85712D EMC measurement personality85713A Digital radio measurement

personality85714A Scalar measurement personality85717A CT2-CAI measurement

personality85718B NADC/PCS-TDMA measurement

personality85719A Noise figure measurement

personality85720C PDC test personality85721A CATV measurement personality85723A DECT measurement personality85724A Broadcast personality85725C CDMA test personality85726B PHS measurement personality

Related products:8560 E-series spectrum analyzers. Combine

outstanding phase noise, sensitivity, 1 Hz resolution bandwidth and wide dynamic range.

8922 Series of GSM MS test sets

89441A RF vector signal analyzer. Provides the highest quality digital modulation analysis.

ESA-E1500L 1.5 GHz portable spectrum analyzer Cost effective general purpose spectrum analyzer.

ESG-D series digital signal generatorsE2120E VEE for Windows 95/NTE2111E VEE for series 700/HP-UX

9.x and 10E4444A Benchlink

1 Phase and frequency error measurement is supported on the 8593E, 94E, 95E and 96E. The 8591E is not supported with Option 163, and is not supported for phase and frequency error measurement. 8590E-series firmware datecode later than 930923 is required for compatibility with Option 163.

2 Required unless 10 MHz external reference is available.3 Required for proper operation of 85715B or 85722B with phase and frequency error measurement option.4 85715B and 85722B without the phase and frequency error measurement capability are supported on 8593E, 8594E, 8595E and 8596E. 85715B is also supported on

8591E. The spectrum analyzer firmware datecode 26.10.90 or later is required.5 Required for proper operation of 85715B or 85722B.6 The 85727A is not available on the 8591E.

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Product specifications and descriptionsin this document subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2001Agilent TechnologiesPrinted in USA, January 3, 20015966-3803E