496

The Tektronix 496 is a spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of 1 kHz to 1.8 GHz, introduced in 1982.

Manuals – Specifications – Links – Pictures

The P suffix indicates GPIB programmability. Non-volatile memory (NVRAM) can store up to 9 waveform displays, 10 complete front panel measurement parameter setups, and 8 K for programming macros of commonly used routines.

Key Specifications

Frequency	1 kHz to 1.8 GHz
Frequency Span	50 Hz to 100 MHz in 1, 2, 5 sequence (plus 0 Hz and MAX)
Resolution Bandwidth	30 Hz; 100 Hz to 1 MHz in decade steps (-6 dB bandwidth)
RF Input	50 Ω; max. +30 dBm (1 W) CW; max. 75 W peak @ 1 µs pulse, 0.1% duty factor
RF Attenuator	0 to 60 dB, 10 dB steps
Reference Level	−123 dBm to +40 dBm
Sweep Speed	10 sec/div to 20 µs/div in 1, 2, 5 sequence
Video Bandwidth	0.3 Hz to 30 kHz
Triggering Modes	Free Run, Line, Video, Single, External
Displayed Average Noise	−30 dBm to −131 dBm
Display Dynamic Range	80 dB
Calibrator	50 Ω, -20 dBm ±0.3 dB at 100 MHz (Opt. 07: 75 Ω, +20 dBmV ±0.3 dB at 100 MHz)
Weight	20 kg (44 lbs)
Power	90 − 132 VAC, 48 to 440 Hz; 180 – 250 VAC, 48 to 440 Hz, 210 W max
Features	Continuous resolution frequency tuning Markers provide direct readout of frequency and amplitude (single and delta) Built-in intelligence for signal processing/marker functions Pushbutton Occupied Bandwidth / Noise Normalization functions Macro Capability Optional switch-selectable  50 Ω/75 Ω Impedance GPIB Programming

Options

• Opt. 07: 75 Ω dBmV input and calibration in addition to the normal 50 Ω dBm input and calibration. (Not combinable with Opt. 21 and 22; no external mixer capability). Include 42-inch 75 Ω BNC-BNC coax cable and BNC male to “F” female adapter.
• Opt. 30: Rackmount with front panel input/outputs
• Opt. 31: Rackmount with rear panel input/output capability
• Opt. 32: Benchmount. Adds side and top panels, carrying handles and feet for a stackable benchtop configuration
• Opt. 42: Replaces MARKER/VIDEO input port on the rear panel with a 110 MHz IF output port that provides a 3 dB signal bandwidth ≥ 4.5 MHz

Front panel inputs/outputs

• RF INPUT, N connector, 50 Ω; Opt. 07 adds RF INPUT 75 Ω, TNC connector
• CAL OUT, BNC connector
• 1ST LO OUTPUT, SMA connector (must be terminated into 50 Ω when not connected)
• 2ND LO OUTPUT, SMA connector (must be terminated into 50 Ω when not connected)
• Camera power

Rear panel inputs/outputs:

• PROBE POWER, LEMO S-series connector – ±15 V, +5 V; 100 mA max each
• HORIZ/TRIG (EXT IN), BNC connector – In External Triggering mode, AC coupled input for trigger signals; When TIME/DIV selection is EXT, DC coupled input for horizontal sweep voltages.
• MARKER/VIDEO (EXT IN), BNC connector – Interfaces with a Tektronix 1405 TV Adapter to display an externally-generated marker
• 110 MHz IF (OUTPUT), BNC connector – Available on Opt. 42 utilizing the HORIZ (OUTPUT) connector; 110 MHz IF output with a bandwidth greater than 5 MHz
• HORIZ (OUTPUT), BNC connector – 0.5 V/div horizontal signal
• VERT (OUTPUT), BNC connector – Video signal, 0.5 V/Div
• PEN LIFT (OUTPUT), BNC connector – TTL compatible (In Opt. 42 instruments, external video input if pin 1 of the ACCESSORIES connector is grounded)
• 10 MHz IF (OUTPUT), BNC connector
• EXT REF IN, BNC connector – 50 Ω input for 1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz external sinewave reference signal, –15 dBm to +15 dBm
• J104 ACCESSORY (B053575 AND UP) female, DB25 connector – Bidirectional access to the instrument bus
• IEEE STD 488 PORT

Original included Accessories: Operator’s Manual; Operator’s Handbook; 6-ft 50Ω coaxial cable N-N; 18-inch 50Ω coaxial cable BNC-BNC; N male to BNC female adapter; rear connector shield; Power Cord; spare fuses; CRT filter set consisting of visor, blue, amber and gray light filters plus mesh filter; 496P only: Programmer Manual and GPIB cable

Links

• Comparison of 494 with 492 and 7L18
• 49x Service notes @ John Miles KE5FX
• YouTube: Tektronix 492 and 496 Portable Spectrum Analyzers

Pictures

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Custom ICs used in the 496