Keysight (Agilent HP) 8593E Repair Service

8593E spectrum analyzer 9kHz-22GHz
Keep your Agilent HP 8593E Spectrum Analyzer in service with our repair and calibration. We specialize in unsupported equipment. Free evaluations.
The HP 8593E is an easy-to-use RF spectrum analyzer that offers a wide range of performance, features, and optional capability to meet your measurement needs. Downloadable measurement personalities combine with optional plug-in performance to provide tailored solutions for your application.
8593e
Any failures or unforeseen issues identified during the calibration phase will be detailed in an estimate submitted for your approval prior to any further action. Repair charges are determined by the actual time and materials required. Please be aware that customers are responsible for all associated shipping costs, to and from our location. This initial estimate is provided free of charge.
8593E Specifications – click to expand

8593E Specifications

SpecificationValue
Frequency Span Range0 Hz (zero span); [10 x N] kHz to 19.25 GHz: [1 x N] kHz min (Opt 130)
Frequency Span ResolutionFour digits or 20 Hz x N. whichever is greater
Frequency Span Accuracy Span =10 MHz x N± 2% of span
Frequency Span Accuracy Span >10 MHz x N± 3% of span
Sweep Time RangeSpan = 0 Hz or > 10 kHz: 20 ms to 100 s
Resolution bandwidth range30 Hz to 3 MHz
Video bandwidth range30 Hz to 1 MHz in 1, 3 sequence (1 Hz to 1 MHz with Opt 130)
Amplitude RangeDisplayed average noise level to +30 dBm
Average noise level (narrowest RBW)-117 dBm
Optimum dynamic range 2nd/3rd order103 dB / 81 dB
Amplitude accuracy± 2.7dB
Data Storage (nominal)Internal50 traces; 8 states
8593E Options – click to expand

8593E Options

Opt 004; Precision Frequency Reference. Opt 009; LO and Sweep + Tune. Opt 010; 50 ohm Built-in Tracking Generator, 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz. Opt 012; Source for DECT Receiver Test. Opt 021; HP-IB Interface. Opt 023; RS-232 Interface. Opt 024; Parallel Printer Interface. Opt 026; 26.5 GHz Frequency Extension, APC 3.5 mm Connector. Opt 027; 26.5 GHz Frequency Extension, Type-N Connector. Opt 041 HP-IB and Parallel Printer Interfaces. Opt 043; RS-232 and Parallel Printer Interfaces. Opt 050; Improved Amplitude Accuracy (NADCTDMA bands). Opt 051; Improved Amplitude Accuracy for PDC Bands. Opt 052; Improved Amplitude Accuracy for PHS Bands. Opt 053; Improved Amplitude Accuracy for CDMA Bands. Opt 101; Fast Time Domain Sweeps and Analog + Display. Opt 102; AM/FM Demodulator and TV Sync Trigger(TV Sync requires Opt 101). Opt 103; Quasi-Peak Detector/AM-FM Demodulator. Opt 105; Time-gated Spectrum Analysis. Opt 107; TV Receiver Video Tester. Opt 110; CT2 Demodulator. Opt 111; Group Delay and Amplitude Flatness. Opt 112; DECT Demodulator. Opt 119; Noise Figure. Opt 130; Narrow Resolution Bandwidths (30 to 300 Hz and 200 Hz EMI). Opt 140; Narrow Bandwidths and Precision Frequency. Opt 151; DSP, FAST ADC, and Digital Demodulator. Opt 160; PDC, PHS, NADC, and CDMA Firmware for Option 151. Opt 163; GMS/DCS1800 Firmware for Option 151. Opt 180; TV Picture NTSC/PAL/SECAM. Opt 301; TV Sync Trigger, Fast Time Domain Sweeps, AM/FM Demodulator, Analog + Display. Opt 711; 50/75ohm Matching Pad/100 Vdc Block.

HP / Agilent 8593E Error Messages – click to expand

HP / Agilent 8593E Error Messages

When the HP / Agilent 8593E (9 kHz to 22 GHz (26.5 GHz with Option 026/027)) detects a problem, it shows a text message on screen rather than a numbered code. Messages are marked (H) hardware, (U) user/setup, or (M) information.

Before anything else: run the self-calibration (CAL FREQ & AMPTD and CAL YTF) with CAL OUT cabled to the input and store the results with CAL STORE. Hardware (H) messages that survive a fresh cal mean the 8593E needs service.

8593E notes

  • The 8593E has a YIG-tuned filter (preselector). Run CAL YTF after CAL FREQ & AMPTD, using 100 MHz COMB OUT cabled to the input.
  • Option 026 (APC-3.5) or 027 (Type-N) extends the 8593E to 26.5 GHz.
  • With Option 004 (precision frequency reference) the 8593E shows OVEN COLD for the first 5 minutes. That is normal.
  • Option 010 adds a 9 kHz to 2.9 GHz tracking generator to the 8593E; LO UNLVL can appear with Option 009 or 010.
  • The rear-panel 10 MHz REF OUT must be jumpered to EXT REF IN (or an external reference connected), or the 8593E shows REF UNLOCK.

Most common 8593E hardware messages

MessageTypeMeaningLikely assemblies
COMB SIGNAL NOT FOUNDU/HThe 100 MHz comb signal is missing during CAL YTF. Check the comb cable; with COMB GEN ON the 100 MHz line should rise to about +12 dBm.A3A1 comb generator, A3A11 step-recovery diode, A3A12 attenuator, J2
ADC-GND FAILHAt preset the ADC ground reading on A16 is out of limits. Same usual suspects as ADC-2V FAIL: ±15 V supplies or a board loading the A16J1 pins.A7 analog interface, A8 power supply, A15 motherboard, A16 processor/video, card-cage boards
REF UNLOCKM/HThe A9 third converter oscillator is not locked to 10 MHz. Check the rear-panel jumper from 10 MHz REF OUT to EXT REF IN first, then the reference level and cables.A22 precision reference (Option 004), A25 counter lock, W17/W18 cables
SMPLR UNLCKU/HSampling oscillator is not working correctly. Check the external reference connection, then the frequency diagnostics.A3A7 YTO, A25 counter lock
CAL: GAIN FAILHDuring CAL AMPTD the signal at the ADC stays too low even with the reference-level DAC at maximum. Trace the signal from the RF input through the IF to the log amp.A3 front end, A7, A9, A11, A12, A13, A14
CAL: SPAN SENS FAILHMain-coil span calibration failed: it could not find the 0 Hz, 300 MHz and 600 MHz signals in a 750 MHz span. Spurious signals can also cause it.A3A7 YTO, A7, A9, A16
USING DEFAULTS: _ _ _HSome memory locations failed their check at power-on. Often a dead memory backup battery.A16 processor/video (battery)
FAIL: xxxx xxxxxxxxxxHPower-up circuit test failure on the A16 processor board. See the FAIL code section below.A16, A7, A17 memory card, A25, card-cage boards
FREQ UNCALU/HYTO is more than 20 MHz off the frequency it should be on. Run CAL FREQ and CAL STORE; if it stays, suspect the YTO loop or an unlocked reference/sampler on A25.A3A7 YTO, A7 analog interface, A25 counter lock
CAL SIGNAL NOT FOUNDU/HSelf-cal could not find the 300 MHz CAL OUT signal (must be within 50 MHz of 300 MHz and above −45 dBm). Check the CAL cable first. With default cal data loaded, the −37 Hz passcode bypasses this check.A7 analog interface, A9 third converter
ADC-2V FAILHAt preset the ADC reading of the +2 V reference on the A16 processor/video board is out of limits. Often caused by a bad ±15 V supply or a card-cage board pulling an A16J1 line high.A8 power supply, A15 motherboard, A16 processor/video, card-cage boards
CAL YTF FAILEDU/HThe YIG-tuned filter calibration could not finish. Connect 100 MHz COMB OUT to the input with a short, low-loss cable, run CAL FREQ & AMPTD, then CAL YTF again.A3A2 microwave switch, A3A8 YIG-tuned filter, A7

Complete 8593E hardware and calibration message list

MessageTypeMeaningLikely assemblies
ADC-2V FAILHAt preset the ADC reading of the +2 V reference on the A16 processor/video board is out of limits. Often caused by a bad ±15 V supply or a card-cage board pulling an A16J1 line high.A8 power supply, A15 motherboard, A16 processor/video, card-cage boards
ADC-GND FAILHAt preset the ADC ground reading on A16 is out of limits. Same usual suspects as ADC-2V FAIL: ±15 V supplies or a board loading the A16J1 pins.A7 analog interface, A8 power supply, A15 motherboard, A16 processor/video, card-cage boards
ADC-TIME FAILHTime between ADC readings is too long. If the unit will not sweep but everything else works, A16 is the likely cause.A16 processor/video
φ LOCK OFFU/HYTO is tuning slowly. Normal for a moment during CAL FREQ, preset or a frequency change. If it stays on, run CAL FREQ.A3A7 YTO, A9 third converter, A25 counter lock
FREQ UNCALU/HYTO is more than 20 MHz off the frequency it should be on. Run CAL FREQ and CAL STORE; if it stays, suspect the YTO loop or an unlocked reference/sampler on A25.A3A7 YTO, A7 analog interface, A25 counter lock
REF UNLOCKM/HThe A9 third converter oscillator is not locked to 10 MHz. Check the rear-panel jumper from 10 MHz REF OUT to EXT REF IN first, then the reference level and cables.A22 precision reference (Option 004), A25 counter lock, W17/W18 cables
SMPLR UNLCKU/HSampling oscillator is not working correctly. Check the external reference connection, then the frequency diagnostics.A3A7 YTO, A25 counter lock
LO UNLVLU/HLO distribution amplifier is not leveled. Appears on units with Option 009 and/or Option 010.A10 LO distribution amplifier / tracking generator control
CAL SIGNAL NOT FOUNDU/HSelf-cal could not find the 300 MHz CAL OUT signal (must be within 50 MHz of 300 MHz and above −45 dBm). Check the CAL cable first. With default cal data loaded, the −37 Hz passcode bypasses this check.A7 analog interface, A9 third converter
CAL: GAIN FAILHDuring CAL AMPTD the signal at the ADC stays too low even with the reference-level DAC at maximum. Trace the signal from the RF input through the IF to the log amp.A3 front end, A7, A9, A11, A12, A13, A14
CAL: SPAN SENS FAILHMain-coil span calibration failed: it could not find the 0 Hz, 300 MHz and 600 MHz signals in a 750 MHz span. Spurious signals can also cause it.A3A7 YTO, A7, A9, A16
CAL: FM SPAN SENS FAILHCould not set the FM coil span sensitivity during CAL FREQ. Run CAL FREQ again.A3A7 YTO, A7 analog interface
CAL: MAIN COIL SENSE FAILHCould not set the main coil span sensitivity. Load DEFAULT CAL DATA (−37 Hz passcode) and run CAL FREQ again.A3A7 YTO, A7 analog interface
CAL: ZERO FAILHCould not set the main coil tuning sensitivity. Load DEFAULT CAL DATA and run CAL FREQ again.A3A7 YTO, A7 analog interface
CAL: RES BW AMPL FAILHDuring CAL AMPTD a resolution bandwidth filter had more than 2.2 dB loss compared to the 3 kHz filter. The routine stops on the failed bandwidth.A7, A11/A13 bandwidth filters, A14 log amp
CAL: NBW gain / width / 200 Hz notch failedHA narrow resolution bandwidth (including 200 Hz) has the wrong gain, width or shape during CAL AMPTD.A130 narrow RBW board
CAL: DATA NOT STORED CAL AMP NEEDEDU/HYou tried to store default cal data. Run CAL FREQ and CAL AMPTD and CAL YTF first, then CAL STORE.A16 processor/video
CAL: USING DEFAULT DATAMCAL AMPTD did not finish, so default correction factors are in use.
USING DEFAULTS self cal neededUDefault correction factors are loaded. Run CAL FREQ & AMPTD and CAL YTF.
USING DEFAULTS: _ _ _HSome memory locations failed their check at power-on. Often a dead memory backup battery.A16 processor/video (battery)
CAL: cannot execute CALAMP enter: 0 dB PREAMP GAINU/HExternal preamp gain must be 0 dB before CAL AMPTD. If it is already 0 dB, suspect A16 RAM.A16 processor/video
CAL YTF FAILEDU/HThe YIG-tuned filter calibration could not finish. Connect 100 MHz COMB OUT to the input with a short, low-loss cable, run CAL FREQ & AMPTD, then CAL YTF again.A3A2 microwave switch, A3A8 YIG-tuned filter, A7
Comb harmonic at _ _ GHz NOT foundU/HCAL YTF could not find a comb harmonic at the frequency shown. Check the 100 MHz COMB OUT cable to the input.A3A8 YIG-tuned filter, A7
COMB SIGNAL NOT FOUNDU/HThe 100 MHz comb signal is missing during CAL YTF. Check the comb cable; with COMB GEN ON the 100 MHz line should rise to about +12 dBm.A3A1 comb generator, A3A11 step-recovery diode, A3A12 attenuator, J2
MIXER BIAS CAL FAILEDHDuring CAL MXR the comb signal was not found at center screen.A3A1 comb generator, A3A11, A3A12, J2
LOST SIGNALUThe 100 MHz COMB OUT cable was bad or came loose during CAL YTF.A7 analog interface
RF PRESEL ERROR / RF PRESEL TIMEOUTHThe preselector peak routine could not run. Make sure a signal is connected to the RF input.A7, A3A8 YIG-tuned filter
CONF TEST FAILU/HThe confidence test failed; another message names the failed check. Connect CAL OUT, run CAL FREQ & AMPTD, and test again.
POS-PK FAILHConfidence test: the positive-peak detector failed.A16 processor/video
SAMPLE FAILHConfidence test: the sample detector failed.A16 processor/video
VID-BW FAILHConfidence test: the video bandwidths are not reducing the noise as they should.A14 log amp/detector, A16
RES-BW NOISE FAILHConfidence test: the noise floor did not drop when stepping to a narrower resolution bandwidth. Loose IF cover screws can cause it.A11/A13 bandwidth filters, A7 control lines
RES-BW SHAPE FAILHConfidence test: a resolution bandwidth (10 kHz to 3 MHz) is more than 20% off its nominal 3 dB width.A7, A11/A13 bandwidth filters
STEP GAIN/ATTEN FAILHConfidence test: the 10 dB IF step gains did not raise the noise with each reference level step.A12 amplitude control, A7 control lines
FAIL: xxxx xxxxxxxxxxHPower-up circuit test failure on the A16 processor board. See the FAIL code section below.A16, A7, A17 memory card, A25, card-cage boards
INVALID SCRMOVEHPossible hardware failure. Remove the unit from the bus and preset.Any internal assembly
SYMTAB EMPTY / EMPTY DLP MEMUUser-defined functions and personalities in memory were deleted. If it shows at every power-up, suspect hardware.A16 processor/video
Memory Overflow: ERASE DLP MEM and reloadUToo many downloadable programs or user items loaded. Use DISPOSE USER MEM, then reload.A16 processor/video
OVEN COLDMShown for 5 minutes after power-on on units with the Option 004 precision reference. It is a timer only; the oven temperature is not measured.A22 precision frequency reference
TG UNLVLU/HTracking generator unleveled: power set out of range, span beyond the generator range, or bad TG cal data.Tracking generator assemblies
TG SIGNAL NOT FOUNDUDuring CAL TRK GEN no signal was seen; check the cable from RF OUT to the input.A7A1, A24 tracking generator
Gate card not calibratedU/HTime gating (Option 105) needs CAL AMPTD with nothing connected to GATE TRIGGER INPUT.A105 gated video board
Cannot engage phase lock with current CAL FREQ dataURun CAL FREQ before turning on phase lock.A9 third converter
MEAS UNCALUSweep time, span and bandwidth settings make the measurement uncalibrated. Press AUTO COUPLE, AUTO ALL.
CAL: PASSCODE NEEDED / PASSCODE NEEDEDM/UThe function needs the service passcode (center frequency −37 Hz).

8593E power-up FAIL codes

A message like FAIL: DF40 0625C1F72D means the 8593E processor (A16) found a circuit fault at power-up or preset. The first 4 hex digits match the 16 LEDs on the edge of A16 and point to the failed circuit. The 10-digit part is three codes: I/O address bus (2 digits), I/O data bus (4 digits) and A16 video RAM (4 digits). Convert each hex digit to binary to find the failed line.

First 4 digits (bit)A16 LEDCircuitA16 part
1st digit, 816Video RAMU305, U306
1st digit, 415I/O bus addressU18
1st digit, 214CPUU12
1st digit, 11368230 timer/portU57
2nd digit, 812I/O bus (odd byte)U2
2nd digit, 411I/O bus (even byte)U3
2nd digit, 2 / 3rd digit, 810 / 8User RAMU5
2nd digit, 1 / 3rd digit, 49 / 7User RAMU22
4th digit, 84ROM (odd B)U6
4th digit, 43ROM (even B)U23
4th digit, 22ROM (odd A)U7
4th digit, 11ROM (even A)U24

A video RAM code means the A16 board itself is bad. For I/O bus address or data codes, power down and remove the related boards one at a time; if the code clears, the last board removed is the fault, otherwise suspect A16.

8593E user and setup messages (U)

These mean a setting, cable, card or remote command problem, not a hardware fault.

AreaMessages
Memory cardINVALID CARD, INVALID CARD: BAD MEDIA / DATA ERROR / DIRECTORY / NO CARD / TYPE, No card found, INVALID FILE: NO ROOM, File type incompatible
Remote programmingCOMMAND ERROR, PARAMETER ERROR, INVALID ITEM, INVALID VALUE PARAMETER, INVALID ENTER FORMAT, INVALID OUTPUT FORMAT, INVALID BLOCK FORMAT: IF STATEMENT, INVALID COMPARE OPERATOR, INVALID REPEAT MEM OVFL, INVALID REPEAT NEST LEVEL, INVALID ACTDEF, INVALID VARDEF, INVALID KEYNAME, INVALID KEYLBL, UNDF KEY, SOFTKEY OVFL
Traces, states and filesINVALID SAVE REG, INVALID REGISTER NUMBER, INVALID TRACE, INVALID TRACE NAME, INVALID TRACENAME, INVALID RANGE: Stop < Start, INVALID START INDEX, INVALID STOP INDEX, INVALID STORE DEST, INVALID FILENAME, INVALID <file name> NOT FOUND, INVALID CHECKSUM: USTATE, INVALID WINDOW TYPE, INTERNAL LOCKED, TABLE FULL, No points defined, Trace A is not available, Factory DLP, not adaptable
InterfaceINVALID HP-IB ADRS/OPERATION, INVALID HP-IB OPERATION REN TRUE, INVALID RS-232 ADRS/OPERATION
MeasurementsCannot reach N dB points, Too many signals with valid N dB points, Require 1/3/4 signals > PEAK EXCURSION above THRESHOLD, Signals do not fit expected % AM / TOI pattern, SIGNAL CLIPPED, SETUP ERROR, Marker Count Reduce SPAN, Marker Count Widen RES BW, Stop at marker not available with negative detection, INVALID DET: FM or TV option only, Required option not installed, Function not available in current Mode / with analog display
Time gatingCheck trigger input, Waiting for gate input, Verify gate trigger input is disconnected before CAL AMPTD

Need the 8593E fixed? We troubleshoot 8593E YTO, IF, power supply and processor faults to the board and component level and return it calibrated. Free estimate once it arrives; you approve before work starts. Contact us for service.

Message list based on the Agilent 8590 Series Assembly-Level Repair Service Guide (Chapter 14) and the 8590 E-Series and L-Series User's Guide.

HP / Agilent 8593E Replaceable Parts – click to expand

HP 8593E Replaceable Assemblies and Part Numbers

These are the major replaceable assemblies in the HP 8593E, with their HP / Agilent part numbers. Option-specific boards are only present if your 8593E has that option installed. "Exchange" numbers are rebuilt units traded for your old assembly.

ReferenceAssemblyHP part numberOption
A1A1Keyboard08590-60201
A1A2Rotary Pulse Generator (old style)0960-0745
A1A2Rotary Pulse Generator (new style)1990-1525
A1R1Volume-Intensity Dual Pot Assembly08590-60133
A2Display08590-60377
A3A1Comb Generator08592-60098
A3A1A1Comb Generator Board (part of A3A1)08569-60026
A3A2Microwave Switch33314-60011
A3A2Microwave Switch33314-60012Option 026, Option 027
A3A3Low-Pass Filter0955-0420
A3A4Second Converter5086-7958
A3A5Input Attenuator33321-60039
A3A5Input Attenuator33321-60038Option 026 and 027
A3A6Dual Mixer5086-7952
A3A7YIG-Tuned Oscillator (YTO)5086-7903
A3A8YIG-Tuned Filter (YTF)0955-0277
A3A8YIG-Tuned Filter (YTF)5086-7850Option 026 and 027
A3A9Bandpass Filter Assembly9135-0252
A3A10Directional Coupler0955-0098
A3A11Step Recovery Diode0955-0149
A3A123 dB Attenuator0955-0412
A3A13Isolator0955-0204
A3A14LO Distribution Amplifier (LODA)5086-7744
A3A15Tracking Generator5086-7917
A3A15Tracking Generator Exchange5086-6917
A3A16Output Attenuator0955-0679
A7Analog Interface08592-60108
A8Power Supply5062-8229
A8Power Supply Exchange08590-69005
A9Third Converter08593-60062
A10LO Distribution Amplifier (LODA) Control5062-8232Option 009
A10Tracking Generator Control5063-0635Option 010
A11Bandwidth Board08590-60398
A12Amplitude Control Board08590-60105
A13Bandwidth Board08590-60398
A14Log Amplifier Board08590-60386
A15Motherboard08591-60062
A16Processor Board08590-60416
A16A12X Memory Board08590-60399
A16A1BT1Battery1420-0394
A17Memory Card08590-60396
A2210 MHz Reference08591-60048Option 704
A2210 MHz Precision Frequency Reference1813-0644Option 004
A25Counter Lock Board08591-60098
A25A1Sampler Assembly5086-7806
A40IB and Parallel Interface Board08590-60366Option 041
A40A1IB and Parallel Interface Connector08590-60368Option 041
A41RS-232 and Parallel Interface Board08590-60366Option 043
A41A1RS-232 and Parallel Interface Connector08590-60369Option 043
A41/A43Dual I/O Board08590-60366Option 041, Option 043
A101Fast ADC Board5062-7079Option 101
A102Demod/TV-Sync Board5062-1982Option 102
A103Demod/QPD Board5062-1983Option 103
A105Gated Video Board5062-7754Option 105
A110Cellular Demod/TV Board5063-0234Option 110
A111Event Control Board5063-0214Option E02, E04
A119Noise Card Board5062-8258Option 119
A130Narrow Bandwidth Board08590-60352Option 130
A151Down Converter Assembly5062-8246Option 151
A160DSP Assembly (without firmware)5062-8245Option 160
A160DSP Assembly (with firmware)08591-60101Option 160
A163DSP Assembly (GSM/DCS Formats) (with firmware)5062-0577Option 163
AT110 dB Attenuator0955-0122
AT250 Ohm Termination1250-2289
B1Fan (includes cable assembly)5063-0243
F1Fuse 5.0 A 250 V F2110-0709
FL1Low-Pass Filter 4.4 GHz0955-0519
J1Input 50 Ω1250-2180
J1Input 50 Ω08673-60040Option 026
J1Input 50 Ω5063-0230Option 027
J3RF OUT 50 Ω1250-2191Option 010
J3TG-RF OUT 50 Ω5061-5311Option 026

Part obsolete or unavailable? Many 8593E assemblies are no longer sold by Keysight. Analyzer Repair Inc. repairs these boards and modules at the component level in Cocoa, Florida. Free estimate once the unit is in our lab. Contact us for service.

From the Agilent 8590 Series Analyzers Assembly-Level Repair Service Guide (08590-90316), Table 12-5.

Located in: Spectrum Analyzers