Two analyzers, two very different paths. If you're shopping for signal spectrum analyzers, you might be drawn to the 22GHz reach of the Aeroflex IFR Marconi 2390 / AN930A, or to the working, tested condition of the Ivie IE-30A and IE-30B pair. The decision comes down to a fundamental question: do you need a ready-to-run instrument, or are you willing to take on a repair project?
Quick verdict
The Ivie IE-30A + IE-30B is the safer choice for anyone who needs to start measuring right away. It is described as tested, used, and powered by its AC supply without issues. The Aeroflex is the lower-priced option at $299.95, but it is sold as parts only. It powers up and boots with a good display, power supply, and controller, yet the self-test fails because the configuration EEPROM was not swapped when the controller was replaced. At $650.00, the Ivie costs $350.05 more than the Aeroflex, but it gives you a working analyzer and noise generator instead of a troubleshooting project.
Comparison
| Detail | Aeroflex IFR Marconi 2390 / AN930A | Ivie IE-30A + IE-30B |
| Price | USD 299.95 | USD 650.00 |
| Condition | For parts or not working | Used, tested |
| What's included | Spectrum analyzer with tracking generator | IE-30A spectrum analyzer plus IE-30B noise generator |
| Power-up and testing | Powers up and boots; self-test fails due to configuration EEPROM | Worked without issues on AC power supply |
Where the Aeroflex wins
The Marconi 2390 platform gives you a 22GHz spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator factory option at a lower price. The unit is physically complete, and it powers up with a readable display, so the starting point is a configuration issue rather than a dead box. If you can correct the EEPROM problem, you could end up with a 22GHz analyzer at the lower price.
Where the Ivie wins
For everyday signal evaluation, the Ivie pair is the one that gets you measuring immediately. The IE-30A analyzer and IE-30B noise generator are both part of a tested setup that ran on AC power without problems. You also get a dedicated noise source, which is handy for testing signal levels and paths in a variety of test and measurement setups.
Product notes
Aeroflex IFR Marconi 2390 / AN930A
The Aeroflex IFR Marconi 2390 / AN930A is a 22GHz spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator factory option. It is physically complete and powers up to a good display, with the power supply and controller working. The catch is that the configuration EEPROM was not moved over when the controller was replaced, so the analyzer fails its self-test and is sold as parts only. Choose this unit if you have the skills to correct the EEPROM configuration and want a 22GHz analyzer for a comparatively low entry price. Its limitation is clear: it is not a working analyzer out of the box, and you should expect to spend time troubleshooting before it can take a measurement.
Ivie IE-30A and IE-30B Noise Generator
The Ivie IE-30A and IE-30B combination is a vintage two-piece test set: the IE-30A spectrum analyzer for examining signal frequency content and the IE-30B noise generator for creating test noise. The set was tested and showed no issues using an AC power supply, so it is ready for use rather than repair. That makes it the pick for anyone who needs a working instrument immediately. The trade-off is the higher price and the fact that you are buying a vintage pair, so the technology is older and the two units take up more space than a single analyzer. For signal evaluation today, though, this is the more dependable choice.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Ivie IE-30A + IE-30B if you need a working spectrum analyzer right now and noise generation is useful. Choose the Aeroflex Marconi 2390 / AN930A if budget matters most and you enjoy restoring test gear, as long as you can solve the EEPROM configuration issue.
