Agilent / Keysight E4400B ESG-A Series Analog RF Signal Generator, 1 GHz

The Agilent/Keysight E4400B ESG-A Series is an analog RF signal generator delivering continuous-wave and modulated signals from 250 kHz to 1 GHz. Built for RF component characterization, receiver testing, and local oscillator applications in aerospace and defense environments, the instrument combines precise frequency and level control with extensive analog modulation flexibility. Although obsolete, the E4400B remains valued for its output accuracy of ±0.9 dB and reliable performance in demanding test scenarios.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency Range: 250 kHz to 1 GHz with 0.01 Hz resolution.

Output Level: −136 dBm to +13 dBm. Level accuracy reaches ±0.5 dB above −127 dBm at frequencies below 2 GHz, and ±0.9 dB at higher frequencies. Power resolution is 0.2 dB.

Modulation Capabilities: AM, FM (with deviations to 360 radians and rates to 4 MHz), phase modulation, and pulse modulation via Option 1E6. Internal modulation rates span 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz with external modulation sources available. FM paths M2 and FM2 limit to 1 MHz maximum rate.

Sweep Modes: Frequency, amplitude, and step sweep (frequency, power, and list) with dwell times from 1 ms to 60 s and point counts from 2 to 401.

Phase Noise: SSB phase noise varies by ESG series designation. Measurements calculated at +2.0 dBm for standard configuration or +5.0 dBm with Option UNB.

Spectral Purity: Harmonics measure <30 dBc typical below 1 GHz at +4 dBm output. Non-harmonic content: 3 kHz offset) and 10 kHz offset) at output levels below +7 dBm.

Reference Oscillator: Internal reference stability matches the timebase. Option 1E5 provides high-stability reference.

Built-in Function Generator: Integrated generator supports 1 Hz to 40 MHz sample rates, 1 Hz resolution, and segment lengths from 16 samples to 1 Megasample.

– Key Features

• Wideband FM with deviation and rate control for complex modulation scenarios
• Three independent modulation sources (internal and dual external)
• Frequency and power step sweep modes with programmable dwell and point sequencing
• Low harmonic and non-harmonic content for clean spectral output

– Typical Applications

RF receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing; component gain and compression characterization; local oscillator signal generation; aerospace and defense system validation.

– Compatibility & Integration

External modulation inputs accept analog signals for AM, FM, and phase modulation. FM rates exceeding 50 kHz may require external power supply. Pulse modulation option reduces maximum output power by 4 dB.