Agilent/Keysight E4438C

The Keysight E4438C is a vector signal generator engineered for RF and baseband testing across wireless communication systems, components, and transceiver designs. It generates calibrated test signals from baseband through 6 GHz with dual-mode baseband capabilities, up to 160 MHz RF modulation bandwidth, and support for analog, digital, and custom I/Q modulation. The instrument combines flexible architecture with real-time I/Q symbol generation and arbitrary waveform playback, serving applications from component characterization to high-volume manufacturing validation.

– Technical Specifications

Frequency and Power
• Frequency range: 250 kHz to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 GHz
• Frequency resolution: 0.01 Hz
• Output power: +13 dBm to -136 dBm (typical +17 dBm)
• Phase noise: Typically -134 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz, 20 kHz offset
• RF modulation bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz

Baseband Generation
• Internal baseband generator with 80 MHz RF bandwidth
• Playback memory: 64 MSa maximum
• Storage memory: 1 GSa maximum
• Arbitrary I/Q waveform playback: Up to 100 MSa/s
• Real-time I/Q symbol generation: Up to 50 Msym/s

Modulation
• Analog: AM, FM, phase modulation
• Digital: ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, QAM, custom I/Q
• Sweep modes: Step and list sweep (frequency and power)

System
• Power requirement: 90–254 V, 50/60 Hz, 300 W maximum
• Dimensions: 133 mm H × 426 mm W × 432 mm D
• Weight: <16 kg net

– Key Features

• Dual-mode baseband with real-time I/Q capabilities
• Standards-based signal generation (LTE, HSPA+, WiMAX, WLAN, DVB-H, GPS/GNSS)
• MIMO fading and RF-to-RF fading support via optional modules
• High-stability time-base option available
• Rear-panel connector configuration option
• Rack-mount kits available

– Compatibility & Integration

• SCPI (1996.0) and IVI-COM control languages
• 10BaseT LAN and GPIB interfaces
• Backward compatible with Agilent ESG, PSG, and 8648 generators
• Digital I/O via N5102A Baseband Studio module
• Signal Studio software support