The Agilent E4438C ESG Vector Signal Generator delivers complex modulated signals from 250 kHz to 3.0 GHz, combining precision RF performance with advanced baseband generation. Built for wireless communications testing, R&D, and production environments, this instrument generates analog and digital modulation across multiple communication standards with real-time I/Q capabilities and arbitrary waveform playback.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Performance
• Frequency range: 250 kHz to 3.0 GHz (Option 503)
• Frequency resolution: 0.01 Hz
• Frequency switching speed: <9 ms (CW mode)
Output Power
• Maximum output power: +17 dBm
• Output power range: +13 dBm to -136 dBm
• Power level accuracy: ±0.5 dB up to 2 GHz
• Amplitude switching speed: <15 ms (CW mode)
Modulation Bandwidth
• RF modulation bandwidth: Up to 160 MHz
• Internal baseband RF bandwidth: 80 MHz
Phase Noise
• Phase noise: <-134 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz (20 kHz offset)
• Phase noise at 500 MHz: <-130 dBc/Hz (20 kHz offset)
– Key Features
Modulation Capabilities
• Analog: AM, FM, phase modulation, pulse modulation
• Digital: ASK, FSK, MSK, PSK, QAM, custom I/Q
• Arbitrary waveform playback: Up to 100 MSa/s
• Real-time I/Q symbol generation: Up to 50 Msym/s
Signal Memory and Storage
• Waveform playback memory: 64 MSa
• Non-volatile storage: 1 GSa for waveforms and states
Signal Creation
• Reference signals: LTE, HSPA+, WiMAX, WLAN, DVB-H, GPS/GNSS, W-CDMA, cdma2000, GSM
• Software support: Signal Studio, Baseband Studio
Sweep Modes
• Frequency step, amplitude step, arbitrary list sweeps
– Compatibility & Integration
• Communication: 10BaseT LAN, GPIB
• Drivers: SCPI and IVI-COM
• Digital I/O: N5102A support
• External modulation inputs supported
• Rack-mountable configuration available
• Option 1EM: Rear-panel connector configuration
