The Agilent/Keysight E4428C ESG is an analog signal generator delivering precise RF and microwave signal generation from 250 kHz to 6 GHz. Built on an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) timebase with aging rates below ±0.1 ppm/yr, it provides exceptional frequency stability across demanding test environments. Output power ranges from −136 dBm to +17 dBm with level accuracy of ±0.6 dB below 3 GHz and ±0.9 dB above 3 GHz (both at output power > −110 dBm). Phase noise performance reaches −134 dBc/Hz typical at 20 kHz offset from a 1 GHz carrier.
Technical Specifications
Frequency & Power
• Range: 250 kHz to 6 GHz with 0.01 Hz resolution
• Output power: −136 dBm to +17 dBm (1 GHz); 16 dBm at 3 GHz; 10 dBm at 6 GHz
• Phase noise: −134 dBc/Hz SSB at 20 kHz offset from 1 GHz carrier
• Timebase stability: <±0.05 ppm (0 to 55 °C)
Modulation Capabilities
• AM, FM, phase modulation (ØM), and pulse modulation
• Wideband FM: DC to 10 MHz modulation rates, up to 8 MHz deviation
• Simultaneous modulation via dual internal function generators (sine, square, ramps, triangle, Gaussian/uniform noise, swept sine, dual sine)
Sweep & Switching
• Frequency step, amplitude step, and arbitrary list modes
• Dwell time: 1 ms to 60 s
• Frequency switching: 9 ms standard; <9 ms (Option 503) or <16 ms (Option 506) for hops <5 MHz
• Step mode: 2 to 65,535 points; List mode: 2 to 1,601 points
Reference & Interfaces
• 10 MHz OCXO reference output (4 dBm ±2 dB); accepts 1/2/5/10 MHz external input (±0.2 ppm)
• 10BaseT LAN and GPIB connectivity with SCPI and IVI-COM drivers
– Key Features
• Sub-millisecond frequency switching for rapid test sequencing
• Dual modulation generators enable complex signal synthesis
• Temperature-compensated output with <0.03 dB/°C drift over operating range
• Configurable front/rear panel connectivity (Options 1EM, 1CM, 1CP)
– Typical Applications
Component characterization, receiver sensitivity testing, transmitter validation, phase noise measurement, and multimodulation signal development across L-band through microwave frequencies.
– Compatibility & Integration
Standard SCPI command set and IVI-COM drivers enable integration into automated test systems. LAN and GPIB ports support both local and remote instrument control.
