The Keysight (Agilent) E4420B is a member of the ESG-A series of analog RF signal generators. Spanning a frequency range of 250 kHz to 2 GHz, the E4420B is engineered for high reliability, excellent level accuracy, and precise frequency control. It features standard analog modulation capabilities including AM, FM, phase modulation, and pulse modulation, making it a robust and versatile tool for receiver test, RF component evaluation, and local oscillator emulation. This model provides an upgradeable architecture, with options like a high-stability oven timebase (Option 1E5) and high-performance pulse modulation with a mechanical attenuator (Option 1E6).
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 250 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 2 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.01 Hz |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase Modulation, Pulse Modulation |
| Sweep Modes | Step sweep (frequency, power, and list) |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232 |
| Recommended Calibration Cycle | 2 years |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rack Height | 3U |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 250 kHz to 2.0 GHz |
| Internal Reference Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Reference Output Frequency | 10 MHz |
Amplitude & Output Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.02 dB |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Reverse Power Protection | 50 W (from 50 ohm source), 50 VDC |
| Leveling Modes | Internal, External, ALC off |
Frequency Modulation (FM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| FM Resolution | 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz, whichever is greater |
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum AM Depth | 100% |
| AM Resolution | 0.1% |
| AM Depth Accuracy | ±(6% of setting + 1%) at 1 kHz rate, depth < 90% |
Phase Modulation (Phi-M)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Phase Modulation Resolution | 0.1% of set deviation |
Connectivity & Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector Type | Type-N female |
| GPIB Interface | Yes, IEEE-488.2 |
| Sweep Trigger Input | BNC female (rear panel) |
| Reference In/Out Connectors | BNC female (rear panel) |
Physical, Power & Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | < 200 W |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to 71 °C |
Hardware Options & Configurations
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| High-Stability Oven Timebase Option | Option 1E5 |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External 1 Input Impedance | 50 Ω, 600 Ω, or 100 kΩ (selectable, nominal) |
| External 2 Input Impedance | 50 Ω, 600 Ω, or 100 kΩ (selectable, nominal) |
| Trigger Input Connector | BNC female |
| Trigger Output Connector | BNC female |
| Sweep Output Connector | BNC female |
Programming & Control
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Command Language Compatibility | SCPI, HP 8656B, HP 8657A/B |
Technology
Analog RF Signal Generator
Applications
Receiver test, component test, and local oscillator emulation