The Keysight / Agilent (formerly HP) E4421B is a 3 GHz analog RF signal generator from the ESG-A series. It provides excellent frequency, level control, and comprehensive analog modulation capabilities (AM, FM, Phase, and Pulse) making it ideal for receiver and component testing. Designed with a flexible architecture, it offers options for both mechanical and electronic attenuators.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 250 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.01 Hz |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm |
| Output Power Range | -136 dBm to +13 dBm (frequency and option dependent) |
| Phase Noise | <-116 dBc/Hz (at 20 kHz offset, 1 GHz carrier) |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase, Pulse |
| Sweep Modes | Step (Frequency, Power), List |
| Internal Modulation Source (Sine) | 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz (Internal) |
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488.2), RS-232 |
| Display | LCD |
| Recommended Calibration Cycle | 2 years |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 254 VAC, 45 to 440 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 426 × 133 × 432 |
| Weight | 12.7 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Reference Frequency | 10 MHz |
Amplitude and Output Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.02 dB |
| Reverse Power Protection (RF) | Up to 50 W |
Internal Modulation Source
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz |
| Internal LF Generator Frequency Range (Sine) | 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz |
| Internal LF Generator Resolution | 0.1 Hz |
Front and Rear Panel Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector | Type-N (female) |
| 10 MHz Reference Input | BNC (female) |
| 10 MHz Reference Output | BNC (female) |
General and Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Max Power Consumption | 200 W |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Switching Speed | < 50 ms |
| Amplitude Switching Speed | < 50 ms |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Harmonics | ≤ -30 dBc (output ≤ +4 dBm) |
| Sub-harmonics | None for ≤ 1000 MHz; ≤ -40 dBc for > 1000 MHz |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +71 °C |
Amplitude Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AM Depth Range | 0 to 100% |
| AM Resolution | 0.1% |
Frequency Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum FM Deviation (2 to 3 GHz) | 4 MHz |
| Maximum FM Deviation (1 to 2 GHz) | 2 MHz |
| FM Resolution | 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz (whichever is greater) |
Pulse Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
| Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time | < 150 ns |
Sweep
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Points | 2 to 401 |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Modulation Inputs | EXT 1, EXT 2 (BNC) |
Technology
Analog RF Signal Generation
Applications
Receiver Test, Component Test, Local Oscillator