The Keysight Agilent E4423B is an ESG-AP Series analog RF signal generator covering a frequency range from 250 kHz to 1 GHz. Engineered for high spectral purity, it provides excellent phase-noise performance, superior level accuracy, and flexible analog modulation (AM, FM, Phase, and Pulse) for receiver testing, local oscillator substitution, and general-purpose component characterization.
Specifications
Frequency
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Frequency | 250 kHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 1 GHz |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.01 Hz |
| Phase Offset Resolution | 0.1° |
Output
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Output Power | +13 dBm |
| Output Power Range | -136 dBm to +13 dBm |
| Phase Noise | <-134 dBc/Hz (typical -140 dBc/Hz) @ 20 kHz offset, 1 GHz carrier |
Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Modulation | AM, FM, Phase Modulation (ΦM), Pulse Modulation |
| Sweep Modes | Step sweep (frequency, power, and list) |
| AM Distortion | < 1.5% (at 30% depth, 1 kHz rate) |
| FM Distortion | < 0.5% (at 100 kHz deviation, 1 kHz rate) |
| Internal Modulation Source Frequency Resolution | 0.1 Hz |
| AM Resolution | 0.1% |
| Internal Modulation Source Output Impedance | 600 Ω (nominal) |
| Internal Modulation Source Output Voltage Range | 0 to 3 Vp-p into 600 Ω |
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Oscillator | 10 MHz (standard); optional High-Stability Ovenized Reference (Option 1E5) |
| Interfaces | GPIB, RS-232 |
| Display | Monochrome LCD with backlight |
| Save/Recall Registers | 100 registers, 10 register sequences |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90 to 254 VAC, 45 to 440 Hz |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 426 mm × 133 mm × 574 mm |
| Weight | 12.7 kg |
Frequency Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 250 kHz to 1 GHz |
| Frequency Switching Speed | < 20 ms (typical) |
| Internal Reference Aging Rate (Standard) | < ±2 ppm/year |
| Internal Reference Temp Stability (Standard) | < ±1 ppm |
| Internal Reference Aging Rate (Option 1E5) | < ±0.1 ppm/year (or < ±1.5 × 10^-10/day) |
| Internal Reference Temp Stability (Option 1E5) | < ±0.05 ppm |
| External Reference Input Frequency | 1, 2, 5, 10 MHz (±10 ppm) |
| External Reference Input Amplitude | -0.15 to +16 dBm |
Amplitude Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Output Power | -136 dBm |
| Amplitude Resolution | 0.02 dB |
| Amplitude Accuracy | ±0.5 dB (typical, levels > -110 dBm) |
| Output SWR | < 1.5:1 (typical) |
| Maximum Reverse Power | 50 W (continuous, < 1 GHz) |
| Attenuator Type | Electronic (standard) or Mechanical (Option UNB) |
| Attenuator Range | 0 to 115 dB (standard) |
Spectral Purity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SSB Phase Noise (20 kHz offset) | <-134 dBc/Hz (typical -140 dBc/Hz) @ 1 GHz carrier |
| SSB Phase Noise (100 Hz offset) | <-80 dBc/Hz @ 1 GHz carrier |
| Harmonics | <-30 dBc (at levels <= +4 dBm) |
| Sub-Harmonics | None (< 1 GHz carrier) |
| Residual FM (50 Hz to 15 kHz BW) | < 1 Hz @ 1 GHz carrier |
Analog Modulation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Amplitude Modulation (AM) Depth Range | 0 to 100% |
| Amplitude Modulation (AM) Rate Range | DC to 10 kHz (for depths up to 90%) |
| Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio | > 80 dB |
| Internal Modulation Source Frequency Range | 0.1 Hz to 50 kHz (sine wave) |
| Internal Modulation Source Waveforms | Sine, triangle, square, ramp, noise |
Sweep and Operating Modes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dwell Time Range | 2 ms to 60 s |
| Number of Points | 2 to 401 points (list sweep) |
| Trigger Modes | Free run, trigger key, external, GPIB |
System Connectivity & Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RF Output Connector | Type-N female |
| RF Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| GPIB Interface | IEEE-488.2 |
| RS-232 Interface | Yes (DB-9) |
| Auxiliary I/O Connector | 37-pin D-sub |
| External Reference Input Connector | BNC female (rear panel) |
| Reference Output Connector | BNC female (rear panel) |
Physical & Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 to 71 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 95% at 40 °C |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) |
| Rack Unit (RU) Height | 3U |
| Cooling | Forced-air (internal fan) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Line Voltage Range | 90 to 254 VAC |
| Line Frequency Range | 45 to 440 Hz |
| Power Consumption | < 200 W |
Compliance & Standards
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| EMC Compliance | Conforms to EN 55011, EN 50082-1 |
| Safety Compliance | Conforms to CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1, IEC 1010-1 |
Hardware & Software Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 1E5 | High-stability ovenized reference oscillator |
| Option 1E6 | High-performance pulse modulation |
| Option UNB | High output power with mechanical attenuator |
| Option 1EM | Moves all front panel connectors to rear panel |
Interfaces & Software
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Command Compatibility | SCPI, HP 8656B, HP 8657A/B, HP 8648A/B/C/D |
Sweep
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sweep Spacing | Linear, logarithmic |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External Reference Input Impedance | 50 Ω (nominal) |
| Reference Output Impedance | 50 Ω (nominal) |
Options
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Option 1CP | Rackmount flange kit with handles |
| Option 1CN | Front handle kit |
| Option 1CM | Rackmount flange kit |
Technology
Analog RF Signal Generation
Applications
Receiver testing, component characterization, and local oscillator substitution
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