The Keysight (formerly Agilent HP) E4434B is a 1 GHz digital RF signal generator belonging to the ESG-DP Series. It offers excellent spectral purity, versatile analog modulation, and advanced digital modulation capabilities, making it ideal for general-purpose R&D, high-volume manufacturing, and troubleshooting applications.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB, RS-232
DisplayMonochrome LCD with backlighting
EMC ComplianceMeets EN 55011 Class A and CISPR 11 Class A
Recommended Calibration Cycle24 months

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 to 254 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (and 400 Hz at 120 V), < 200 W
Operating Temperature0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)426 mm × 133 mm × 432 mm
Weight< 13.5 kg (30 lb)

Frequency Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency Range250 kHz to 1 GHz
Frequency Resolution0.01 Hz
Phase Offset AdjustabilityAdjustable in nominal 0.1° increments
Frequency Switching Speed< 45 ms (typical)
Standard Reference Aging Rate< ±1.5 ppm/year

Amplitude and Level Control

ParameterValue
Output Level Range-136 to +13 dBm
Amplitude Resolution0.02 dB
Absolute Level Accuracy±0.5 dB (at levels > -127 dBm, 250 kHz to 1 GHz)
Output Impedance50 ohms
Maximum Reverse Power Protection50 W (from a 50 ohm source)
Maximum DC Voltage Input50 VDC

Spectral Purity

ParameterValue
Harmonics<-30 dBc (at output levels <= +4 dBm)
Non-Harmonic Spurious<-80 dBc (at < 1 GHz)
SSB Phase Noise (1 GHz carrier, 20 kHz offset)<-134 dBc/Hz (typical <-138 dBc/Hz)
Non-harmonic Spurious (<1 GHz carrier, >10 kHz offset)<-80 dBc (typical <-90 dBc)
Residual FM (CW mode, 300 Hz - 3 kHz BW, RMS)< 1 Hz (typical < 0.5 Hz)

Analog Modulation

ParameterValue
Analog Modulation TypesAM, FM, Phase Modulation (ΦM), Pulse Modulation
AM Depth Range0 to 100%
AM Resolution0.1%
AM Rate (3 dB Bandwidth)10 Hz to 10 kHz (AC coupled) / DC to 10 kHz (DC coupled)
FM Resolution0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz (whichever is greater)

Digital Modulation

ParameterValue
External I/Q Modulation Bandwidth (1 dB)DC to 40 MHz (typical)
External I/Q Modulation Bandwidth (3 dB)DC to 80 MHz (typical)
I/Q Quadrature Error< ±1° (typical < ±0.5°)
I/Q Gain Imbalance< ±0.15 dB (typical < ±0.1 dB)
I/Q Carrier Leakage<-35 dBc (typical <-45 dBc)

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

ParameterValue
I/Q Waveform Playback Memory1 Msample (4 MB)
I/Q Waveform Storage Memory1 Msample (4 MB)
I/Q Resolution14-bit
Arbitrary Waveform Sample Rate40 MHz

Sweep and List Modes

ParameterValue
Sweep TypesStep sweep (frequency and power), List sweep (frequency and power)

Inputs and Outputs

ParameterValue
RF Output Connector TypeType-N female
External Reference Input Frequency1, 2, 5, 10 MHz (±10 ppm)
Internal Reference Output Frequency10 MHz

Physical Characteristics

ParameterValue
Rack Unit Height3U

Frequency

ParameterValue
Standard Oven Reference Temperature Stability< ±2 × 10^-8 (0 to 55 °C)
Standard Oven Reference Aging Rate< 1 × 10^-9/day, < 1 × 10^-7/year

Modulation

ParameterValue
Pulse Modulation Rise/Fall Time150 ns (typical)
Pulse Modulation On/Off Ratio> 80 dB
Phase Modulation Maximum DeviationN × 90 rad (normal bandwidth), N × 9 rad (high bandwidth)
Internal Modulation Source WaveformsSine, square, triangle, ramp, noise, dual-sine, swept-sine
Internal Modulation Source Frequency Range (Sine)0.1 Hz to 50 kHz
Internal Modulation Source Resolution0.1 Hz

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-40 to +71 °C
Operating AltitudeUp to 4,600 m (15,000 ft)
Operating Humidity Range0% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
Vibration and Shock ComplianceMeets MIL-T-28800D Type III, Class 3, Style E

Sweep

ParameterValue
Sweep Dwell Time Range2 ms to 104 s
Step Sweep Points Range2 to 401
List Sweep Points Range2 to 10000

Phase Noise

ParameterValue
SSB Phase Noise (500 MHz carrier, 20 kHz offset)<-140 dBc/Hz

Technology

Analog & Digital RF Synthesis

Applications

RF Receiver Testing, Digital Modulation Emulation, General Purpose R&D & Manufacturing