Agilent E4406A Data Sheet

The Agilent Technologies E4406A vector signal
analyzer (VSA) is a full-featured transmitter tester
designed to meet the test needs of wireless equip­ment developers and manufacturers. For wireless
base station, mobile transmitters and their
components, the easy-to-use E4406A provides the
best combination of speed and accuracy for a wide
range of digital modulation analysis capability.
And, with multiformat capability (W-CDMA, HSDPA,
cdma2000, 1xEV-DV, 1xEV-DO, cdmaOne, EDGE,
GSM, NADC, and PDC) the E4406A is the ideal,
flexible choice for your production line.

Easily configure one-button measurements with
the simple, straight-forward menu structure and
view them on the large, high-resolution color dis­play. With built-in, standards-compliant tests and
state-of-the-art digital IF technology, engineers can
be confident that test results are accurate. And,
when combined with the Agilent ESG series of
digital RF signal generators, the E4406A VSA pro­vides a powerful, transmit-receive test solution for
wireless-equipment manufacturers.

Agilent E4406A
Vector Signal Analyzer

Data Sheet

2

Frequency

Frequency range

RF input 7 to 314 MHz and 329 MHz

to 4 GHz

Baseband IQ inputs 0 Hz to 5 MHz

Frequency spans

Baseband IQ inputs 5 Hz to 5 MHz

(Baseband I or Q inputs)

10 Hz to 10 MHz
(Composite I/Q)

Frequency setting resolution

1 Hz

Frequency reference

Accuracy ±[(time since last adjustment x

aging rate) + temperature
stability + calibration accuracy]

Initial calibration accuracy ±5 x 10

-8

Settability ±2 x 10

-9

Aging rate

During any 24 hrs ±5 x 10

-10

(nominal)

following 24-hr warm-up

Per year ±1 x 10-7(nominal)

Temperature stability ±5 x 10-8variation from

frequency at +25 °C over the
temperature range of 0 to +55 °C

Warm-up time 1 hour (nominal)

Residual responses

RF input

50 Ω input terminated, 0 dB input attenuation,

+18 dB ADC gain

20 MHz to 2 GHz ≤ –85 dBm
2 GHz to 4 GHz ≤ –80 dBm

Baseband IQ inputs

50 Ω input terminated
0 to 5 MHz ≤ –90 dBm

Noise Sidebands (RF Input)

673.6 MHz

Offset Specifications Supplemental

100 Hz ≤ –85 dBc/Hz
1 kHz ≤ –92 dBc/Hz
10 kHz ≤ –102 dBc/Hz
100 kHz ≤ –131 dBc/Hz
600 kHz ≤ –138 dBc/Hz

1.2 MHz ≤ –141 dBc/Hz

6.0 MHz ≤ –145 dBc/Hz

10.0 MHz ≤ –145 dBc/Hz

960 MHz

Offset Specifications Supplemental

100 Hz ≤ –81 dBc/Hz
1 kHz ≤ –87 dBc/Hz
10 kHz ≤ –96 dBc/Hz
100 kHz ≤ –125 dBc/Hz
600 kHz ≤ –136 dBc/Hz

1.2 MHz ≤ –140 dBc/Hz

6.0 MHz ≤ –146 dBc/Hz

10.0 MHz ≤ –146 dBc/Hz

1990 MHz

Offset Specifications Supplemental

100 Hz ≤ –75 dBc/Hz
1 kHz ≤ –82 dBc/Hz
10 kHz ≤ –86 dBc/Hz
100 kHz ≤ –118 dBc/Hz
600 kHz ≤ –132 dBc/Hz

1.2 MHz ≤ –137 dBc/Hz

6.0 MHz ≤ –141 dBc/Hz

10.0 MHz ≤ –141 dBc/Hz

Noise Sidebands

1

(Baseband IQ Inputs)

0 to 5 MHz

Offset Specifications Supplemental

1 kHz ≤ –120 dBc/Hz
10 kHz ≤ –133 dBc/Hz
100 kHz ≤ –134 dBc/Hz

1.0 MHz ≤ –135 dBc/Hz (nominal)

5.0 MHz ≤ –135 dBc/Hz (nominal)

1. No DC offset applied

3

Amplitude

The following amplitude specifications apply for all
measurements unless otherwise noted within the
measurement specification.

RF input

Maximum measurement +30 dBm (1W)
power

Maximum safe DC voltage ±26 Vdc

Maximum safe input +35 dBm (3.16W)
power

Baseband IQ inputs

Input ranges –5 to +13 dBm in four ranges

50 Ω input impedance of 6 dB steps: –5 dBm, +1 dBm,

+7 dBm, +13 dBm

Input ranges –18 to 0 dBV in four ranges of

600 Ω, 1 M Ω input 6 dB steps: –18 dBV, –12 dBV,

impedance –6 dBV, 0 dBV

Maximum safe voltage ±5 V (DC + AC)

Input attenuator

RF input

Range 0 to +40 dB

Step size 1 dB steps

Accuracy at 50 MHz ±0.3 dB relative to 10 dB

attenuation

First LO emission from RF input

f

emission

= center ≤ (–23 dBm – input

frequency ±321.4 MHz attenuation) (nominal)

Third-order intermodulation distortion (RF input)

Input power ≤ +27 dBm, Pre-ADC Filter ON

Distortion TOI

Tone separation ≥ 5 MHz, < –56 dBc +18 dBm

50 MHz to 4 GHz (+23 dBm, typical)

Tone separation ≥ 50 kHz, < –54 dBc +17 dBm

30 MHz to 4 GHz (+21 dBm, typical)

Absolute power measurement accuracy

RF input

+18 to +30 °C

0 to 40 dB input attenuation
(–2 to –28 dBm) + attenuation

810 to 960 MHz ±0.60 dB (±0.4 dB, typical)

1710 to 2205 MHz ±0.60 dB (±0.4 dB, typical)

1428 to 1503 MHz ±0.60 dB (±0.5 dB, typical)

10 dB input attenuation
+8 to –18 dBm

400 to 2205 MHz ±0.75 dB

0 to 20 dB input attenuation
(–2 to –28 dBm) + attenuation

7 to 1000 MHz ±1.0 dB

1000 to 2205 MHz ±1.3 dB

2205 to 4000 MHz ±1.8 dB

Baseband IQ inputs

Input impedance = 50 Ω, ±0.6 dB

all ranges

Input impedance = 600 Ω,

all ranges

0 Hz to 1 MHz ±0.6 dB

1 to 5 MHz ±2.0 dB

Input impedance = 1 MΩ,

all ranges

Unbalanced ±0.7 dB (nominal)

Balanced

0 to 1 MHz ±0.6 dB (nominal)

1 to 5 MHz ±2.0 dB (nominal)

Amplitude accuracy

RF input

(Relative to –2 dBm at the input mixer)

No averaging

–2 to –78 dBm ±0.25 dB (±0.15 dB, typical)

–78 to –88 dBm ±0.70 dB (±0.40 dB, typical)

–88 to –98 dBm ±1.20 dB (±0.80 dB, typical)

With 10 averages

–78 to –88 dBm ±0.25 dB (nominal)

–88 to –98 dBm ±0.35 dB (nominal)

(Relative to –12 dBm at the input mixer)

–12 to –62 dBm ±0.15 dB (±0.10 dB, typical)

Amplitude linearity

Baseband IQ inputs

0 to –35 dB below range ±0.17 dB

–35 to –55 dB below range ±1.0 dB

Displayed average noise level

RF input

Input terminated in 50 Ω, 0 dB attenuation, 1 kHz RBW,

10 kHz span, +18 dB ADC gain

7 to 20 MHz –103 dBm (–111 dBm, typical)

20 to 2000 MHz –106 dBm (–111 dBm, typical)

2000 to 2700 MHz –103 dBm (–108 dBm, typical)

2700 to 4000 MHz –98 dBm (–104 dBm, typical)

Baseband IQ inputs

Input terminated in 50 Ω, 1 kHz RBW, 1 kHz to 5 MHz

+13 dBm range –95 dBm (–100 dBm, typical)

+7 dBm range – (–105 dBm, typical)

+1 dBm range – (–108 dBm, typical)

–5 dBm range –106 dBm (–110 dBm, typical)

DC offset

Baseband IQ inputs

After auto-zero < –40 dB below range

(–55 dB below range, typical)

Compensation for ≤ ±2.0 Vdc (offset accuracy

customer ±2.0% of range (nominal))

DC offset

Channel match

Baseband IQ inputs

Amplitude match ±0.25 dB
0 to 5.0 MHz

Phase match ±2.0 degrees
0 to 5.0 MHz

Crosstalk

Baseband IQ inputs

Input impedance = 50 Ω < –60 dB
Input impedance = 600 Ω < –52 dB

Common mode rejection

Baseband IQ inputs

600 Ω balanced inputs

0 to 0.5 MHz < –50 dB

> 0.5 to 5.0 MHz < –35 dB

Measurements

Waveform measurement

Range at RF input

Maximum +30 dBm (1 W)

Minimum Displayed average noise level

Range at IQ input

Maximum (50 Ω input) +13 dBm (20 mW)

Maximum 1 V

(600 Ω, 1 MΩ input)

Minimum Displayed average noise level

Sweep time range

RBW < 7.5 MHz 10 µs to 200 ms

RBW < 1 MHz 10 µs to 400 ms

RBW < 100 kHz 10 µs to 2 s

RBW < 10 kHz 10 µs to 20 s

Time record length 2 to > 900,000 points (nominal)

Resolution bandwidth
1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10 sequence,
or arbitrary bandwidth (user-definable)

Gaussian filter 10 Hz to 8 MHz

Flat filter 10 Hz to 10 MHz

Averaging

Average number 1 to 10,000

Average mode Exponential, repeat

Average type Power average (RMS),

log-power average (video),
maximum, minimum

Displays

RF input Signal envelope, I/Q waveform,

I/Q polar

Baseband IQ input Signal envelope, linear envelope,

I/Q waveform, I and Q
waveform, I/Q polar

Markers Normal, delta, band power

4

Nominal dynamic range

–50

–60

–70

–80

Sensitivity (1 Hz RBw)

–90

–100

–110

Dynamic range (dB)

–120

–130

–80 –70 –60 –50 –40 –30 –20 –10 0

(800 MHz to 2 GHz)

TOI

Mixer level (dBm)

5

Spectrum measurement

Range at RF input

Maximum +30 dBm (1 W)

Minimum Displayed average noise level

Range at IQ input

Maximum (50 Ω input) +13 dBm (20 mW)

Maximum 0 dBV

(600 Ω, 1 MΩ input)

Minimum Displayed average noise level

Span range

RF input 10 Hz to 10 MHz

Composite I/Q input 10 Hz to 10 MHz

Baseband I or Q only 10 Hz to 5 MHz
inputs

Resolution BW range 100 mHz to 3 MHz
overall 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10 sequence

or arbitrary bandwidth
user-definable

Pre-FFT filter

Type Gaussian, flat

BW Auto, manual 1 Hz to 10 MHz

FFT window Flat top; (high amplitude

accuracy); Uniform; Hanning;
Hamming; Gaussian; Blackman;
Blackman-Harris; Kaiser-Bessel
70, 90, 110

Averaging

Average number 1 to 10,000

Average mode Exponential, repeat

Average type Power average (RMS),

log-power average (video),
maximum, minimum,
voltage average

Displays

RF input Spectrum, linear spectrum,

I/Q waveform, spectrum and
I/Q waveform, I/Q polar,
adjacent channel power,
power stat CCDF

Baseband IQ inputs Spectrum, linear spectrum, I/Q

waveform, spectrum and I/Q
waveform, I/Q polar, power
stat CCDF

Markers Normal, delta, band power, noise

Measurement resolution

Displayed 0.01 dB

Remote query 0.001 dB

Trigger

Trigger sources

RF input Free run (immediate), video (IF

envelope), RF burst (wideband),
frame timer, external front,
external rear, line

Baseband IQ inputs Free run (immediate), video (IQ

envelope), external front input,
external rear input, frame timer,
line

Delay range –500 ms to +500 ms

Delay accuracy ±33 ns

Delay resolution 33 ns

Trigger slope Positive, negative

Holdoff range 0 to 500 ms

Holdoff resolution 1 µs

RF burst trigger

Peak carrier power range +30 dBm to –40 dBm
at RF input

Trigger level range 0 to –25 dB

(relative to signal peak)

Bandwidth > 15 MHz (nominal)

Video (IF envelope)

Trigger range +50 to –200 dBm

6

W-CDMA (Option E4406A-BAF)
HSDPA (Option E4406A-210)

Channel power measurement

The channel power measurement measures the total RMS
power in a user-specified bandwidth. The following specifi­cations apply for the default bandwidth of 3.84 MHz for the
3GPP standard.

Minimum power at –70 dBm (nominal)
RF input

Absolute power accuracy, ±0.63 dB
18 to 30 °C (±0.41 dB, typical)

Measurement floor -73 dBm (nominal)

ACPR measurement (ACLR)

The adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) measurement
measures up to five pairs of offset channels and relates
them to the carrier power. The measurement result is a
ratio of the channel power to the power in each offset.
The results can be displayed as a ratio to the total power
in each bandwidth, or as a ration of the power spectral
density. Simulated spectrum analyzer mode is for those
who are accustomed to spectrum analyzers.

Minimum power at –27 dBm (nominal)
RF input

ACPR accuracy RRC weighted,

3.84 MHz noise bandwidth

Radio Offset frequency Specification

MS (UE) 5 MHz ±0.20 dB, at ACPR range of

–30 to –36 dBc with optimum
mixer level

MS (UE) 10 MHz ±0.30 dB, at ACPR range of

–40 to –46 dBc with optimum
mixer level

BTS 5 MHz ±0.93 dB, at ACPR range of

–42 to –48 dBc with optimum
mixer level

BTS 10 MHz ±0.82 dB, at ACPR range of

–47 to –53 dBc with optimum
mixer level

BTS 5 MHz ±0.39 dB, at –48 dBc

non-coherent ACPR

Dynamic range RRC weighted,

3.84 MHz noise bandwidth

Offset frequency

5 MHz –68 dB (nominal)

10 MHz –72 dB (nominal)

For more detail, please refer to the E4406A specifications
that can be found at www.agilent.com/find/vsa

Power statistics CCDF measurement

The complementary-cumulative distribution function (CCDF)
traces provide you with how much time the waveform
spends at or above a given power level. The percent of time
the signal spends at or above the level defines the
probability for that particular power level.

Minimum power at –40 dBm, average (nominal)
RF input

Histogram resolution 0.01 dB

Code domain measurement

The code domain measurement provides a tremendous
amount of information about the in-channel characteristics
of the W-CDMA signal. Code domain power (CDP) view
directly informs the user of the active channels with their
individual channel powers. The CDP view also leads you to
symbol rate analysis such as symbol rate EVM and symbol
power versus time.

Code domain power
25 to 35°C
95% confidence

Minimum power at –70 dBm (nominal)
RF input

Relative code Using Test Model 1 with
domain accuracy 32 DPCH signal

±0.015 dB

1

Code domain power between
0 and –10 dBc

±0.08 dB

1

Code domain power between
–10 and –30dBc

±0.15 dB

1

Code domain power between
–30 to–40dBc

Symbol power vs. time

Minimum power at –45 dBm (nominal)
RF input

Accuracy Using Test Model 1 with

32 DPCH signal

±0.10 dB

1

Code domain power
between 0 and –25 dBc

±0.50 dB

1

Code domain power
between –25 to –40dBc

Symbol error vector magnitude

Minimum power at –45 dBm (nominal)
RF input

Accuracy Using Test Model 1 with

32 DPCH signal

± 1.0% Code domain power

between 0 and –25 dBc

1. Nominals in using test model 5 with 8 HS-PDSCH.

QPSK EVM measurement

The QPSK EVM measurement measures the modulation
quality of QPSK modulated signal. This measurement pro­vides an IQ constellation diagram, error vector magnitude
(EVM) in RMS and peak as well as magnitude error versus
chip, phase error versus chip, and EVM versus chip.

QPSK EVM QPSK selected

Minimum power –20 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

EVM

Operating range 0 to 25% (nominal)

Floor 1.5% (nominal)

Accuracy ±1.0% (nominal) at

EVM of 10%

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Frequency error

Range ±300 kHz (nominal)

Accuracy ±10 Hz (nominal) +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

QPSK EVM 12.2k RMC selected

Minimum power –20 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

EVM

Operating range 0 to 20% (nominal)

Floor 1.5% (nominal)

Accuracy ±1.0% (nominal) at

EVM of 10%

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Frequency error

Range ±20 kHz (nominal)

Accuracy ±10 Hz (nominal) +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

Modulation accuracy measurement (composite EVM)

Composite EVM is a measure of the performance of a
W-CDMA transmitter’s modulation circuitry. Composite
EVM can be measured for a pilot channel along with other
channel structures, i.e. multiple traffic channels.

Minimum power –70 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

Composite EVM Using Test Model 4

Range 0% to 25%

2

Floor 1.5%

2

Accuracy ±1.0%

2

Peak code domain error Using Test Model 3 with

16 DPCH w/spreading code
of 256

Accuracy ±1.0 dB (nominal)

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Frequency error Specified for CPICH power

≥ –15 dBc

Range ±500 Hz

Accuracy ±2 Hz + (transmitter frequency x

frequency reference accuracy)

Time offset

Absolute frame offset ±150 nsec
accuracy

Relative frame offset ±5.0 ns (nominal)
accuracy

Relative offset accuracy ±1.25 nsec
(for STTD diff mode)

Intermodulation distortion measurement

The intermodulation distortion measurement determines
the third order and fifth order intermodulation products
caused by nonlinear devices in the transmitter. This mea­surement is made with two single tones or a single tone
and a modulated W-CDMA signal. The results are displayed
in relative power to the carrier in dBc or in absolute power
in dBm.

Minimum carrier power –20 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

2. Nominals in using test model 5 with 8 HS-PDSCH.

7

Power vs. time and power control measurement

Absolute power measurement

Using 5 MHz resolution bandwidth

Accuracy

0 to –20 dBm ±0.7 dB (nominal)

–20 to –60 dBm ±1.0 dB (nominal)

Relative power measurement

Accuracy

Step range ± 1.5 dB ±0.1 dB (nominal)

Step range ± 3.0 dB ±0.15 dB (nominal)

Step range ± 4.5 dB ±0.2 dB (nominal)

Step range ± 26.0 dB ±0.3 dB (nominal)

Multicarrier power measurement

This measurement is used for adjusting multicarrier power
amplifiers to transmit well balanced multiple carriers. The
measurement is similar to a combination of those for ACPR
and intermodulation distortion product measurements
giving in-channel and out-of-channel performance results.
The results are displayed for the different frequency offsets
either in relative power to the carrier in dBc or in absolute
power in dBm.

Minimum carrier power –15 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

ACPR dynamic range, RRC weighted, 3.84 MHz
two carriers noise bandwidth

5 MHz offset –64 dB (nominal)

10 MHz offset –68 dB (nominal)

ACPR accuracy, two carriers

5 MHz offset, ±0.70 dB (nominal)
–48 dBc ACPR

Spectrum emission mask measurement

The spectrum emission mask measurement measures
the in-channel and out-of-channel spurious emissions to
provide useful figures of merit for spectral regrowth and
emissions produced by components and circuit blocks. Up
to five pairs of offsets/regions can be defined in which the
user can specify the start and stop frequencies, resolution
bandwidth, and the start and stop amplitudes of the mask.

Minimum power –20 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

Dynamic range, relative

2.515 MHz offset –77.9 dB (–82.8 dB, typical)

1980 MHz region –72.2 dB (–77.2 dB, typical)

Sensitivity, absolute

2.515 MHz offset –88.9 dBm (–93.9 dBm, typical)

1980 MHz region –72.9 dBm (–77.9 dBm, typical)

Accuracy

Display = Abs Peak Pwr ±0.60 dB (±0.40 dB, typical)

Display = Rel Peak Pwg ±0.25 dB

Occupied bandwidth measurement

Occupied bandwidth (OBW) measurement measures the
frequency bandwidth corresponding to 99 percent of the
total transmitted power.

Minimum carrier power –20 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

Frequency resolution 100 Hz

Frequency accuracy (nominal)

8

1.4%

√N

avg

9

Conformance with 3GPP TS 25.141 base station requirements for a manufacturing environment

Sub-clause Name 3GPP required test Instrument tolerance Supplemental

instrument tolerance interval information
(as of June 2002)

6.2.1 Maximum output power ±0.7 dB (95%) ±0.29 dB (95%) ±0.63 dB (100%)

6.2.2 CPICH power accuracy ±0.8 dB (95%) ±0.30 dB (95%) –10 dB CDP

6.3.4 Frequency error ±12 Hz (95%) ±10 Hz (100%) Freq ref locked

6.4.2 Power control steps

1-dB step ±0.1 dB (95%) ±0.03 dB (95%) Test Model 2

0.5-dB step ±0.1 dB (95%) ±0.03 dB (95%) Test Model 2

Ten 1-dB steps ±0.1 dB (95%) ±0.03 dB (95%) Test Model 2

Ten 0.5-dB steps ±0.1 dB (95%) ±0.03 dB (95%) Test Model 2

6.4.3 Power dynamic range ±1.1 dB (95%) ±0.50 dB (95%)

6.4.4 Total power dynamic range ±0.3 dB (95%) ±0.015 dB (95%) Ref –35 dBm
at mixer

6.5.1 Occupied bandwidth ±100 kHz (95%) ±38 kHz (95%) 10 averages

6.5.2.1 Spectrum emission mask ±1.5 dB (95%) ±0.59 dB (95%) Absolute peak

6.5.2.2 ACLR

5 MHz offset ±0.8 dB (95%) ±0.34 dB (95%) ±0.93 dB (100%)

10 MHz offset ±0.8 dB (95%) ±0.40 dB (95%) ±0.82dB (100%)

6.7.1 EVM ±2.5% (95%) ±1.0% (95%) Range 15 to 20%

6.7.2 Peak code domain error ±1.0 dB (95%) ±1.0 dB (nominal)

Conditions

25 to 35 °C

Derived tolerances

95th percentile

100% limit tested

Calibration uncertainties included

10

cdma2000 (Option E4406A-B78)
1xEV-DV (Option E4406A-214)

Channel power measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –80 dBm

Absolute power accuracy for in-band signal (excluding
mismatch error), 18 °C to 30 °C

+30 to –28 dBm ±0.6 dB
at RF input

–28 to –50 dBm ±0.8 dB
at RF input

–50 to –80 dBm ±1.0 dB

at RF input

ACPR measurement

Power range +30 to –20 dBm
at RF input

Dynamic range (referenced to average power of carrier
in 1.25 MHz BW)

Offset frequency Integ BW Dynamic range

750 kHz (BTS) 30 kHz –82 dBc

885 kHz (MS) 30 kHz –82 dBc

1.98 MHz 30 kHz –85 dBc

Relative accuracy ±0.9 dB

Power statistics CCDF measurement

Range at RF input

Maximum +30 dBm (average)

+40 dBm (peak)

Minimum –40 dBm (average)

QPSK EVM measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

EVM

Range 0 to 25% (nominal)

Floor 1.5% (nominal)

Accuracy ±1.0% (nominal)

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Frequency error

Range ±500 Hz (nominal)

Accuracy ±10 Hz (nominal) +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

Code domain measurement

Code domain power

Power range Mixer level (RF input power

minus attenuation) is between
–15 and –5 dBm

Accuracy QPSK modulated code signal

Relative range

0 to –10 dBc ±0.015 dB

3

–10 to –30 dBc ±0.18 dB

3

–30 to –40 dBc ±0.51 dB

3

Symbol power vs. time QPSK modulated code signal

Range at RF input +30 to –40 dBm

Accuracy ±0.3 dB (spread channel power

is within 20 dB of total power;
averaged power over a slot)

3

Symbol error vector magnitude

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Pilot time offset
(from even second signal to start PN sequence)

Range –13.33 to +13.33 ms

Accuracy ±250 ns

Resolution 10 ns

Intermodulation distortion

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Input intermodulation –20 to –65 dBc
power range

Relative accuracy ±1.5 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB display resolution

Spectrum emission mask measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Spectrum emission ≤ –136 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset

power range (nominal)

Relative accuracy ±1.0 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB display resolution

Occupied bandwidth measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Frequency

Resolution 1 kHz

Accuracy ±3 kHz

3. Nominals for 8PSK/16QAM modulated code signal.

11

Modulation accuracy measurement (composite rho)

Range at RF input +30 to –50 dBm

EVM

Range 0 to 25%

Floor 2.0% or less

4

Resolution 0.01% display resolution

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc

Resolution 0.02 dB display resolution

Frequency error

Range ±500 Hz

Accuracy ±10 Hz + transmitter accuracy

(nominal)

Resolution ±0.01 Hz display resolution

Pilot time offset

Range –13.33 to +13.33 ms

Accuracy ±250 ns

Resolution 10 ns

Code domain timing

Range ±200 ns

Accuracy ±1.25 ns

Resolution 0.1 ns

Code domain phase

Range ±200 mrad

Accuracy ±10 mrad

Resolution 0.1 mrad

4. Nominal for 1xEV-DV signal.

1xEV-DO (Option E4406A-204)

Channel power measurement

1.23 MHz integration BW

Range at RF input +30 dBm to –80 dBm

Absolute power accuracy for in-band signal
(excluding mismatch error), 18 °C to 30 °C

+30 to –28 dBm ±0.6 dB
at RF input

–28 to –50 dBm ±0.8 dB
at RF input

–50 to –80 dBm ±1.0 dB
at RF input

Power statistics CCDF measurement

Range at RF input

Maximum +30 dBm (average)

+40 dBm (peak)

Minimum –40 dBm (average)

Code domain measurement

For Pilot, 2 MAC channels, 16 channels of QPSK data

Code domain power

Range at RF input +30 to –50 dBm (nominal)

Accuracy ±0.3 dB (nominal, spread
(Pilot, MAC, Data channel power is within 20 dB
QPSK Data 8PSK) of total power)

12

QPSK EVM measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm (nominal)

EVM

Range 0 to 25% (nominal)

Floor 1.5% (nominal)

Accuracy ±1.0% (nominal)

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Frequency error

Range ±500 Hz (nominal)

Accuracy ±10 Hz (nominal) +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

Modulation accuracy measurement (composite rho)

For Pilot, 2 MAC channels, 16 channels of QPSK data

Range at RF input +30 to –50 dBm (nominal)

EVM

Range 0 to 25% (nominal)

Floor 2.5% or less (nominal)

Accuracy ±1.0% at the range of 5% to 25%

Rho

Range 0.9 to 1.0

Floor > 0.99938

(0.99938 equals 2.5%EVM)

Accuracy ±0.0010 at 0.99751 Rho

(5% EVM)

±0.0044 at 0.94118 Rho
(25% EVM)

Frequency error

Range ±400 Hz (nominal)

Accuracy ±1 Hz (nominal) +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

Resolution 0.01 Hz display resolution

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Resolution 0.02 dB display resolution

Power vs. time

Range at RF input +30 to –80 dBm (nominal)

Absolute power accuracy for in-band signal
(excluding mismatch error), 18 °C to 30 °C

+30 to –28 dBm ±0.6 dB (nominal)
at RF input

–28 to –50 dBm ±0.8 dB (nominal)
at RF input

–50 to –80 dBm ±1.0 dB (nominal)
at RF input

Intermodulation distortion

Input signal must not be bursted

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Input intermodulation

Power range –20 to –65 dBc

Relative accuracy ±1.5 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB display resolution

Spurious emissions & ACP

Range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Spectrum emission

Power range –136 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset

(nominal)

Relative accuracy ±1.0 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB display resolution

Occupied bandwidth measurement

Range at RF input +30 dBm to –20 dBm

Frequency

Resolution 1 kHz

Accuracy ±3 kHz at 1 kHz resolution

bandwidth

13

cdmaOne (Option E4406A-BAC)

Channel power measurement

Range at RF input +30 to –80 dBm

Integration bandwidth 1 kHz to 10 MHz
range (default is 1.23 MHz)

Absolute power accuracy for in-band signal
(excluding mismatch error), 18 °C to 30 °C

RF input

+30 to –28 dBm ±0.6 dB (±0.4 dB, typical)

–28 to –50 dBm ±0.8 dB (±0.7 dB, typical)

–50 to –80 dBm ±1.0 dB (±0.9 dB, typical)

Relative power accuracy (same channel, different transmit
power, input attenuator fixed) input level change

0 to –76 dB ±0.2 dB (±0.1 dB, typical)

Code domain measurement (base station)

Range at RF input +30 to –30 dBm

Measurement interval 0.25 to 30 ms
range

Code domain power (measurement interval 1.25 ms)

Display dynamic range 50 dB

Accuracy ±0.3 dB (Walsh channel power

within 20 dB of total power)

Resolution 0.01 dB

Other reported power Average active traffic, maximum
parameters inactive traffic, average

inactive traffic, pilot, paging,
sync channels

Frequency error accuracy ±10 Hz (excludes frequency

reference)

Pilot time offset (from even second signal to start of
PN sequence)

Range –13.33 to +13.33 ms

Accuracy ±250 ns

Resolution 10 ns

Code domain timing (pilot to code-channel time tolerance)

Range ±200 ns

Accuracy ±10 ns

Resolution 0.1 ns

Code domain phase (pilot to code-channel phase tolerance)

Range ±200 mrad

Accuracy ±20 mrad

Resolution 0.1 mrad

14

Modulation accuracy (rho) measurement

Power range at RF input +30 to –40 dBm

Measurement interval 0.25 to 30 ms
range

Rho (waveform quality) (usable range 0.5 to 1.0)

Range 0.9 to 1.0

Accuracy ±0.005

Resolution 0.0001

Frequency error (frequency error excludes instrument
time base error)

Input frequency ±900 Hz
error range

Accuracy ±10 Hz +

(transmitter frequency x
frequency reference accuracy)

Resolution 0.1 Hz

Pilot time offset (from even second signal to start
of PN sequence)

Range –13.33 to +13.33 ms

Accuracy ±250 ns

Resolution 10 ns

EVM

Floor 2.5% (1.8%, typical)

Accuracy ±0.5%

Resolution 0.1%

Carrier feedthrough

Accuracy ±2.0 dB

Resolution 0.1 dB

Magnitude error

Accuracy ±0.5%

Resolution ±0.01%

Phase error

Accuracy ±1.0 degrees

Resolution 0.1 degrees

Adjacent channel power ratio measurement

Power range at RF input +30 to –20 dBm

Dynamic range (referenced to average power of carrier in

1.23 MHz BW)

Offset frequency Integ BW Dynamic range

750 kHz 30 kHz –82 dBc

885 kHz 30 kHz –82 dBc

1.25625 MHz 12.5 kHz –86 dBc

1.98 MHz 30 kHz –85 dBc

2.75 MHz 1 MHz –56 dBc

Relative accuracy ±0.9 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB

Spurious close measurement
(at transmitter maximum power)

Carrier power range at +30 to –30 dBm

RF input

Minimum spurious –70 dBm (30 kHz RBW)
emission power
sensitivity at RF input

Absolute accuracy for ±1.0 dB
in-band signal

Relative accuracy ±1.0 dB

Resolution 0.01 dB

Demod sync

Even second input Level and impedance same as

external trigger

PN offset range 0 to 511 x 64 (chips)

In-band frequency range

IS-95 824 to 849 MHz

869 to 894 MHz

J-STD-008 1850 to 1910 MHz

1930 to 1990 MHz

15

EDGE/GSM (Option E4406A-202)

3π/8 8PSK Modulation

GSM

(Option E4406A-BAH)

GSMK Modulation

Power versus time measurement

Power versus time measures the average power during the
“useful part” of the EDGE or GSM burst and verifies that
the power ramp is within the EDGE or GSM mask. The
specified EDGE or GSM masks for both base transceiver
stations and mobile stations are provided. Power versus
time also lets you view the rise, fall, and “useful part” of
the burst. The timings are referenced to the transmitter
from bit 13 to 14 of the training sequence (midamble).

Power vs. time and EDGE power vs. time

GMSK modulation (GSM)

3π/8 shifted 8PSK modulation (EDGE)

Measures mean transmitted RF carrier power during the
useful part of the burst (GSM method) and the power vs.
time ramping. 510 kHz RBW

Minimum carrier power –30 dBm (nominal)
at RF input for GSM
and EDGE

Absolute power accuracy for in-band signal
(excluding mismatch error)

18 to 30 °C; –0.11 ± 0.60 dB

(–0.11 ± 0.40 dB, typical)

0 to 55 °C; –0.11 ± 0.90 dB

Power ramp relative Referenced to mean
accuracy transmitted power

RF input range = Auto ±0.26 dB
+6 dB to noise

Mixer level ≤ -12 dBm ±0.26 dB

+6 dB to noise

Measurement floor –81 dBm + input attenuation

(nominal)

Time resolution 200 ns

Burst to mask uncertainty ±0.2 bit (approx ±0.7 µs)

EDGE EVM measurement

The EDGE EVM measurement measures the modulation

quality of the 3π/8 8PSK modulated signal providing you

with IQ constellation diagram, error vector magnitude
(EVM) in RMS and peak, 95 percentile, and I/Q origin offset.

EDGE (EVM) 3π/8 shifted 8PSK modulation

Error Vector Magnitude Specifications based on 3GPP

essential conformance
requirements, and are based on
200 bursts

Carrier power range –45 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

EVM

Range 0 to 25% (nominal)

Floor (RMS) 0.5%, (0.3%, typical)

Accuracy (RMS) ±0.5% (Power range at

RF input from +27 to –12 dBm,
EVM range 1% to 11%)

Frequency error ±1 Hz + (transmitter frequency

x frequency reference accuracy)

I/Q origin offset range –20 to –45 dBc

Trigger to T0 time offset

Relative offset accuracy ±5.0 ns (nominal)

Output RF spectrum measurement

The output RF spectrum measurements determine the
spectral energy emitted into the adjacent channels. The
measurements are divided into two types: spectrum due to

3π/8 8PSK or GMSK modulation and noise, and spectrum

due to switching transients (burst ramping). A single offset
can be examined with a corresponding trace, or up to 15
offsets can be measured with a tabular data display.

Minimum carrier power -15 dBm (nominal)
at RF input

ORFS relative RF power uncertainty

Due to modulation

Offsets ≤ 1.2 MHz ±0.26 dB
Offsets ≥ 1.8 MHz ±0.36 dB

Due to switching ±0.27 dB (nominal)

ORFS absolute RF power ±0.60 dB (±0.40 dB, typical)
accuracy 20 to 30 °C

Dynamic range 5-pole sync-tuned filters

Spectrum due Methods: direct time and FFT
to modulation

Offset frequency GSM EDGE

100 kHz 67.7 dB 67.7 dB

200 kHz 73.3 dB 73.3 dB

250 kHz 76.3 dB 76.3 dB

400 kHz 78.4 dB 77.9 dB

600 kHz 81.1 dB 80.2 dB

1.2 MHz 85.0 dB 83.3 dB

1.8 MHz 90.3 dB 82.4 dB

6.0 MHz 94.0 dB 85.3 dB

Spectrum due to switching

Offset frequency

400 kHz 68.7 dB (100%) 71.2 dB (95%)

600 kHz 71.0 dB (100%) 73.1 dB (95%)

1.2 MHz 74.1 dB (100%) 77.0 dB (95%)

1.8 MHz 78.4 dB (100%) 80.4 dB (95%)

16

Transmit power measurement

The transmit power measurement determines the average
power for an RF signal burst at or above a user specified
threshold value. The threshold value may be absolute, or
relative to the peak value of the signal.

Transmit power GMSK modulation (GSM)

Carrier power range at +30dBm(1W) to –60 dBm

Absolute power accuracy +30 to –40dBm at RF input
for in-band signal
(excluding mismatch error)

+18 to 30 °C ±0.6 dB (±0.4 dB, typical)

0 to +55 °C ±0.9 dB

Relative power accuracy ±0.25dB (±0.1dB, typical)
(same channel, different
transmit power, input
attenuator fixed), input
level change 0 to –76 dB

Resolution

Displayed 0.01dB

Remote query 0.001dB

Instrument repeatability ±0.05 dB (nominal)

Phase and frequency error measurement

Phase and frequency error measures the modulation
quality of a GSM transmitter. Phase and frequency error
can be displayed both numerically and or graphically. A
binary representation of the demodulated data bits is also
available.

Phase and Frequency GMSK modulation (GSM)
Error Specifications based on

3GPP essential conformance
requirements, and are based
on 200 bursts.

Carrier power range +27 to –45 dBm (nominal)
at RF Input

Phase error

Floor (RMS) <0.5°

Accuracy (RMS) ±0.5°

(phase error range 1° to 15°)

Peak phase error

Floor <1.5°

Accuracy ±2.0°

(phase error range 3° to 25°)

Frequency error

Accuracy ±5 Hz + (transmitter frequency

x frequency reference
accuracy)

I/Q offset

Range –15 to –50 dBc (nominal)

Burst sync time ±0.1 bit (approx. ±0.4 µs)
uncertainty

Trigger to T0 time offset

Relative offset accuracy ±5.0 ns (nominal)

Burst sync

Source Training sequence, RF

amplitude, external rear, none.
Actual available choices
dependent on measurement.

Training sequence code GSM defined 0 to 7 auto

(search) or manual

Burst type Normal (TCH and CCH), Sync

(SCH), Access (RACH)

In-band frequency range

Down band GSM 400 to 500 MHz

GSM 900, P-GSM 890 to 915 MHz

935 to 960 MHz

GSM 900, E-GSM 880 to 915 MHz

925 to 960 MHz

DCS 1800 1710 to 1785 MHz

1805 to 1880 MHz

PCS1900 1850 to 1910 MHz

1930 to 1990 MHz

GSM 450 450.4 to 457.6 MHz

460.4 to 467.6 MHz

GSM480 478.8 to 486 MHz

488.8 to 496 MHz

GSM850 824 to 849 MHz

869 to 894 MHz

17

NADC/PDC (Option E4406A-BAE)

ACPR measurement

Carrier power range +27 to –20 dBm
at RF input

Dynamic range

NADC mode

Offset frequency (Integ BW)

30 kHz (32.8 kHz) –35 dB (nominal)

60 kHz (32.8 kHz) –65 dB

90 kHz (32.8 kHz) –70 dB

PDC mode

Offset frequency (Integ BW)

50 kHz (21.0 kHz) –55 dB

100 kHz (21.0 kHz) –70 dB

Relative accuracy

Resolution ±1.0 dB

Display resolution 0.01 dB

EVM measurement

EVM measurement measures the modulation quality of
pi/4QPSK modulated signal providing you with IQ constel­lation diagram, error vector magnitude (EVM) in RMS and
peak as well as each chip of magnitude error, phase error
and EVM.

Range at RF input +27 to –20 dBm
(Common in NADC
and PDC)

EVM

Range 0 to 25%

Floor 1.0%

Accuracy ±0.6%

I/Q origin offset

Range –10 to –50 dBc

Resolution 0.01 dB display resolution

Carrier frequency error

Frequency resolution 0.01 Hz display resolution

OBW measurement (PDC only)

Range at RF input +27 to –20 dBm

Frequency

Resolution 0.1 kHz

Accuracy +400 Hz, –100 Hz

In-band frequency range (NADC)

800 MHz band

Mobile transmit 824 to 849 MHz

Base station transmit 869 to 894 MHz

PCS band

Mobile transmit 1850 to 1910 MHz

Base station transmit 1930 to 1990 MHz

In-band frequency range (PDC)

800 MHz band #1 810 to 828 MHz

940 to 958 MHz

800 MHz band #2 870 to 885 MHz

925 to 940 MHz

800 MHz band #3 838 to 840 MHz

893 to 895 MHz

1500 MHz band 1477 to 1501 MHz

1429 to 1453 MHz

General characteristics

Temperature range

Operating 0 °C to +55 °C

Non-operating –40 °C to +71 °C

EMI compatibility

Conducted and radiated emission is in compliance with
CISPR Pub. 11/1990 Group 1 Class A.

Radiated immunity (RF input)

When tested at 3 V/m according to IEC 801-3/1984, the
displayed average noise level will be within specifications
over the full immunity test frequency range of 27 to
500 MHz, except that at immunity test frequencies
of 278.6 MHz ± selected resolution bandwidth and

321.4 MHz ± selected resolution bandwidth, the displayed
average noise level may be up to –90 dBm. When the
analyzer tuned frequency is identical to the immunity test
signal frequency there may be signals of up to ±90 dBm
displayed on the screen.

18

Electrostatic

In accordance with IEC 801-2/1991, an discharge air
discharge of up to 8 kV, or a contact discharge of up to
4 kV, will not cause any change of instrument state or
measurement data. However, discharges to center pins of
front or rear panel connectors might cause damage to the
associated circuitry.

Power requirements

Voltage, frequency 90 to 132 V rms, 47 to 440 Hz

195 to 250 V rms, 47 to 66 Hz

Power consumption, ON < 350 W

Power consumption, < 20 W
standby

Weight

Net 19 kg (42 lb) (nominal)

20 kg (44 lb) with baseband
IQ inputs

Shipping 39 kg (86 lb) (nominal)

Dimensions

177 mm H x 426 mm W x
432 mm D
(7.0 in H x 16.8 in W x 17 in D)

Front panel

RF input

Connector Type N female

Impedance 50 Ω (nominal)

VSWR

20 to 2205 MHz ≤ 1.4:1 (≤ 1.24:1, typical)
2205 MHz to 4 GHz ≤ 1.6:1 (≤ 1.4:1, typical)
50 MHz ≤ 1.4:1 (≤ 1.08:1, typical)

Baseband I/Q inputs

Connectors (4 each I, Q, I–, Q–) BNC female

Balanced input 600 Ω, 1 MΩ (nominal)

impedance (switchable)
(4 connectors:
I, Q, I–, and Q–)

Unbalanced input 50 Ω, 1 MΩ (nominal)

impedance (switchable)
(2 connectors: I and Q)

VSWR ≤1.4:1 (≤ 1.08:1, typical)
50 Ω impedance only

Probe pwr

Voltage/current +15 Vdc, ±7% at 150 mA

maximum

–12.6 Vdc, ±10% at 150 mA
maximum

Rear panel

10 MHz OUT

Connector BNC female

Impedance 50 Ω (nominal)
Output amplitude ≥ 0 dBm (nominal)

EXT REF IN

Connector BNC female

Impedance 50 Ω (nominal)

Input amplitude range –5 to +10 dBm (nominal)

Maximum DC level ±28 Vdc

Frequency 1 MHz to 30 MHz, selectable

Frequency lock range ±5 x 10–6 of the specified

external reference input
frequency

TRIGGER IN

Connector BNC female

Impedance –10 kΩ (nominal)

Trigger level –5 V to +5 V

TRIGGER 1 OUT and TRIGGER 2 OUT

Connector BNC female

Impedance 50 kΩ (nominal)

Trigger level 0 V to +5 V (no load)

MONITOR output

Connector VGA compatible, 15-pin mini

D-SUB

Format VGA (31.5 kHz horizontal,

60 Hz vertical sync rates,
noninterlaced)

Resolution 640 x 480

PARALLEL interface

Allows printing to compatible printers

GPIB interface

Allows communication with compatible devices

Note: Instrument noise sidebands and spurious responses might be
affected by the quality of the external reference used.

19

Agilent E4406A vector signal analyzer
product and application information

Agilent E4406A Vector Signal Analyzer, brochure

Literature number 5968-7618E

2G and 3G Solutions, brochure

Literature number 5968-5860E

Technical Overviews

W-CDMA and HSDPA Measurement Personality

Literature number 5988-2388EN

cdma2000 and 1xEV-DV Measurement
Personality Literature number 5988-3694EN
1xEV-DO Measurement Personality

Literature number 5988-4828EN

GSM with EDGE Measurement Personality

Literature number 5988-2389EN

SA Selection Guide

Literature number 5968-3413E

Application notes

AN 1298 Digital Modulation in Communications
Systems — An Introduction

Literature number 5965-7160E

AN 1311 Understanding CDMA Measurements for
Base Stations and Their Components

Literature number 5968-0953E

AN 1312 Understanding GSM/EDGE Transmitter
and Receiver Measurements for Base Transceiver
Stations and their Components

Literature number 5968-2320E

AN 1313 Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF
Communications Transmitter Designs

Literature number 5968-3578E

AN 1314 Testing and Troubleshooting Digital RF
Communications Receiver Designs

Literature number 5968-3579E

AN 1324 Understanding PDC and NADC
Transmitter Measurements for Base Transceiver
Stations and Mobile Stations, Literature number

5968-5537E

AN 1335 HPSK Spreading for 3G,

Literature number 5968-8438E

AN 1355 Designing and Testing 3GPP W-CDMA
Base Stations Literature number 5980-1239E

AN 1356 Designing and Testing 3GPP W-CDMA
User Equipment Literature number 5980-1238E

AN 1357 Designing and Testing cdma2000 Base
Stations Literature number 5980-1303E

AN 1358 Designing and Testing cdma2000, Mobile
Stations Literature number 5980-1237E

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