Agilent E4428C Data Sheet

Agilent
E4428C ESG
Analog Signal Generator

Data Sheet

All specifications apply over a 0 to 55 °C range (unless otherwise
stated) and apply after a 45 minute warm-up time. Supplemental
characteristics, denoted as typical, nominal, or measured, provide
additional (non-warranted) information at 25 °C, which may be
useful in the application of the product.

Definitions

Specifications: Represents warranted performance.

Typical: Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted. Describes

performance that will be met by a minimum of 80% of all products. All typical values
are indicated by parenthesis.

Nominal: Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted. Represents
the value of a parameter that is most likely to occur; the expected mean or average.

Measured: Represents characteristic performance which is non-warranted.
Represents the value of a parameter measured on an instrument during design stage.

2

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Specifications for Frequency and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Sweep modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Internal reference oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Output power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Spectral purity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Specifications for Analog Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Frequency bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Frequency modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Phase modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Amplitude modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Wideband AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pulse modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Internal analog modulation source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

External modulation inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Composite modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Simultaneous modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

General Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Operating characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Inputs and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Related Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Table of Contents

3

• Industry-leading spectral purity

• Superior level accuracy

• High output power

• High-stability timebase

• Wideband FM and FM

• Excellent modulation accuracy and stability

• Step and list sweep, both frequency and power

• Built-in function generator

• Lightweight, rack-mountable

• 2-year calibration cycle

• Option 503, frequency range from 250 kHz to 3 GHz (electronic attenuator standard)

• Option 506, frequency range from 250 kHz to 6 GHz (mechanical attenuator only)

• Option UNB, higher output with mechanical attenuator

Note: Option 506 is standard with the high power mechanical attenuator used in
Option UNB, and therefore, both options cannot be ordered together.

• Option 1EM, move all front panel connectors to rear panel

Key Features

Key standard features

Optional performance

4

Frequency range

Option

503 250 kHz to 3 GHz [electronic attenuator standard]

506 250 kHz to 6 GHz [mechanical attenuator only]

Frequency minimum 100 kHz

1

Frequency resolution 0.01 Hz

Frequency switching speed

Option 503 Option 506

Freq.2Freq./Amp.

3

Freq.2Freq./Amp.

3

(< 9 ms) (< 9 ms) (< 16 ms) (< 17 ms)

[For hops < 5 MHz within a band]

(< 9 ms) (< 9 ms) (< 12 ms) (< 14 ms)

Phase offset Phase is adjustable remotely [LAN, GPIB, RS-232] or via front panel

in nominal 0.1 ° increments

Operating modes Frequency step, amplitude step and arbitrary list

Dwell time 1 ms to 60 s

Number of points 2 to 401

Stability

Aging rate < ±0.1 ppm/yr or

< ±0.0005 ppm/day after 45 days
Temp [0 to 55° C] (< ±0.05 ppm)
Line voltage (< ±0.002 ppm)
Line voltage range (+5% to –10%)

RF reference input requirements

Frequency 1, 2, 5, 10 MHz ±0.2 ppm

RF reference output

Frequency 10 MHz
Amplitude 4 dBm ±2 dB

Specifications for Frequency and Power

1. Performance below 250 kHz not guaranteed.

2. To within 0.1 ppm of final frequency above 250 MHz or within 100 Hz below 250 MHz.

3. Frequency switching time with the amplitude settled within ±0.1 dB.

Sweep modes

Internal reference oscillator

Frequency

5

Power

Option 503 Option UNB Option 506

250 kHz to 250 MHz +11 to –136 dBm +15 to –136 dBm +12 to –136 dBm
> 250 MHz to 1 GHz +13 to –136 dBm +17 to –136 dBm +14 to –136 dBm
> 1 to 3 GHz +10 to –136 dBm +16 to –136 dBm +13 to –136 dBm
> 3 to 6 GHz N/A N/A +10 to –136 dBm

Maximum available power (measured)

Level resolution 0.02 dB

Level range with Attenuator Hold active

Option 503 Option UNB Option 506

250 kHz to 1 GHz 23 dB 27 dB 24 dB
> 1 to 3 GHz 20 dB 26 dB 23 dB
> 3 to 6 GHz N/A N/A 20 dB

Specifications for Frequency and Power

Power [dB]

3000

26

24

22

20

18

16

14

12

10

Frequency [MHz]

4000

Option 503

5000 60000 1000

2000

Option 506

Option UNB

Output power

6

Level accuracy [dB]

Option 503

1

Power level

+7 to –50 to –110 to < –127 dBm
–50 dBm –110 dBm –127 dBm

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz ±0.5 ±0.5 ±0.7 (±1.5)

2.0 to 3 GHz ±0.6 ±0.6 ±0.8 (±2.5)

Option UNB

2

Power level

+10 to –50 to –110 to < –127 dBm
–50 dBm –110 dBm –127 dBm

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz ±0.5 ±0.7 ±0.8 (±1.5)

2.0 to 3 GHz ±0.6 ±0.8 ±1.0 (±2.5)

Option 506

3

Power level

+7 to –50 to –110 to < –127 dBm
–50 dBm –110 dBm –127 dBm

250 kHz to 2.0 GHz ±0.6 ±0.8 ±0.8 (±1.5)

2.0 to 3 GHz ±0.6 ±0.8 ±1.0 (±2.5)
3 to 4 GHz ±0.8 ±0.9 ±1.5 (±2.5)
4 to 6 GHz ±0.8 ±0.9 (±1.5)

Level accuracy with ALC off (±0.15 dB) [relative to ALC on]

Conditions: After power search is executed.

Level switching speed

Option 503 Option UNB Option 506

Normal operation [ALC on] (< 15 ms) (< 21 ms) (< 21 ms)
When using power search manual (< 83 ms) (< 95 ms) (< 95 ms)
When using power search auto (< 103 ms) (< 119 ms) (< 119 ms)

Specifications for Frequency and Power

1. Quoted specifications for 23 °C ±5 °C. Accuracy degrades by less than 0.03 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.3 dB above +7 dBm,
and by 0.8 dB above +10 dBm.

2. Quoted specifications for 23 °C ±5 °C. Accuracy degrades by less than 0.03 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.2 dB above +10 dBm,
and by 0.8 dB above +13 dBm.

3. Quoted specifications for 23 °C ±5 °C. Accuracy degrades by less than 0.02 dB/°C over full temperature range. Accuracy degrades by 0.2 dB above +7 dBm.

(

)

Option 503 level accuracy at –110 dBm (measured) Option 506 level accuracy at –110 dBm (measured)

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

Error (dB)

–0.2

–0.4

–0.6

–0.8

–1

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Option 503 Level Accuracy at -110 dBm (Measured)

Frequency (MHz)

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

dB

0

Error

–0.2

–0.4

–0.6

–0.8

–1

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

Option 506 Level Accuracy at –110 dBm (Measured)

Frequency (MHz)

Note: Special Option HF8 is required
for frequency capability up to 7 GHz

7

Specifications for Frequency and Power

1. Repeatability and relative level accuracy are typical for all frequency ranges.

Repeatability

1900 MHz CW, 5 dBm, attenuator hold On, ALC On

0

20 40

60

80

100

120

Elapsed time (minutes)

Powererror (dB)

0.1

0.09

0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0

Typical unit
Limits

Repeatability

1900 MHz CW, 5 dBm, attenuator hold Off, ALC Off

0

1

Elapsed time (minutes)

Power error (dB)

0.5

0.45

0.4

0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.10

0.05

0

2 3 54 6 71 8 910

Typical unit
Limits

Relative level accuracy

Initial power 7 dBm

0

-20 -40 -60

Final power (dBm)

Power error (dB)

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0

-0.1

-0.2

-0.3

-0.4

-140

-120-80 -100

Lower limit
Lower STD deviation
Mean
Upper STD deviation
Upper limit

Repeatability measures the ability of the instrument to return to a given power setting after a
random excursion to any other frequency and power setting. It is a relative measurement that
reflects the difference in dB between the maximum and minimum power readings for a given
setting over a specific time interval. It should not be confused with absolute power accuracy,
which is measured in dBm.

1

Relative level accuracy measures the accuracy of a step change from any power level to any
other power level. This is useful for large changes (i.e. 5 dB steps).

1

Repeatability and linearity

8

1. Repeatability and relative level accuracy are typical for all frequency ranges.

Linearity

CW, 1900 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-10

-8 -6 -4 -2

0

812

Amplitude (dBm)

ALC offset error (dB)

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

14 16

10

2

46

Typical Option 503 unit

Typical Option UNB unit

Typical Option 506 unit

Lower limit

Upper limit

Linearity

CW 5750 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-10

-8

amplitude (dBm)

ALC offset error (dB)

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10

Mean, Option 506 unit

Lower Option 503 deviation

Upper Option 503 deviation

Lower limit

Upper limit

Linearity measures the accuracy of small changes while the attenuator
is held in a steady state (to avoid power glitches). This is useful for fine
resolution changes.

1

Specifications for Frequency and Power

Linearity

CW, 850 MHz, attenuator hold On, ALC On

-10

-8 -6 -4 -2 0 8

12

Amplitude (dBm)

ALC offset error (dB)

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0

-0.05

-0.1

-0.15

-0.2

-0.25

-0.3

-0.35

-0.4
141024 6

Typical Option 503 unit

Typical Option UNB unit

Typical Option 506 unit

Lower limit

Upper limit

16

Limit is undefined above 13 dBm

for Option 503 units. Limit line applies

only to UNB and 506 units.

9

SSB Phase noise [at 20 kHz offset]

at 500 MHz < –135 dBc/Hz, (< –138 dBc/Hz)
at 1 GHz < –130 dBc/Hz, (< –134 dBc/Hz)
at 2 GHz < –124 dBc/Hz, (< –128 dBc/Hz)
at 3 GHz < –121 dBc/Hz, (< –125 dBc/Hz)
at 4 GHz < –118 dBc/Hz, (< –122 dBc/Hz)
at 6 GHz < –113 dBc/Hz, (< –117 dBc/Hz)

Residual FM [CW mode, 0.3 to 3 kHz BW, CCITT, rms]

< N x 1 Hz (< N x 0.5 Hz)

1

Harmonics2[output level ≤ +4 dBm Option 503, ≤ +7.5 dBm Option UNB,

≤ +4.5 dBm Option 506] < –30 dBc above 1 GHz,

(< –30 dBc 1 GHz and below)

Nonharmonics3 [≤ +7 dBm output level decreases, ≤ +4 dBm Option 506]

4

> 3 kHz > 10kHz

offset offset
250 kHz to 250 MHz < –65 dBc (< –58 dBc)
250 MHz to 500 MHz < –80 dBc < –80 dBc
500 MHz to 1 GHz < –80 dBc < –80 dBc
1 to 2 GHz < –74 dBc < –74 dBc
2 to 4 GHz < –68 dBc < –68 dBc
4 to 6 GHz < –62 dBc < –62 dBc

Subharmonics

≤ 1 GHz None
> 1 GHz None

Jitter in µUI

5,6

Carrier SONET/SDH rms jitter
frequency data rates bandwidth (µUI rms)

155 MHz 155 MB/s 100 Hz to 1.5 MHz (78)
622 MHz 622 MB/s 1 kHz to 5 MHz (46)

2.488 GHz 2488 MB/s 5 kHz to 15 MHz (74)

Jitter in seconds

5,6

Carrier SONET/SDH rms jitter
frequency data rates bandwidth

155 MHz 155 MB/s 100 Hz to 1.5 MHz (0.6 ps)
622 MHz 622 MB/s 1 kHz to 5 MHz (74 fs)

2.488 GHz 2488 MB/s 5 kHz to 15 MHz (30 fs)

Specifications for Frequency and Power

1. Refer to frequency bands on page 11 for N values.

2. Harmonic performance outside the operating range of the instrument is typical.

3. Spurs outside the operating range of the instrument are not specified.

4. Specifications apply for CW mode only.

5. Calculated from phase noise performance in CW mode only at -2.5 dBm for Option 503 instruments, -0.5 dBm with Option 506, and +2.5 dBm with Option UNB.

6. For other frequencies, data rates, or bandwidths, please contact your sales representative.

Spectral purity

10

Characteristic SSB phase noise (measured)

fc = 850 MHz fc = 5.7 GHz [Option 506]

fc = 1900 MHz Phase noise modes 1 and 2 at fc = 900 MHz

fc = 1000 MHz

fc = 2200 MHz

Specifications for Frequency and Power

PN mode 1

PN mode 2

CW mode

CW mode

CW mode

–160

–150

–140

–130

–120

–110

–100

–90

–80

–70

–60

1.E+01 1.E+02 1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07

L(f) (dBc/Hz) vs. f (Hz)

CW mode

10

100 1K 10K 100K 1M 10M

11

Band Frequency range N number

1 250 kHz to ≤ 250 MHz 1
2 > 250 MHz to ≤ 500 MHz 0.5
3 > 500 MHz to ≤ 1GHz 1
4 > 1 to ≤ 2 GHz 2
5 > 2 to ≤ 4 GHz 4
6 > 4 to ≤ 6 GHz 8

Maximum deviation

2

N x 1 MHz

Resolution 0.1% of deviation or 1 Hz,

whichever is greater

Modulation frequency rate [deviation = 100 kHz]

Coupling 1 dB bandwidth 3 dB bandwidth

FM path 1[DC] DC to 100 kHz (DC to 10 MHz)
FM path 2 [DC] DC to 100 kHz (DC to 0.9 MHz)
FM path 1 [AC] 20 Hz to 100 kHz (5 Hz to 10 MHz)
FM path 2 [AC] 20 Hz to 100 kHz (5 Hz to 0.9 MHz)

Deviation accuracy2[1 kHz rate, deviation < N x 100 kHz]

< ± 3.5% of FM deviation + 20 Hz

Carrier frequency accuracy relative to CW in DCFM

2,3

±0.1% of set deviation + (N x 1 Hz)

Distortion2[1 kHz rate, dev.= N x 100 kHz]

< 1%

FM using external inputs 1 or 2

Sensitivity 1 V

peak

for indicated deviation

Input impedance 50 Ω, nominal

FM path 1 and FM path 2 are summed internally for composite modulation.
The FM 2 path is limited to a maximum rate of 1 MHz. The FM 2 path must be
set to a deviation less than FM 1 path.

Specifications for Analog Modulation

1. All analog performance above 3 GHz is typical.

2. Refer to frequency bands on this page to compute specifications.

3. At the calibrated deviation and carrier frequency, within 5 °C of ambient temperature at time of calibration.

Frequency bands

Frequency modulation

1

12

Resolution 0.1% of set deviation

Modulation frequency response

2

Maximum Allowable rates [3 dB BW]

Mode deviation ØM path 1 ØM path 2

Normal BW N x 10 radians DC to 100 kHz DC to 100 kHz
High BW N x 1 radians (DC to 1 MHz) (DC to 0.9 MHz)

Deviation accuracy [1 kHz rate, Normal BW mode]

< ±5% of deviation + 0.01 radians

Distortion2[1 kHz rate, deviation, < 10N radians, Normal BW mode]

< 1%

ØM using external inputs 1 or 2

Sensitivity 1 V

peak

for indicated deviation

Input impedance 50 Ω, nominal

Paths ØM path 1 and ØM path 2 are summed internally for composite

modulation. The ØM 2 path is limited to a maximum rate of
1 MHz. ØM path 2 must be set to a deviation less than the
ØM path 1.

Specifications for Analog Modulations

1. All analog performance above 3 GHz is typical.

2. Refer to frequency bands on page 11 for N.

3. Bandwidth is automatically selected based on deviation.

Phase modulation

1

13

Specifications for Analog Modulations

Amplitude modulation

1, 2

[fc > 500 kHz]

Range 0 to 100%

Resolution 0.1%

Rates [3 dB bandwidth]

DC coupled 0 to 10 kHz
AC coupled 10 Hz to 10 kHz

Accuracy

2,3

1 kHz rate < ±(6% of setting +1%)

Distortion

2,3

[1 kHz rate, THD]

Option 503 Option 506

30% AM < 1.5% < 1.5%
90% AM (< 4%) (< 5%)

AM using external inputs 1 or 2

Sensitivity 1 V

peak

to achieve indicated depth

Input impedance 50 Ω, nominal

Paths AM path 1 and AM path 2 are summed internally for

composite modulation.

1. All analog performance above 3 GHz is typical.

2. AM is typical above 3 GHz.

3. Peak envelope power of AM must be 3 dB less than maximum output power below 250 MHz.

14

On/off ratio

≤ 4 GHz > 80 dB
> 4 GHz (> 64 dB)

Rise/fall times (150 ns)

Minimum width

ALC on (2 µs)
ALC off (0.4 µs)

Pulse repetition frequency

ALC on (10 Hz to 250 kHz)
ALC off (DC to 1.0 MHz)

Level accuracy1[relative to CW at ≤ 4 dBm Option 503, ≤ 7.5 dBm Option UNB,

≤ 4.5 dBm Option 506]

(< ±1 dB)

Pulse modulation using external inputs

Input voltage

RF on > +0.5 V, nominal
RF off < +0.5 V, nominal

Input impedance 50 Ω, nominal

Internal pulse generator

Square wave rate 0.1 Hz to 20 kHz
Pulse

Period 8 µs to 30 seconds
Width 4 µs to 30 seconds
Resolution 2 µs

Specifications for Analog Modulation

1. With ALC off, specifications apply after the execution of power search. With ALC on, specifications apply for pulse repetition rates ≤ 10 kHz and pulse widths ≥ 5 µs.

Pulse modulation

Specifications for Analog Modulation

Waveforms sine, square, ramp, triangle, pulse, noise

Rate range

Sine 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz
Square, ramp, triangle 0.1 Hz to 20 kHz

Resolution 0.1 Hz

Frequency accuracy same as RF reference source

Swept sine mode [frequency, phase continuous]

Operating modes Triggered or continuous sweeps
Frequency range 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz
Sweep time 1 ms to 65 sec
Resolution 1 ms

Dual sinewave mode

Frequency range 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz
Amplitude ratio 0 to 100%
Amplitude ratio resolution 0.1%

LF audio out mode

Amplitude 0 to 2.5 V

peak

into 50 Ω

Output impedance 50 Ω nominal

Modulation types

Ext 1 FM, ØM, AM, pulse
Ext 2 FM, ØM, AM, and pulse

High/Low Indicator [100 Hz to 10 MHz BW, AC coupled inputs only]. Activated when
input level error exceeds 3% [nominal].

Internal analog modulation source

[Provides FM, AM, pulse, and phase
modulation signals and LF audio out]

External modulation inputs

15

16

AM, FM, and ØM each consist of two modulation paths which are summed internally for
composite modulation. The modulation sources may be any two of the following: Internal,
External 1, External 2.

Multiple modulation types may be simultaneously enabled. For example, AM, and FM
can run concurrently and all will affect the output RF. This is useful for simulating signal
impairments. There are some exceptions: FM and ØM cannot be combined. Two modulation
types cannot be generated simultaneously by the same modulation source.

Specifications for Analog Modulation

Composite modulation

Simultaneous modulation

17

Power requirements 90 to 254 V; 50 or 60 Hz; 300 W maximum,

power factor corrected. Not for 400 Hz use.

1

Operating temperature range20 to 55 °C

Storage temperature range –40 to 70 °C

Shock and vibration Meets MIL-STD-28800E Type III, Class 3.

Leakage Conducted and radiated emissions conform

to CISPR 11.

Leakage is typically < 1 µV [nominally 0.1 µV with a
2-turn loop] at ≤ 1000 MHz, measured with a
resonant dipole antenna, one inch from any surface
with output level < 0 dBm [all inputs/outputs
properly terminated].

Storage registers Memory is shared by instrument states, user data files,

sweep list files and waveform sequences. Depending on
the number and size of these files, up to 100 storage
registers and 1000 register sequences [10 per register]
are available.

Weight < 16 kg [35 lb.] net, < 23 kg [50 lb.] shipping

Dimensions 133 mm H x 426 mm W x 432 mm D

[5.25 in H x 16.8 in W x 17 in D]

Remote programming

Interface GPIB [IEEE-488.2-1987] with listen and talk, RS-232,

LAN [10BaseT].

Control languages

3

SCPI version 1996.0, also compatible with 8656B and
8657A/B/C/D/J1 mnemonics.

Functions controlled All front panel functions except power switch and knob.

ISO compliant The E4428C ESG is manufactured in an ISO-9001

registered facility in concurrence with
Agilent Technologies commitment to quality.

Reverse power protection

Option 503 Option 506

250 kHz to 2 GHz 47 dBm 30 dBm
> 2 to 4 GHz 44 dBm 30 dBm
> 4 to 6 GHz N/A 30 dBm
Max DC voltage 40 V

SWR

Option 503 Option UNB Option 506

250 kHz to 2.2 GHz (< 1.5:1) (< 1.5:1) (< 1.6:1)
> 2.2 GHz to 3 GHz (< 1.4:1) (< 1.5:1) (< 1.4:1)
> 3 GHz to 4 GHz (< 1.5:1) (< 1.7:1) (< 1.7:1)
> 4 GHz to 6 GHz N/A N/A (< 1.8:1)

Output impedance 50 Ω nominal

General Characteristics

1. For 400 Hz systems, order transformer 70001-60066.

2. Save and recall of user files and instrument states from non-volatile storage is guaranteed only over the range 0 to 40 °C.

3. ESG series does not implement 8657A/B “Standby” or “On” [R0 or R1, respectively] mnemonics.

Operating characteristics

18

Transit case Part number 9211-1296

10 MHz input Accepts a 1, 2, 5, or 10 MHz ±10 ppm [standard timebase]

or ±1 ppm [high-stability timebase] reference signal for
operation with an external timebase. Nominal input
level –3.5 to +20 dBm, impedance 50 ohms.
[BNC, rear panel]

10 MHz output Outputs the 10 MHz reference signal. Level nominally

+3.9 dBm ±2 dB. Nominal output impedance 50 ohms.
[BNC, rear panel]

External 1 input This BNC input connector accepts a ±1 V

peak

signal for
AM, FM, pulse, and phase modulation. For all these
modulations, ±1 V

peak

produces the indicated deviation
or depth. When ac-coupled inputs are selected for AM,
FM, or phase modulation and the peak input voltage
differs from 1 V

peak

by more than 3%, the hi/lo
annunciator light on the display. The input impedance is
50 ohms and the damage levels are 5 V

rms

and 10 V

peak

If you configure your signal generator with Option 1EM,
this input is relocated to a female BNC connector on the
rear panel.

External 2 input This BNC input connector accepts a ±1 V

peak

signal for
AM, FM, phase modulation, and pulse modulation. With
AM, FM, or phase modulation, ±1 V

peak

produces the
indicated deviation or depth. With pulse modulation,
+1 V is on and 0 V is off. When ac-coupled inputs are
selected for AM, FM, or phase modulation, and the peak
voltage differs from 1 V

peak

by more than 3%, the hi/lo
annunciator light on the display. The input impedance is
50 ohms and the damage levels are 5 V

rms

and 10 V

peak

If you configure your signal generator with Option 1EM,
this input is relocated to a female BNC connector on the
rear panel.

Accessories

General Characteristics

Inputs and outputs

All front panel connectors can be moved
to rear with Option 1EM.

19

GPIB Allows communication with compatible devices.

[rear panel]

LF output Outputs the internally-generated LF source. Outputs 0 to

2.5 V

peak

into 50 ohms, or 0 to 5 V

peak

into high

impedance. [BNC, front panel]

RF output Nominal output impedance 50 ohms.

[type-N female, front panel]

Sweep output Generates output voltage, 0 to +10 V when signal

generator is sweeping. Output impedance < 1 ohm, can
drive 2000 ohms. [BNC, rear panel]

Trigger input Accepts CMOS

1

signal for triggering point-to-point in
manual sweep mode, or to trigger start of LF sweep.
the damage levels are –0.5 to +5.5 V. [BNC, rear panel]

Trigger output Outputs a TTL signal: high at start of dwell, or when

waiting for point trigger in manual sweep mode; low
when dwell is over or point trigger is received, high or
low 2 µs pulse at start of LF sweep. [BNC, rear panel]

General Characteristics

1. Rear panel inputs and outputs are 3.3 V CMOS, unless indicated otherwise. CMOS inputs will accept 5 V CMOS, 3 V CMOS, or TTL voltage levels.

20

LAN connector

LAN communication is supported by the signal generator via the LAN connector. It is
functionally equivalent to the GPIB connector. The LAN connector enables the signal
generator to be remotely programmed by a LAN-connected computer. The distance
between a computer and the signal generator is limited to 100 meters [10BaseT].
For more information about the LAN, refer to the Getting Started chapter in the

Programming Guide.

Data transfer speeds

LAN [FTP] file transfer to volatile memory (700 KB/sec)

to hard drive (500 KB/sec)

LAN [SCPI] command transfer to volatile memory (146 KB/sec)

to hard drive (128 KB/sec)

Internal file transfer from hard drive to volatile memory (1280 KB/sec)

RS-232 connector

This male DB-9 connector is an RS-232 serial port that can be used for controlling the
signal generator remotely. It is functionally equivalent to the GPIB connector. The following
table shows the description of the pinouts. The pin configuration is shown below.

Pin number Signal description Signal name

1 No connection
2 Receive data RECV
3 Transmit data XMIT
4 +5 V
5 Ground, 0 V
6 No connection
7 Request to send RTS
8 Clear to send CTS
9 No connection

View looking into rear panel connector

General Characteristics

54321

9876

21

• E4428C-503 250 kHz to 3 GHz frequency range [electronic attenuator standard]

• E4428C-506 250 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range [mechanical attenuator only]

• E4428C-UNB High output power with mechanical attenuator

Note: Option 506 is standard with the high power mechanical attenuator used in
Option UNB, and therefore, both options cannot be ordered together.

• E4428C-1EM Moves all front panel connectors to rear

• E4428C-1CM Rack mount kit without handles

• E4428C-1CP Rack mount kit with handles

• E4428C-1CN Front handle kit

• E4428C-CD1 CD-ROM of English user guide and assembly level service manual
(standard with instrument)

• E4428C-ABA Printed English documentation set

• E4428C-0BW Service deocumentation, assembly level

• E4428C-UK6 Commercial calibrations certificate with test data

Specify 3 or 5 years when ordering one of the following warranty or calibration plans.
For more information, please visit: www.agilent.com/find/services_upfront_options.

• Extended return-to-Agilent warranty and service

• Agilent calibration upfront plan

• Agilent calibration plus upfront plan

• Z540 calibration upfront plan

Ordering Information

1

1. All options should be ordered using E4428C-xxx, where the xxx represents the option number.

Frequency options

Performance enhancement options

Manual and accessories

Warranty and calibration plans

22

• Signal Generator Spectral Purity Considerations in RF Communications

Testing, Application Note 388, Literature Number 5952-2019.

• RF Source Basics, a self-paced tutorial (CD-ROM),

Literature Number 5980-2060E.

• IntuiLink Software, Data Sheet, Literature Number 5980-3115EN.

• Security of Agilent Signal Generators: Issues and Solutions,

Application Note, Literature Number 5989-1091EN.

Related Literature

23

Additional Resources

See the ESG Web page

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literature, firmware upgrades and more. Agilent’s Internet address
for the ESG is: www.agilent.com/find/esg

www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates

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products and applications you select.

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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2002 - 2005
Printed in USA, July 19, 2005
5989-1992EN

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